Letters to the Editor
ljwalker53
Published Letters: 559 Editor's Choice: 9
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If It's About Better Judgment...
[Read the article: The crazy uncles in Obama's attic]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Obama doesn't pass the test.
And if anybody thinks the new fracas about Rev. Jeremiah Wright is over, it's just getting started. Rasmussen Reports released a poll today that shows how people view it. They have also updated their polls on "favorable/unfavorable" ratings of the presidential candidates. Think Hillary Clinton has a problem? Check out Obama's "unfavorables". Here are links to the two items:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/people2/just_8_have_favorable_opinion_of_pastor_jeremiah_wright
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/favorable_ratings_for_presidential_candidates
Obama's campaign isn't about change or hope or unity. It's about a sense of entitlement to the post. Ron Fournier of AP said this about Obama's arrogance and sense of entitlement:
"...there's a line smart politicians don't cross — somewhere between 'I'm qualified to be president' and 'I'm born to be president.' Wherever it lies, Barack Obama better watch his step.
He's bordering on arrogance.
The dictionary defines the word as an "offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride." Obama may not be offensive or overbearing, but he can be a bit too cocky for his own good.
The freshman senator told reporters in July that he would overcome Hillary Rodham Clinton's lead in the polls because 'to know me is to love me. ...'"
...
"...But both Obama and his wife, Michelle, ooze a sense of entitlement.
'Barack is one of the smartest people you will ever encounter who will deign to enter this messy thing called politics,' his wife said a few weeks ago, adding that Americans will get only one chance to elect him. ..."
Fournier also points out that Obama has more than a few "Bush-like traits" (including arrogance):
Privately, aides and associates of Obama tell stories about a boss who can be aloof and ungracious. He holds firmly to views and doesn't like to be challenged, traits that President Bush packaged and sold under the "resolute" brand in the 2004 election. For Bush, those qualities proved to be dangerous in a time of war and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Apparently Obama's judgment is lacking. "Boneheaded" mistakes have become a lot more than that as more details dribble out about his "friendships" with Tony Rezko and Rev. Jeremiah Wright. I'm waiting for the next denial, justification, excuse, and doublespeak lines from his campaign.
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Sexism Is Alive And Well
[Read the article: Wait a minute: Iron whose shirt?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]If you don't agree, just read some of the anti-woman mysogynistic crapola in the letters threads here at Salon. For some of these "people", just the fact that feminist women support Hillary Clinton is enough to bring out the hatred.
Second point: I don't support Hillary Clinton *simply* because she is a woman AND a feminist. It sure helps my decision, though.
Third point: I'm curious to know what constitutes "feminism" by those who say things like: "I don't support Hillary Clinton because she isn't a feminist." Keep in mind: I, too, agree that feminism can mean different things to different people. At its core, however, are the ideas that a] women's lives, experiences and work are undervalued and ignored by our society; and b] it is up to feminists -- women and men -- to change the dialogue, the policies and the institutions so that women's lives, experiences and work are valued and accepted in any and all debates of whatever issue.
Hillary Clinton fits both definitions. She gets it on a personal and a professional level. I don't think Barack Obama does get "feminism."
Final point: I've looked at the records, voting history, accomplishments of both Clinton and Obama. My complaint with Obama is and has always been that he does not have the experience necessary to be president. The more I see and read of his "record", the more I trust my judgment on this.
BTW: Hillary Clinton is ranked 9th in the U.S. Senate -- out of 100 -- (by Congress.org) for her leadership, her legislative record, her earmark record (low), and her ability to get things done. This is what counts. This is why I support her.
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@ MaddieP: I've Heard Friends Say As Much
[Read the article: No revote in Florida]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]My Democratic friends and former colleagues in Florida are also pissed-off about this. According to one of them, even though the DNC "disallowed" their primary and delegates, Floridians voted (in record numbers) because they really thought the DNC would understand that it wasn't the fault of Florida Democrats, but the Republican-controlled legislature, and delegates would be seated.
I know I'll get flack for this, but I think Florida's delegates should be seated, period. No redo; no "splitting" the delegates. If none of the candidates supposedly "campaigned" there (although I've read that Obama went to a big fundraiser in Tampa and purchased national advertising in January that would reach Florida voters), there isn't anything else to lose at this point, except resentment from Florida -- a BIG state that Dems need in order to win in November.
Why should Florida voters pay for what Republicans did to their primary date? It was obviously political on their part. Now Democrats there have to pay the price? What is Howard Dean thinking?