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'Rethuglicans.' 'Ignorant proud.' 'Pathetic.' Health debate gets ugly.

bwheeler — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:29:22 -0400

We were overrun with letters about the health care protests in Raleigh over the weekend. Here are nearly 20, online-only. Look for others on the Other Opinion page tomorrow, for starters.

Your Aug. 8 lead story underlined the truth of P.T. Barnum’s statement that there is a sucker born every minute! The fact that all those people have bought into the outright lies and twisted truths of Big Pharma, Big Insurance and their political toadies (who have taken millions in so-called political contributions) is truly pathetic.

On the other hand, I have this bridge for sale in Brooklyn, in case any of these people are interested!

Vince Bankoski
Cary

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The furor over health care attests to the dissatisfaction with existing health care and the proposed changes by the administration.

The discontent is understandable as the existing health care is too expensive, and there are too many players or entities to have any cost control or uniform level of service. Therefore, we should start over, junk the existing systems and format a sustainable health care system that provides universal coverage — a system that is functional, practical, everyone is covered and everyone pays. Doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, etc can remain private and provide service for a fee.

This approach will not be that difficult since 80 percent of the people already have health coverage and at least 5 percent elect not to be covered because of cost. The money paid by these people and their employers for existing coverage should about equal the money they would pay under the proposed system. Social Security has a yearly revenue from the 6 percent employee/employer withholding of $800 billion. A 10 percent withholding rate would raise $1.3 trillion, and retiree premiums plus a small charge for each service could easily raise a total of $1.5 trillion.

By introducing tort reform, streamlining services and other cost savings, health care costs can be substantially reduced. We have the information and intelligence to work out other hardspots without digging too deeply into federal tax money. It is time to start thinking creatively, dispense with partisanship and start solving the problems in this country without bankrupting our economy.

Ormond Booth
Cary

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The following list of health care goals was copied from House Speaker Pelosi’s Web site. I am having trouble understanding what the conservatives find so offensive about it. Do they know what they’re really protesting against?

LOWER COSTS

No more co-pays or deductibles for preventive care
No more rate increases for pre-existing conditions, gender, or occupation
An annual cap on your out-of-pocket expenses
Group rates of a national pool if you buy your own plan
Guaranteed, affordable oral, hearing and vision care for your kids

GREATER CHOICE
Keep your doctor, and your current plan, if you like them
More choice, with a high quality public health insurance option competing with private insurers

HIGHER QUALITY
You and your doctors make health care decisions, not insurance companies
More family doctors and nurses will enter the workforce, helping guarantee access
Mental health care must be covered

STABILITY & PEACE OF MIND
No more coverage denials for pre-existing conditions
No more lifetime limits on how much insurance companies will pay
No reason to ever make a job or life decision again based on health care coverage"

Bob Caple
Raleigh

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I object to Charles Krauthammer’s implicit approval of the “18 million Americans between 18 and 34 who (often quite rationally) forgo health insurance” (7/31). How can the choice not to have it ever be a rational decision?

When I was just starting my teaching career in North Carolina in 1961 and was offered a chance to buy health insurance through a group plan, I decided that the rational thing to do was to get it, though I was 23 and healthy at the time. In my view the only way younger people — those who can afford it — can rationalize the choice not to have it is to think that society will pay for a catastrophic illness or serious injury.

Please, Charles, let’s not encourage young people in their fantasies that they can “forgo” health insurance with impunity.

Marian Westbrook
Goldsboro

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So, we have the office of Brad Miller (NC-13), whom I really cannot refer to as a representative, as he rarely does anything actually involving his constituents, cancel the town hall meetings he didn’t plan to have in the first place because of one threat. Wait, he wasn’t going to have them in the first place? That’s correct. Despite the fact that enormous numbers of the people he was elected to actually represent are demanding he actually *gasp!* listen to their opinions when it comes to what could be a fundamental change, and not for the better, to America’s health system.

So, where was Mr. Miller? He agreed to meet with a few folks here and there, but, apparently, he didn’t actually listen on Friday. But perhaps he heard the people who showed up 600 strong in order to express their displeasure.

Perhaps he could actually answer the big question that, quite frankly, no one, particularly in the media, seems to be asking: HOW will any of the Democratic plans reduce health-related costs? Other than rationing, denial of service, long wait lines to see a medical profession and denial of treatment, among others. Does Miller have an answer?

Also, his communications director, LuAnn Canipe, said this to Talking Points Memo: “Our point is, we’re not gonna be bullied into having a town hall so it can then be interrupted by the fake grassroots folks.”

Perhaps he could pony up some proof. That shouldn’t be too hard, should it?

Porter Good
Raleigh

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I, along with everyone I know, am tired of holding my breath and waiting patiently with crossed fingers and daily prayers. I want my public health plan!

My God, what is wrong with those people who are protesting the best thing that could happen to this country and our economy? The vast majority of Americans know that they are a hairs breadth from health care disaster. As soon as we turned 50, our health insurance companies started jacking up the rates — and tempting us with deals where we can keep our rates the same if we only jack up our deductible to $2,500 or more, and dial down coverage to 70 percent. Those of us unlucky enough to be sick have faced cruel masters in the insurance business. But what about those of us who are hale and hearty so far?

Those of us who are lucky enough to be healthy have been paying for health insurance for more than 25 years, at rates of $300 to $500 per month, have kicked in up to $150,000 of our income over the years for coverage of things like annual exams, screening tests, flu shots and a prescription or two. We know we might be millionaires if we had invested the money instead. We might have started small businesses and generated jobs for our friends and neighbors. We might have done lots more good in the world if we hadn’t been terrified of losing our houses and putting our families on the street if we lost our health. We might have used our health care more wisely if we weren’t terrified that our insurance company would find out we were sick so we wait until things get pretty bad before we go to the doctor.

We were willing to play the game to ensure future coverage and to kick in for our friends and family suffering from breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes. What we didn’t like about the deal was that it was a screw job — the health insurance companies were making ungodly sums of money and our friends and families were getting screwed out of coverage just when we needed it most.

