The gentleman produced a well-written, cogent commentary (“Can anyone seriously argue that the Iraq War was truly justified?” AFN, March 27) on the wisdom of the Iraq War. However, isn’t the Iraq War old news? Unless, perhaps, one wants to review the Iraqi constitution, which is a perfect example of a theocratic state. That constitution specifically says Islam is the national religion. Somewhat contrary to our Constitution, which supports religious freedom. How is it possible to have a free democracy when the government tells you who to worship as your spiritual savior?

As we survey the panoply of absurd ideas our legislators, both state and national, face from special interest groups these days, we have to wonder what has become of that rare commodity: common sense.

Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, executive vice chancellor and provost of the Maricopa Community Colleges, has been named one of the most influential Hispanic business leaders in Arizona by AZ Business Magazine. As the executive vice chancellor and provost, Harper-Marinick is chief academic and student officer for more than 265,000 students who attend each year.

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No public figure has clearly articulated the true lesson from the 10th anniversary of the disastrous Iraq War. That lesson is a matter of logic. In weighing the war’s costs and benefits, we reversed the burden of proof. The war’s proponents should have been presumed guilty until proven innocent. Instead, the Bush Administration reversed that proper criterion, generally supported by the national press in placing the burden on skeptics.

Up there with “Stoker” and “Like Someone in Love” as one of the best films to hit theaters this spring, “War Witch” is devastating, beautiful and truly not to be missed. An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, this gut-wrenching tale of a child soldier has been reeling in the accolades: Best Actress awards for young star Rachel Mwanza at both the Berlin and Tribeca film festivals, along with a whopping 10 honors (including Best Picture) at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards.

LOS ANGELES — A grave 12-year-old African girl, abducted from her village by vicious armed rebels and forced to wage war as a child soldier, guides the viewer through the horrors of Canadian director Kim Nguyen's engrossing Oscar-nominated drama "War Witch." Managing to be neither sentimental nor sensationalistic, the film tells its story from the heart, and from the simple, straightforward viewpoint of young heroine Komona, warmly played by the talented Rachel Mwanza in her screen debut.

Gen Fitzgerald, a student at Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, was on top of the world after winning the Arizona Regional Brain Bee that took place in February at Midwestern University.

With a little bit of a lull during spring break, I had a chance to get some down time and poke around about several topics.

On Jan. 24, I read The Arizona Republic’s article regarding President Crow’s significant new research goals at Arizona State University. In a move reinforcing ASU’s high academic standards, Mr. Crow explained how research funding will nearly double. He will also expect and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation concerning research. These moves just might make ASU a national leader among research universities.

On Jan. 24, I read The Arizona Republic’s article regarding President Crow’s significant new research goals at Arizona State University. In a move reinforcing ASU’s high academic standards, Mr. Crow explained how research funding will nearly double. He will also expect and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation concerning research. These moves just might make ASU a national leader among research universities.

The next big winner of the Arizona Lottery could be "none of your business.''

“I join (Councilwoman Thelda Williams) in advocating for a tax that will expire in April 2013, saving taxpayers $100 million.” — Mayoral candidate Greg Stanton on Phoenix food tax, Ahwatukee Foothills News, Sept. 17, 2011 (http://www.ahwatukee.com/arts_life/article_36ed8874-dfea-11e0-b9c8-001cc4c03286.html).

If ever a food needed a brand overhaul, it is salt cod.

Please join us in welcoming our newest members to the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce:

In the Dec. 14 Letters to the Editor, Sal Gomez stated, “majority rules is the basic tenet of our government and the Constitution” (“Basic tenet of our government,” AFN). It appears Mr. Gomez needs a history lesson, even more so than his fifth-grade son. Our Founding Fathers set up our Constitution for a republic, borrowing from the experience of the Romans. Not everything would be under mob rule (democracy) and voting was allowed so that government would be subject to strict rules. That’s what our Constitution is, a restraint on government, and that is why those in power for the past 100 years or so have ignored the Constitution… it rains on their parade.

Here are The Associated Press’ reviews of selected holiday albums:

Phoenix’s award-winning Sister Cities program is looking to expand and create more economic opportunities for the city.

Kent Johnson has been named publisher of the Ahwatukee Foothills News effective immediately.

Retiring and learning to play golf didn’t really happen for the 2012 Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year, Martha Neese.

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New moms looking to lose the last bit of baby fat won’t have to travel far for a workout geared just for them. Stroller Strides in Ahwatukee is starting fresh with new classes for Ahwatukee Foothills moms.