Letters to the Editor
Enough is Enough
Published Letters: 13 Editor's Choice: 2
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Republicans Win One
[Read the article: The Democrats' "gay debate" dance]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The performance by the Democratic candidates in front of the of LGBT forum just gave the eventual Republican candidate a boost. For the record, I favor Civil Unions, but like so many, believe that marriage is a religious institution and is only between one man and one woman.
By pushing the "marriage" issue, the LGBT community risks losing whatever hard earned rights they now have. I would ask the questions whether they would rather have a Democrat who is largely sympathetic to their views as President or a Republican who will pander to them and then ignore them or worse.
We need a change of leadership and that isn't going to happen if a party or single candidate embraces an idea that fully 40% of the voting public has strongly stated is not acceptable to them and would affect their vote.
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Who Offers Change?
[Read the article: Killing her softly with his song]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]As the headlines this morning include the discovery of Norman Hsu in Grand Junction, CO and the "sting" in New Jersey, I'm reminded of Hillary's new mantra of "I can change things". It rings a bit hollow. Make no mistake about it, she is one outstanding campaigner and has been an effective Senator from New York, but the past, and possibly present, baggage is there. Is this what we want in the White House yet again?
This nominal Republican, at the local level anyway, is not alone in his disgust with politics, and money scandals, as usual. The nature of our system is that vast amounts must be raised. Some abuses will occur, but I respectfully remind Salon readers that Senator Clinton's campaign waited until all the other candidates stated they would send back Hsu's money at once then stated she would do the same.
Witness the primary rucus in Florida. The other candidates quickly agreed to abide by the Democratic National Committee's decision that moving the date prior to February was in violation of the agreement and stated that they would not campaign in Florida. Hillary was again last to decide. This indicates a "sneakiness" that many of us don't like.
Is Senator Obama a saint? Let's hope not. However. this Republican plans to switch parties and vote for him in the primary. He offers not only generational change, but a change from the old and cynical way of politics as usual. The fact that he can reach out to Republicans is an asset. This versus Hillary's constant carping on a "right wing plot" against her and Republican bashing. This country does not need another divider, remember Hillary's negative ratings are very high amongst the entire voter spectrum, we need someone who, though we may disagree with from time to time, but whom we respect as being honest, open and above board. Past history reveals that Hillary comes up way short in these areas. Let's break with the past and grasp the future.
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Here We Go Again!
[Read the article: Fred Thompson is just like you]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I'm sure Fred's a "Good ol' Boy", but do we need another one as President? He has an impressive resume in the entertainment industry and as a lobbyist. Is he electable in 2008? Probably not for the following reasons.
Do we want more of the same? With all due respect to Fred, a lot of his ideas and positions sound like George Bush and even to the right thereof. A lot of us, probably a majority, are in favor of restrictions on concealable weapons and ultra-high powered ones. Yet, every time there is a Virginia Tech like incident, an attempt is made and fails due to the NRA. The second amendment was probably fine at the time of enactment, with fresh memories of the British search and seisures at the time of the American Revolution, but times have changed in the past 200 years +.
This long-term, moderate Republican is still annoyed at the party being taken over by a bunch of "Yellow Dog Democrats". When bi-partisan effort is needed, debate in the Congress falls to the level of a saloon brawl all too often. Until the GOP stops nominating candidates who can't stay out of the bedrooms of America (not to mention a few men's rooms in airports), tries to impose their beliefs upon others and, above all, continues with the "holier than thou bible thumping", voters in increasing numbers will seek alternative candidates.
This lifelong Republican will vote in the Democratic primary. However, I must state that only Rudy Guliani represents the kind of Republican we used to have. One that keeps an eye on spending, protects personal liberties and "guards the coast". Fred's outlook and positions have, hopefully, come and gone. As for his not seeking the job, but running anyway, I find this totally hypocritical. The GOP and American can do better.
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Reactionaries
[Read the article: The not-so-mysterious case of the coy candidate]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The "Club for Growth" has reared it's ugly head in past races. No tax, no spend, no health insurance, no education, no nothing. Huckabee ought to be proud of being a target for this bunch of nutcases.
Also, Mike is something else. Doesn't take himself too seriously, good sense of humor and good record in Arkansas. If Mitt Romney is the nominee, I say sign Mike on as V-P