Well, we know by now that all our past investment is no insurance against losing everything. We are delighted that leadership has finally come forward to require insurance companies to cover everyone and all pre-existing conditions. We are waiting not so patiently for Medicare to kick in and can’t wait to sign up for the public health option. We’ve seen how beautifully Medicare works for our elders. We think the public option will be even better. Now we hear Congress is thinking of backing off from the public health option. Have they lost their minds? This is what we have all been waiting for, holding our breath for and standing in the rain voting for. The second it’s available, we all plan to switch. The health insurance companies know that. Don’t our elected officials?

I hope that they don’t put into place the pre-existing conditions stipulation and leave it at that, that they don’t waffle and invite lunatic fringe ideas from the Republican base that has clearly stated its aim is to ruin the country and blame Obama. Anyone who’s watching knows that without the public option the insurance companies would smile a big grin and happily double our rates, triple them, quadruple them. What would stop them? Nothing.

Marjorie Hudson
Pittsboro
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Reform of health insurance is an urgent matter, and a successful arrangement is essential.

Costs of health care in the United States, if left un-remedied, are projected to rise dramatically in the years ahead. We already have the highest-cost arrangement of any modern industrial country, but are far from having the most satisfactory outcomes — in terms of overall life expectancy, of infant mortality and of universal accessibility, not to mention affordability.

A large factor driving up costs is the high cost of prescription drugs. The new law must provide for competitive bidding to drive costs down. The large purchasing power of Medicare, V.A., and other public programs must be leveraged to make competition work.

Another large factor is the parasitical imposition of for-profit insurance companies and their highest officers, reaping exorbitant profits and salaries, at the expense of patients and their families, many of whom are denied the best of care because insurance claims are rejected by the companies, and many of whom become impoverished and lose their homes and anything else of accumulated value. Physicians’ offices have to pay for one or more staff members busy entirely in making insurance claims for patients.

The most efficient remedy is a single-payer system. A minimally acceptable remedy is to have the option of a public system, which could be available to anyone denied coverage by existing companies or without any coverage at all. Government-sponsored systems are working very well in Medicare and in Veterans’ Hospitals and clinics.

Those citizens who fear a public program and protest against proposals before Congress (N&O., Aug. 8) view with alarm “having a government bureaucrat between me and my doctor, making the decisions.” We now have insurance company bureaucrats standing between us and our doctors, driving decisions in favor of their own corporate profits and CEOs’ compensation.

All of our people need assured health care — young and old, conservative and liberal, wealthy and poor — and all stages in between. Friends, we must look at the problems now faced and insist upon the passage of legislation that best serves the interests of the consuming public.

William M. Jeffries
Durham

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Rep. Brad Miller is refusing to hold public meetings with his constituents, citing two very different reasons: Security, saying he’s received a death threat; and because he doesn’t find town hall meetings to be productive forums he hasn’t held one in two years.

Miller and his staff can arrange a secure public forum; they’re not that incompetent. So it boils down to one thing: Miller doesn’t want to be bothered. He says he’s meeting with individuals and small groups. Who? Won’t say. Topics discussed? Won’t say. Feedback? Won’t say.

Miller shows utter disdain for democracy and his constituents. Answer questions in public? God forbid! Clearly, Miller is afraid. Not for his safety, but because he might be challenged; because he’d hear different points of view; because he’d have to go on record with his positions; because he’d hear from people who aren’t hand-picked by his staff.

Democracy requires openness. It requires courage. It requires leaders who have the guts to say here’s what I believe. Sadly, Miller has none of those qualities. In glorious isolation, Rep. Miller thumbs his nose at his constituents.

Jay Johnson
Raleigh

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In an increasingly desperate maneuver by a desperate party in decline that has lost touch with the American mood, Republican conservative commentators are urging their “base” to go out and do whatever it can to yell, stomp, jump up and down and anything else that comes to mind to disrupt town hall discussions on health care reform.

In short, they have a packet of disinformation to spread about what health care reform means, and they are determined to spread this, like a virus, among the populace.

Since their “facts” are as ridiculously off base as those they trumpet about other subjects such as evolution and global warming, disruption is all that remains to try to get their ignorant points across. The aspect of this that is most disturbing is my friends and neighbors who lack the intelligence to see this. Shame on them.

Daniel Kavulich
Morrisville

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It’s interesting to see that, having found democracy not to their liking, the Republicans have turned to lies, threats, intimidation and hooliganism to attempt to win the day in the debate over health care. Of course, in doing so they are doing the heavy lifting for the insurance, pharmaceutical and health care industries.

I hope that readers of the Aug. 8 News & Observer turned to Page 13A to read that, in order to block reasoned debate, these “protesters” are taking their marching orders from right-wing rabble rousers and, in some cases, lying about their attachment to the party. If they keep it up, “Republican” will be replaced by “Rethuglican” in the political lexicon.

One of the reasons that so many Americans voted for President Obama was because they wanted our broken health care system fixed. Having been unable to win the battle of ideas in the public forum, the opposition has turned it into a battle of shrill screams. I would say that I hope cooler heads prevail, but I don’t think there are many cooler heads over there these days.

Wayland Massey
Durham

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I am going to explain the concept of a government-administered health care system in the context of the immutable law of supply and demand.

The law is simple but powerful in predicting what happens if either a demand for something or a supply of something is changed. If the purported 47 million of uninsured are added to the health care system (increased demand) and the supply of health care is held constant (no new hospitals or health care professionals are instantly created), the cost of health care will explode.

The president and our elected representatives maintain that government control of the health care system will reduce health care costs, which is entirely at odds with the law of supply and demand. There are ways, however, for the government to reduce the demand for health care by delaying and rationing care of those who are deemed not worthy. The unworthy would include the elderly and those considered physically and mentally deficient.

I urge older people and anyone who plans to be elderly some day to pay close attention to the proposed government legislation. If using the law of supply and demand directs you to the same conclusion, I suggest you oppose the proposed legislation. It is a matter of life and death for all of us.

Mark Oldenburg
Chapel Hill

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Regarding the Aug. 8 article “Hundreds take to street over health-care plan”: So-called conservatives protesting the health care reform proposals in Congress have shown their true colors by their rhetoric and actions, and it’s not a pretty picture.

