Letters to the Editor
maureenodonnell
Published Letters: 590 Editor's Choice: 5
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"There you go again!"
[Read the article: Will whites vote for Barack Obama? ]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]President Reagan is known for this particular verbal formula and though not an admirer of his, I think it appropriate to quote him now when yet another article based on the "black" and "white" issue rears its ugly head. Haven't we been told in Western Europe by the liberal intelligentsia that the United States is the model for successful integration, the classic melting-pot of people from all over the world? The wrath surrounding the candidacy of Obama and Clinton shows this to be patently untrue. As immigration from Africa into Europe, and from some of the Central Asian states of the former Soviet Union, threatens to overwhelm governments, those Europeans citing the US as a colorblind country, the exponents of a multi-racial Europe, are looking a bit foolish in the light of what's going on in the US right now.
When Ronald Reagan visited Ireland in l983, ostensibly to visit the birthplace in Co. Tipperary of his paternal ancestors, he was not greeted warmly. In fact, there were protests about America's involvement in Central America (Contras, Sandanistas, El Salvador, Ollie North). His ancestry, the color of his skin, didn't matter an iota to those who had an intense dislike for what he represented. On a personal level, I'm sure I'd have liked to have had a beer (or Californian wine) with Ronnie as he had that lovely voice and smiling eyes, but that is beside the point. You don't have to love your President. In most countries, politicians are regarded as mendacious and manipulative but, in a resigned way, we have to vote for those we might consider "the best of a bad lot". It is very disappointing that your media has concentrated on just two candidates in the Democratic nomination process - the two with all the money behind them. If I were an American voter, I'd like to know exactly who these "backers" are and know why they are so enthralled by a particular candidate that they are prepared to shell out big bucks to facilitate that candidate's success.
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Why am I reminded of Jonestown and the People's Temple?
[Read the article: Will whites vote for Barack Obama? ]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Messianic people make me nervous; all that talk about "vision" has been around from time immemorial and what happened in Jonestown, Guyana, almost thirty years ago provides sad evidence of how innocent, well-meaning people can be led astray by charlatans. In some cases, the charlatan may even believe his own delusions. Jim Jones also took the cyanide, of course.
American foreign policy has barely got a look-in so far. This might be a turn-off for the average person but I suggest that the trillions of dollars spent on the war in Iraq must have had an adverse effect on your economy, although undoubtedly enriching a minority of American people. I gather that John McCain visualises a situation in which the US will have to remain in Iraq for the next 100 years and that Barack Obama wants an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, which will be perceived worldwide as an American surrender and defeat. It's much easier to "Cry havoc and unleash the dogs of war" than to call them to heel. George W. Bush was derided for his insularity, having never travelled outside the US prior to becoming President. I suppose he must have been outside his home State. Looking at your candidates, I see a narrowness of focus. Much has been made of Obama's childhood in Indonesia but that scarcely counts as he must still have been very young when he returned to the United States. As for the others, I have no idea because the American media seems to be incestuous, in the loose meaning of the word, banging away on topics that are irrelevant to the rest of the world. Vladimir Putin is Russia's leader for the next few months; he is ex-KGB and a Russian nationalist; Ahmadinejad (sp.) is the head of a government backed by a Muslim theocracy. I hope I'm wrong but from what I've learned about your candidates, either the Russian or Iranian would eat them for brekfast. All this persiflage about race and gender in America is laughable. Sweet-talking to Putin and/or the Iranian leader will not quite cut it.
A rogue trader in Paris has sent shock-waves through France as billions in currency have disappeared into thin air. Yes, it's a jungle out there and the survival of the fittest is all we can expect, even though we certainly would wish it otherwise.
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Thrasher, keep on playing your looney tunes although I'd prefer to listen to the late Barry White
[Read the article: Will whites vote for Barack Obama? ]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]It must be awful for you when a few women are getting the advantage over you in every "chat", as you like to call it. I was tempted to ignore you but you're just such a laughing-stock that your bragging and absurd statements must be challenged. Since you're so interested, my tipple tonight is not Irish whiskey but a glass of slivovitz, a Hungarian drink. You see, Thrasher, I'm cosmopolitan and not burning up with hate for any nationality or race, as you so obviously are.