The president has been repeatedly compared to Adolf Hitler. Rush Limbaugh calls the Democrats Nazis. Our congressman Brad Miller has received death threats. Other congressmen have been hung in effigy. People who support some kind of health care reform are shouted down and bullied and apparently people like Karen Miracle and her husband (pictured on the front page) think they have the right to physically assault anyone who disagrees with them. And they call themselves “patriots.” Let’s call them what they really are: psychotic.

The right wing in this country is clearly unhinged, divorced from reality and consumed with hate. They say the government is coming to kill old folks. Lie. Sarah Palin twitters about the specter of an “Obama Death Panel” that’s out to kill her children. Paranoid delusion. Glenn Beck “jokes” about assassinating Nancy Pelosi by poisoning her, and when a Republican congressman opposed to health care reform brags at a town hall meeting that Democrats in Congress have been met by “lynch mobs” in their districts, his comment is met with laughter. How hysterical.

The whiff of violence is in the air, and it’s not even subtle. This would actually be funny if it weren’t so dangerous. Right-wing radio and TV talking heads and corporate-sponsored political action groups are peddling outrageous lies and inciting violence against elected officials and ordinary citizens who have a point of view different from theirs. When anti-reform protesters carry signs that equate support for national health care with treason (“they may not know they are helping traitors”), it is clear to all but the most obtuse that that is an implicit call to violence. After all, what do traitors deserve? We know the answer.

I would say “shame on them,” but clearly these people are beyond shame, and they are beyond reason. God help us all if they are allowed to win this “debate” by bullying, intimidation and fear-mongering.

Richard Oliver
Raleigh

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Today, I am aghast at the lunatic fringe trying to defeat improving health care in America. It is difficult to believe that there are that many “no-nothings" inflamed by racist and talk show entertainers. How many are shills for the insurance companies and the Republican Party? Do they believe that defeating the Democrats is worth destroying anything that might help the common man better his life? It would appear that the protesters are the most common of all.

Studs Terkel’s book “Across the Great Divide” said it all when he referred to them as the “ignorant proud.” The fact that these “ignorant proud” believe that Obama has a “Death Panel” to decide who lives or dies is beyond belief. Hopefully our government will see beyond the hysteria of empty minds. For-profit health care makes us 30th in the world in health care and the most expensive. Medicare for all.

Betty Jo Schaugaard
Chapel Hill

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While a majority of citizens, including myself, agree that we should address the spiraling cost of health care in this country, a number of us have concerns that the many solutions being proposed will create a system that is worse than we have.

I know that I would feel better if every person in Congress who supports the final bill that passes would sign an irrevocable letter of resignation that would trigger only if those fears that they call unfounded come to pass. To simply say that seniors would not see a reduction in their level of care or that we will be able to continue with our present provider if we are happy with it does not allay the fears of many.

However, if these politicians were willing to guarantee that all these unfounded fears will not happen by placing their jobs on the line; I for one would feel that the bill being passed would match the rhetoric being espoused and could support it.

We all should write to our representatives and senators and ask them whether they would be willing to give us such a guarantee.

Walt Sliva
Cary

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Our health care is not broken! It’s one of the best in the world! However, health care costs and insurance costs are what need to be fixed.

There are a number of reasons why health care costs are growing so fast. New procedures, drugs, etc. are one reason. But they save lives. Another is the onerous government regulations, rules, etc. that have been imposed on the health care system. Many of these have very little, if any, benefit to better our health care. And the need by doctors, hospitals and other providers to practice cover-my-tail results in many unneeded procedures, tests and other expenses to reduce the risk of law suits. Tort reform is needed to help reduce this unnecessary cost.

Several low-cost basic health care policies could be established; for instance a traditional, HMO, and PPO types. Then there would be supplemental policies that could be added for features that someone might want, for instance pregnancy, chiropractors and mental health. This would be like you buy a car. You select the car and then add features as you want and can afford. Seniors, for instance, would not require pregnancy coverage unless they wanted it. This could be done with no government costs.

The few million people remaining who cannot afford health insurance could be covered by a program that would cost vastly less than the cost of the huge plan currently being considered.

Will our elected representatives consider alternatives to the grandiose plans that are being pushed? Wait and see!

Any changes to health care must be thoughtfully and thoroughly considered by Congress and by we the people who are the ones who will be most affected. Congress will not even consider having coverage like they are trying to force on the rest of us. This should not be rushed through!

Richard V. Wright
Sanford
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When I first read the front-page headline news Aug. 8 that Brad Miller had refused the request of 600 protesters to hold a town hall meeting, I was outraged. I wondered, why has not a reporter, who could demand an answer from Miller, asked why he refused to hold a town hall meeting, and whether he has read the 1,000-page bill?

After reading the entire article, my question was answered, in part. Brad Miller alleged that he had received a death threat and agreed only to meet with nine people in his office for 50 minutes.

What a lame statement to excuse his behavior! As President Truman once said, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Let us all (the American public and the press) demand that our representatives listen to us and speak to us.

Dan Street
Raleigh

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As a senior citizen who has observed, studied and participated in the American political processes since my college days, I find the recent behavior of some of our congressional representatives both amazing and unprecedented.

As reported Aug. 7, several Democrats — Miller, Shuler, Kissel and Watt — are avoiding town-hall forums and other open meetings with their constituents during the recess. The excuse of right-wing interference is incredibly feeble. Even if partially true, the condemnation from the president, congressional leadership, legislators themselves along with the mainstream media drips with hypocrisy. The left has used these and worse tactics in attacking previous presidents, leaders and others when they express views contrary to left-wing dogma. The mainstream media takes no notice if someone with a right of center view is attacked.

But perhaps it is not part of a Great Right Wing Conspiracy. What are some of the possible alternative reasons for the behavior of our legislators? Perhaps they think the people are unhappy about rushing gargantuan spending bills through without reading let alone studying. Or, perhaps, as polls indicate, they are not all that unhappy about their health care and can’t understand why the president and their legislators cannot explain the new plans. Or perhaps they think it is being rushed through before the voters can understand the control they will lose over their care in the next few years. Or perhaps, they see their legislators doing things they don’t like while being unresponsive to their views. Or perhaps, they are simply cowards.

It seems to me that it is time for each voter to ask themselves, Why do I want this person representing and leading me?

Philip Starr
Whispering Pines

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I feel sorry for the hysterical mobs disrupting the town hall meetings. I believe public relations firms, insurance companies and other corporations, which have a vested interest in maintaining hefty profits, are manipulating most of these individuals.

I do not think most of them have a clue they are being exploited with tools of fear and ignorance. It would be laughable, if not so sad, that an elderly man would say he does not want the government in his Medicare.

Furthermore, I have concerns about the general health of many of the individuals I have seen in news coverage of the events. With no disrespect intended, many of the dissenters are overweight and, as we know, obesity is often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and more. These folks would be prime targets of the insurance companies pre-existing condition clause and could very likely be denied benefits if they ever had to seek coverage independent of an employer.

Don’t they understand this is part of the reform — that is, they could not be denied coverage? I sincerely hope that the hysteria will subside soon, and responsible leaders will appeal to the mobs to stop the shouting, stop the jokes about lynching (do people remember the history of lynching in this country?), stop the death threats on members of Congress and stop the escalating violence. Please, let’s start engaging in reasonable discourse.

Grace Stroud
Raleigh

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It is almost laughable that the Democrats are accusing the Republicans of “staging” the outbreaks at the town hall meetings; they just cannot understand why the general population does not trust them to run a health care system they have exempted themselves from.

The best way to tell when Congress is ready to give you the shaft is when they exempt themselves from its coverage. Now the White House is asking people to send the names of friends and neighbors who are saying things opposing the White House program; am I the only one who does not like the sound of this kind of government pressure to shut people up?

Democrats better wake up and understand that this country is not going to roll over and become socialist without a struggle. I guess the First Amendment right to free speech is not one advocated by the Obama administration; too bad, we are still free thinkers and do not fall in step like sheep.

Dick VanCleave
Fuquay-Varina

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How pathetic that Obama had his organizers send 13 million e-mails to urge his followers to support the proposed health care reform (N&O, Aug. 7). Maybe they aren’t interested in supporting this push for government health care, and perhaps some of the well-dressed people in Florida who spoke in opposition to the plan Senator Boxer referred to weren’t all conservatives. Democrats can dress well, too.

The cowards of DC are running and hiding from their constituents because there is finally public dissent. In NC, Reps. Miller, Price and Etheridge will be holding invitation-only discussions, much like Obama’s controlled town halls. Will there be pre-approved questions and will the invited audience have been screened so only their supporters are included?

I seem to remember Hillary Clinton shouting on a campaign stop how every American had the right to free speech and to disagree with an administration without being called un-American or criticized for their opinions. Where is the outrage now when opponents to Obamacare are being called manufactured angry mobs, or rabid right-wing extremists who apparently only shop at Brooks Brothers?

The outrage is real, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are guaranteed in our constitution. It was acceptable against President Bush, against the war, with comparisons to Hitler, et al. President Bush did not hide or rebuke and insult Americans; he reminded everyone of their freedom to do so, thanks to the military who fights for those rights.

Given the rhetoric of the Democrats’ talking points of mobs and manufactured AstroTurf, I would say they are the only organized group trying to silence the voices of legitimate concerns and opposition to where this president and Congress is taking this country. Perhaps the Community Organizer in Chief’s chickens have come home to roost.

Tamra Wagner
Cary

Cash for Granny? Health care and clunkers

bwheeler — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:56:38 -0400

Well, the government has given us a Clunkers for Cash program. It will cost about $3 billion before it is over. Now, they want a new health care program called Seniors for Cash. In this program, you turn over any of your senior relatives or friends to the government, and the government provides cash to reduce health care costs and buries them. This program will cost at least $1 trillion. A sad day for seniors and for our government.

Bill Koch
Raleigh

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Your Aug. 2 editorial bemoaning the lack of Republican input to the health care bills overlooked a well-reported fact in both TV and printed media. That is the refusal by both Pelosi and Waxman to accept any Republican input on the issue. In fact, they refuse to bring any such suggestion up for floor discussion in the House. In the Senate, only three Republicans have had any input for consideration, by design of the majority leader.

Here are some Republican suggestions I‘ve heard: Put a cap on outlandish malpractice awards, i.e. tort reform. That would reduce the huge insurance payments for doctors, encourage more to enter or stay in general practice and reduce early retirements. Next, completely revamp the complicated Medicare reporting system. The current system fosters fraud and abuse and frustrates honest medical personnel, who frequently submit wrong information. Make portability and pre-existing condition coverage mandatory by insurance companies, some of which already do this. Have more regulation of drug companies so their prices to Americans are not worse than those to Canadians or Europeans, but still let them afford research and profit.

Let’s fix the current system and then include everyone, rather than spend a trillion dollars and let major health care problems continue to exist. That’s Republican input.

C.J. Goode Jr.
Durham

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Everybody’s talking about high medical costs these days, especially with the proposals for medical care reform at the federal level. Many reasons have been cited, from the increases in high-cost diagnostic equipment to the dollars spent on overhead at the companies managing health-care programs. There are two reasons I know of personally: lots of specialists and lots of tests.

Perhaps it was inevitable that so many medical specialties would develop as I grew older. When I was 29 or 30, I had one doctor. Now, 50 years later, I have five. Even though I needed their specialties when I was sick, or went in for surgery, what they mostly do today is “take a look” at a particular area every year. In most cases, there’s nothing to see. Seems to me my primary physician could “look at” all five areas during one annual physical. He could refer me for more testing or treatment if he saw something. That’s what my doctor did when I was 29 or 30. Fewer visits, less cost.

A friend told me about his diagnosis and treatment for arthritis of the thumb. He’d been complaining to his family doctor for some time about pains in his thumb. At first he was given some topical medication, then a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but he’d had no success. The GP sent him to an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in hands. That doctor wrote a complete medical history. He examined the hand thoroughly. He manipulated the hand and the joints. He took X-rays from three different angles. After all this he sent my friend to a radiology lab for a CAT scan, and then scheduled him for a return visit. “You have arthritis,” he said and injected the joint with cortisone.

Alternative scenario: Primary physician concludes topical medication and NSAIDs don’t work, administers cortisone injection. Much less cost.

I had a pain on the left side of my chest. It turned out to be a strained tendon or muscle between the ribs. My chiropractor fixed it. But before I got to him, I was given an EKG in my doctor’s office, a stress EKG in the hospital and a nuclear scan of the heart. I’m glad they all turned out negative, and I don’t suppose I would be making these comments if any of them had uncovered a heart problem, but I can’t help but recognize that several thousand dollars were spent (by Medicare and my secondary insurer).

My wife went to the ER with chest pains. It turned out to be indigestion. But she had a couple of tests and was admitted overnight. Many medical reformers talk about “defensive medicine,” which causes doctors to call for tests so they can’t be sued for missing something. I’m not sure I’ve seen a solution to that problem, except changes in malpractice lawsuits. I can’t judge the validity of that argument; I can merely point out that this is another reason for increasing costs.

Of course, costs might be lower if we actually had to pay the bills. Today, most of us assume or realize that insurance will pay. If we had to pay, and we got a big number in response, might we ask why we need that second test? If my friend with the bad thumb had to pay for the CAT scan himself, he might have asked what new information it would add to the results of the X-ray and how that might change the doctor’s decision.

As I mentioned earlier, insurance company overhead continues to rise. Here’s a thought: If these companies were considered public utilities, they’d have to justify their rates to a commission and would have to live with a rate base that generated a specific return on investment. I wonder if that’s in any politician’s plan.

David Thomas
Raleigh

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Why is tort reform not being included as part of the plans to make health care in this country affordable? Lawyers and politicians will cite that the insurance premiums being levied on doctors account for only a small part of the overall health care costs in the U.S. and thus, it is not worth reforming.

However, they conveniently leave out the cost of defensive medicine that doctors are forced to practice to protect themselves from lawsuits. Doctors must routinely order tests that are not necessary and that add up to a huge amount of money each year. They also fail to mention the costs health care professionals incur defending themselves against frivolous lawsuits each year. These costs are all passed down to the consumer.

Could the reason we are not discussing this be that trial lawyers, as a group, contribute heavily to political campaigns? Politicians do not want to rein them in for fear of losing these contributions. If tort reform is not included as part of health care reform, the cost of health care will continue to spiral in this country and the expense not be sustainable.

Paul Donovan
Cary

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I am very disappointed with the GOP leadership response to the president and HR3200 (an act to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.) Both parties talk extensively about the health care system being broken, and they spend endless hours writing up patchwork legislation without ever spending 10 minutes trying to figure out the why of the rising costs. In addition to the need for tort reform, the main reason the system is broken is that the U.S. is subsidizing the world’s health care and subsidies.

Pharmaceutical companies are allowing others to use their patents for offshore sales and they themselves sell more cheaply to foreign health systems. This forces them to recover their development costs and profits from the U.S. market. So in effect we are subsidizing Canada, Britain etc.

Unfunded mandates are forced on hospitals to care for the indigent so those with insurance provide the subsidy, forcing insurance premiums higher and forcing the insurance to reduce risk by not insuring pre-existing conditions

Illegal aliens use the system without paying for services and transfer the costs to the rest of us. By law legal immigrants must have sponsors, who are responsible for them financially. Illegals have no such sponsor.

It’s about time Congress looks at the root cause of the problem, instead of addressing the symptoms. Instead, government actions and a refusal to enforce existing laws actually exacerbate the problem.

Anthony Pecoraro
Raleigh

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I recently learned of H.R. 676, the U.S. National Health Care Act. Please provide an in-depth feature article about this act.

There has been little substantive discussion in the media about a single-payer health insurance option — every time it is raised, opponents scream “socialism” and all discussion stops. How can we, as a country, intelligently decide what we are going to do about our national health care fiasco, when we dismiss alternatives with inflammatory and unsupported characterizations?

Please present to your audience this viable option — it is no more socialism than is Medicare. Please hurry. As a country, I fear we are losing the will to make a change. And no change is acceptance of the status quo.

Susan Musico
Clayton

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Sen. Richard Burr, in his July 30 letter, claimed that government-run health care in other countries was found wanting. He refers to the cost to taxpayers and the deficiencies in quality. He goes so far as to state “Government-run health care has produced negative results across the globe.”

If this is true, why is it that the U.S. is 30th on the U.N. list of countries with the best health care, behind many of the countries with government-run health care?

Burr and other Republicans trying to stymie real health care reform in this country constantly raise the bugaboo of deficits. I rarely heard a peep out of him when we were running up the debt by billions every month fighting an unfortunate war in Iraq.

My question is: Who does Burr represent — the insurance companies and health care industry or the people of the United States?

Sol Rabinowitz
Cary

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President Barack Obama is right in stating that ballooning health care costs are a major threat to our national economy and to standards of living for millions of Americans. Predictably, various groups with vested interests (i.e., those making a lot of money in the current system and those with an anti-Obama agenda) are anxious to block change.

Every day I hear physicians talk derisively about “Obama-care.” As a physician, I can attest that there are extremely powerful influences driving overutilization of health care resources (excessive radiology and other testing, unnecessary hospitalization, etc.) — including patient and family expectations, fear of lawsuits, time pressure, greed and an increasing burden of chronic illnesses. There are few influences that restrain excessive spending

Those who are well off will probably always be able to afford health care, but a growing number of middle-income families will be ever more squeezed unless we somehow change course. The longer we wait, the more difficult this will be, with implications for everyone.

Ted Tsomides, M.D., Ph.D.
Raleigh

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Since health care became an industry and business and ceased to be a profession, naturally, people who oppose reform have great coverage and often a vested interest in the industry.

Factually, Sen. Richard Burr’s comment that N.C.’s economy could be decimated points out his dedication for health care to remain an out-of-control industry.

A little government competition run by bureaucrats is needed to get the fat cats to pare down their top-heavy, capitalist, administrative, 37 percent of the health care dollar.

Chris David
Raleigh

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The July 23 Point of View article by Dr. Valerie Jewells ("Counterproductive savings on medical imaging") at best misses the point of what most folks need in health care, and at worst represents the type of special interest that has stymied health care reform for four decades.

Sure, imaging has improved diagnostic capabilities for some diseases. But multiple studies have shown imaging is one of the top drivers of ever-increasing costs. The United States has more MRI, PET and CT scanners than any country on earth, yet the quality of our health is ranked 37th by the World Health Organization, and we spend thousands more per person on health than any country on earth. Recently, a count of scanners found more in Wake County than in Canada.

Jewells suggests that implementing radiology benefit management (RBM) would hamper patient care and result in intolerable waits. Funny, but there seems to be no lack of good health among Canadians, Brits and the French due to fewer scanners per capita.

Usually a careful history and physical exam will determine the diagnosis and any need for scanning. Watchful waiting and selective treatment often leads to condition improvement.

Robert Harris, M.D.
Raleigh

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As I follow the current health care reform debate, I am reminded of the old Superman show from the ’50s. In the show, the villain, after running out of bullets, throws his gun in desperation at Superman (as if this will help).

Today, opponents of reform are out of bullets and left with arguments like, “The Government will kill seniors!” and “We’ll have socialized medicine!”

How are we going to have a sincere and honest debate of the actual issues when members of Congress are working to derail the debate with distortions and lies?

No matter what side of this debate you are on, we should all expect our representatives to be truthful about the issues and condemn those who attempt to derail the conversation with lies and misrepresentations meant only to scare people.

This is not a call for bipartisanship; this is a call for grown-ups in Congress.

Scott Taylor
Garner

Richard Burr, health care bogeymen and more

bwheeler — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:54:07 -0400

Here's another batch of letters on the health care reform debate. These are online-only. Look for more letters on tomorrow's Editorial page and in the coming Sunday Forum.

Do people really think that health care reform will send government reps knocking on the doors of senior citizens to make them decide how they want to die? So, what’ll it be? Asphyxiation? Strangulation? Blunt force trauma?

C’mon folks. It makes sense to document while you are conscious if and under what conditions you want to be kept alive by artificial means.

Some say the government will pick our doctors and take over our medical decisions. The keyword in public option is option. You can stick with your insurance company. But, with reform, you would no longer have to worry about losing your job, becoming seriously ill or having a pre-existing condition.

Government takeover? Please! Regretfully, we still seem generations away from true reform to a single-payer system. All one need do is utter the s-word, socialism, which is selectively used to describe health care but not public schools, roads and other government services we all use and appreciate.

The insurance industry spends $1.3 million a day on lobbying and the Republican National Committee has spent $9 million in TV ads to scare people about reform. Wouldn’t we be better off if we put the bogeyman in the closet and turned our attention to solving real problems?

Does anyone doubt that insurance premiums will continue to escalate? That many employers will be forced to drop coverage for workers? That we all pay the cost of care for the uninsured? That a country as wealthy as ours cannot tolerate, without a terrible cost to our economy and our humanity, leaving 45 million people uninsured.

Now that’s scary.

Sharon Campbell
Chapel Hill

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Professor Donald Taylor’s Opinion page article in the July 31 News & Observer and the letter from Sen. Richard Burr the previous day give an idea of the disparity in the thinking processes of our academic and medical community vs our political establishment.

The Taylor article gives factual information as to the cost of our health care and the sad state of the general quality of health of our citizens compared with other developed countries. We are not getting our money’s worth for the amount we spend.

However, Burr’s letter gives the general impression, without giving specifics, that “government-run,” “socialized systems” come at a cost to the taxpayers. He also makes a blanket statement that “Government-run health care has produced negative results across the globe.” This is a patent lie!

I am a semi-retired internist/geriatrician and state categorically that, both as a Medicare provider and as a recipient of Medicare, it is one of the better systems of health care insurance, better than any other entity. I have more freedom to make medical treatment decisions with Medicare than with Blue Cross, Aetna, United Health, Cigna or any other private insurers. So, when the Republicans are screaming that they do not want the government between the patient and the doctor, it is really very far from the truth.

Most physicians would rather deal with one entity, government or other, than the multiple insurance companies with hundreds of different plans in each of them.

I recommend that Burr read the article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, April 21, 2009, which describes a study of improvement in health care between 1999 and 2006. The conclusion was that during the past decade, the improvements in measured quality parameters for cardiovascular disease and diabetes were substantial. But the disparity of health by race, ethnicity and education, were the greatest in the population below age 64 and these differences were nonexistent for the Medicare population.

This clearly shows that universal, affordable health care insurance in the senior population has given us a quality health system. Burr cannot argue that a government-run plan has produced negative results across the globe, unless he thinks that the U.S. is not part of the globe!

Raghu Ballal
Chapel Hill

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In all the debate on health care cost containment on Capitol Hill and in the media, I’m baffled by the complete absence of mention of the potential savings to taxpayer/consumers and employers if insurance premiums shrink as a result of reforms.

The right is scaring voters silly with talk of “inevitable” tax increases to pay for any “government-mandated” changes — yet not a word is said about how much less those same citizens could well pay for coverage after such reforms.

Here’s an example, admittedly hypothetical, but based in real probabilities from everything I’ve read: If a family now pays $2,000 a year for coverage, and a more efficient plan (private or public) were to cost that family 25 percent less, or $1,500 a year, for the same or better coverage, would that family still be so easy to frighten by mentioning a 1, 2 or even 5 percent tax hike?

Again, business interests complain, often with reason, that they can’t afford to pay more toward employee coverage. There’s one reason business finds that coverage less and less feasible to offer: the rapid, alarming climb in premium costs — sometimes double-digit hikes from one year to the next — that we’ve all put up with for decades. Halt that rise in costs, and employers could stop fleeing the sinking ship of offering worker coverage.

To gray heads like me who’ve been hoping for 60 years for real health care reform, the current pulling and hauling is excruciating — especially if, as many would, we’d prefer the relative simplicity and efficiency of a single-payer system, knowing through friends and family abroad how well such systems can work.

But never mind. Some improvement is better than none.

All I ask right now is that on our mental balance sheets, and Congress’ too, potential savings to insured citizens (and their employers) on the private side be entered and balanced against any potential costs on the public side.

Ann Thackrey Berry
Raleigh

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Improving our current health care system is important, timely and requires that the public receive the best information. Unfortunately, much misinformation is currently being spread by multiple sources, including the N.C. Medical Society (NCMS). They oppose a “public” option, stating it would restrict physician choice. The current public program, Medicare, does not restrict physician choice. Private insurance, through preferred provider organizations, does.

Their own board of directors just two months ago adopted a resolution endorsing coverage through an affordable mix of public and private payer systems. NCMS also expressed “grave concerns” about “denial of care or rationing” in the proposed plans. No such proposal is on the table; the NCMS is spreading misinformation. What is occurring right now is daily denial of care when one out of five North Carolinians are uninsured.

NCMS also expressed grave concerns that government “guidelines” would not have physician involvement. No guidelines are proposed in the current legislation, but the bills do propose more research to determine the best treatments for patients. Knowing more about what works in medicine can only help physicians and the public. On a modest scale, such comparative effectiveness research is currently conducted at UNC, Duke and RTI, always with physician involvement in all stages of the work, and future work will be similar.

Current proposals are still a work in progress; informed input to our legislators is critical. Concerns over proposals are appropriate, but they should be based on evidence, not misinformation.

Tim Carey, M.D.
Chapel Hill

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For decades now we have heard from the economic libertarians in the Republican Party that the government can’t do anything right, and that the for-profit private sector can always outperform and underprice public programs. It has even been suggested that to think otherwise is socialism.
But now in the health care reform debate the prospect has arisen of a public option, allowing people under 65 to choose a program like Medicare if they want it. Suddenly, the very same defenders of free enterprise have reversed themselves, claiming that private insurance companies need protection from government competition. Talk about waffling!

Has the Postal Service put UPS or FedEx out of business? Do public schools make it impossible to have private schools as well? Of course not! Yet we are hearing the possibility of a public option described as a Washington takeover of health care, which is an outright lie.

We need health care reform legislation from Congress before the end of this year, and it ought to include a public option.

James Coley
Chapel Hill

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I read Senator Burr’s reply to the Sunday Forum letter about international comparisons in health care outcomes quite closely. The senator’s points were:

1) Japan has the second-highest publicly held debt in the world. It also has a government-run health care program. I guess I am supposed to conclude that the former is a result of the latter.

According to statistics about national debt as a percentage of GDP reported on the CIA’s World Factbook Web site, Japan does indeed have the second highest rate of debt in the world at 170% of GDP. However, I noted that the national debts of several countries, including Austria (56.8% GDP), Switzerland (44% GDP), the Netherlands (43% of GDP), Spain (37.5% GDP) and Sweden (36.5% GDP) all are much less than Japan’s, while they also have health systems that are either government-run or heavily regulated to provide universal care. And each one of these countries with socialized health care have lower national debt as a percentage of GDP than the US, which comes in at 60.8% of GDP — just ahead of Morocco which, in an interesting aside, has a payroll-based health insurance system and, just like we are in the US, is debating national policy about expanded health care coverage. [Health Affairs 26(4): 1009-1016 (July 2007.)] So should we deduce that our ability to afford health care is comparable to Morocco’s since our national debts as percentages of GDP are similar?

2) Canadian citizens have one of the highest rates of high-risk pregnancies in the world despite their universal access to primary care. It would be nice if Burr cited his sources. I spent 45 minutes searching Medline for an article that supported this. I couldn’t find one on point.

Part of the problem is that a high-risk pregnancy is not an outcome; it’s a set of descriptive characteristics. Any woman who is obese or undernourished, younger than 15 or older than 35, less than 5 feet tall, or with history of complications during previous pregnancies, or more than five previous pregnancies, or with abnormalities of the reproductive tract such as a history of uterine fibroids, or with a history of hypertension, Rh incompatibility, gestational diabetes, infections of the vagina and/or cervix, kidney infection, fever, an acute surgical emergency (e.g.: appendicitis, gallbladder disease, bowel obstruction), post-term pregnancy; a pre-existing chronic illness (such as asthma, autoimmune disease, cancer, sickle cell anemia, tuberculosis, herpes, AIDS, heart disease, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus may be considered to have a high-risk pregnancy.

Does Canada have a high rate of high-risk pregnancies because Canadian mothers are less healthy? Or do they have a high rate because they have a national health system that collects better data than other countries? Hard to say. However, as far as real outcomes, Canada doesn’t do too badly when it comes to keeping its babies alive. The infant mortality rate in Canada, according to statistics on the CIA World Factbook Web site, is 5.04 per thousand live births. Interestingly, the US rate is 6.26 — right behind Cuba, which has an infant mortality rate of 5.82 per thousand live births.

It seems like, despite the considerable amount of study Burr has applied to this question, he has arrived at some strange conclusions. However, we can be reassured that he and Sen. Tom Coburn have now sponsored a bill that would give me a $5,700 tax credit to help pay for the approximately $15,000 health insurance premium bill covered by myself and my employer. As I understand it (and, admittedly, I may not fully understand it, because the plan as reported is somewhat less than straightforward), their plan also mandates that employer-covered premiums be taxed as income. At my current tax rate, the $5,700 tax credit is just about equal to the extra amount of tax I’ll have to pay on the extra income Ill have to report under the Republican plan, so it will pretty much be a wash for me. However, for those without an employer-sponsored plan who are expecting to purchase decent family coverage with their $5,700, good luck.

Lying with statistics is an old habit among politicians of both parties. I just wish that the Republican senator from my state didn’t do it with such alacrity. Is Burr really OK with the fact that Cuba, of all places, has a lower infant mortality rate than the U.S.? I don’t know if the Democratic Party’s health care reform plan is going to make our health care better or not. However, I am pretty sure that the partisan obstructionism and misrepresentation of the facts by Burr and others in his party is almost certain to make matters worse.

Ross Goldbaum
Hillsborough

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Let’s start with the urgency to reform health care. A 2006 ABC News-Kaiser Family Foundation-USA Today survey found that 89% of Americans were satisfied with the quality of their own health care.
Now for Medicare, which was cited by President Barack Obama as an example of a well-liked government program. In 1968 total federal government spending was $178.1 billion and in 2007 was $2,728.9 billion, for a 15.3 times increase. Medicare rose from $5.1billion to $436 billion, an astounding increase of 85.5 times over the same 40 year period. Defense outlays increased only 6.7 times.

And how about government estimates of future spending. In the mid-1960s, the government projected outlays for Medicare 25 years later to be $10 billion. Instead, in 1990 the outlays were $107 billion. Government estimates were off by a whopping factor of over 10 times!

If you believe that the federal government can increase coverage for health care and reduce cost without rationing of medical services, I have a bridge over the Neuse River that I’ll sell to you for great price.

And remember, H.L. Mencken once said “The urge to save the world is always a false front for the urge to rule it.”

Lawrence Whitley Gould
Raleigh

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It may be that most North Carolinians oppose the type of health care reform under consideration in Congress (“Critics call reform ‘the fight of our lives’”, July 30), not because Congress has gone too far, but because Congress hasn’t gone far enough.

In the year 2000 the Carolina Poll found that 83% of potential voters agreed that the state legislature should make a plan so that all North Carolina residents can get decent health care on a regular basis. In February 2007 Public Policy Reporting said the percentages of Democrats, Republicans and Others in N.C. who would prefer a universal Medicare-like system covering everyone were 69, 33 and 49%, respectively. These numbers suggest that the majority of North Carolinians want health care for themselves that is as good as Medicare for our seniors.

Only government can guarantee affordable health care that is there when you need it, not our current insurance-based system which systematically denies care (as per Wendell Potter on Bill Moyers Journal, July 9, 2009) and has an administrative overhead of 31%! Medicare for all (HR 676) is the only health care reform that offers both universal coverage and cost savings.

Jonathan Kotch, M.D.
President, Health Care for All NC
Durham

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President Obama is misleading when he says that people that are happy with their insurance can keep it. What he doesn t say is what is contained in Section 102. PROTECTING THE CHOICE TO KEEP CURRENT COVERAGE, which is on page 16 of one bill in Congress.

An individual will not be able to change plans or obtain a new plan. Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to enroll individuals. In other words, those who currently have private individual coverage won’t be able to change it. Nor will those who leave a company to work for themselves be free to buy individual plans from private carriers. Individuals with current coverage will, however, be able to add dependents.

An individual will be able to keep their current coverage as long as the issuer does not change any of its terms or conditions, including benefits and cost-sharing, from those in effect as of the day before the first day of the year in which the bill is enacted.
This provision will lead to the goal of President Obama and Congress to have a single-payer health care system.

Lynn Lowry
Raleigh

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Sen. Richard Burr’s letter of July 30, “What doesn’t work,” makes for interesting reading and seems to miss the entire point of health care reform. Burr was quick to point out the “trade-offs” of Japan and Canada’s government-run health care systems, but made no mention of the U.S. government-run system in which he and his colleagues participate. Since the U.S. system was not lambasted, perhaps he should spend time studying this system as a possible model that can be put forward in the debate as an alternative to the ideas and suggestions (or lack thereof) currently circulating the country by proponents and oppositionists alike.

The Coburn-Burr Patients Choice Act as a solution for the health care crisis might be a sensible approach in an environment of full-employment (when all things are equal) and a system not driven primarily by special-interest groups; i.e., the insurance industry and others opposed to true health reform.

It is time for Burr, Sen. Kay Hagan and colleagues to stand up for the American people and do the right thing. Oh, how we long for the era when true statesmen/women were elected to represent our interest and not those of lobbyists.

W. R. Morris
Raleigh

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My question is simple. If President Obama’s proposed healthcare reform bill is so great, then why would the Congress exempt itself from it?

Randy Currin
Lillington

Name that bad guy

bwheeler — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:16:18 -0400

We've been overrun with letters over the past few weeks covering just about all of the bases on health care reform. We have several antagonists we can choose among: insurance companies, Big Pharma, President Obama and Democrats, on and on. Some of these letters still might show up in the paper over the weekend.

The economy and business productivity would benefit from accessible and affordable health insurance. People would be freer to open their own businesses and become entrepreneurs if they did not have to worry about leaving their employer's health insurance behind.

Also, for those in their 50s and 60s with significant work experience who find themselves laid off or re-engineered out of a job, the opportunity to become a consultant or launch their own business could be a much more realistic option. Insurance benefits through COBRA are frequently too expensive for those laid off with families.

Many workers stay in their current jobs, not just because of the current economy, but also because of the potential of losing health insurance for themselves and their families. If people had a reasonably priced public option for health insurance, they would be less likely to stay in a job that they hate and where they feel stagnant, unfulfilled and less productive.

I am in private practice where I specialize in job-related stress and career transition. Fear of losing one's health insurance is one of the top reasons for not changing jobs.

Steven D. Mullinix, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Chapel Hill

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The current president’s recent remarks questioning the honesty and integrity of our physicians are appalling.

What we all need to recognize is that this president will ridicule and deride all private-sector industries in his efforts to socialize our economy.

The danger we face is that we may already be at the tipping point where those who are dependent upon the government for services and lifestyle support outnumber those of us who actually pay for those services and support.

With the actions of ACORN and other like-minded activist groups, those dependents will have control of the ballot box and continue to vote for those candidates who provide more and more benefits for themselves. In essence, they can vote themselves a “raise.”

We are on a very treacherous slope.

Greg Thompson
Cary

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One of the top issues for Congress to decide in this year’s health care debate is the so-called public plan option. This would create an affordable, government-backed insurance plan as an alternative to buying private insurance.

To me, these big insurance companies make too much money off of our getting sick. It seems like they are always denying claims or giving you the run around. That’s why we need a public plan option to keep these companies honest. If they are doing the best they can, why should they be worried about a little healthy competition?

I urge the N.C. congressional delegation to make sure that the health care bill has a strong public option to help people in our state afford to see a doctor or get a prescription filled.

Laura Wickwar
Raleigh

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Is a government-run health care system necessarily bad? A good model for what a public option looks like is provided by the Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, which American servicemen and women use. According to a RAND Corporation study, the VA outperforms most private-sector hospitals and has the highest patient satisfaction of any healthcare provider in the U.S., though the cost of VA health care is 30 percent lower than the per-patient cost of Medicare. Even Bill Kristol acknowledges that, “We give [veterans] first class health care.”

Nevertheless, Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Kent Conrad, in secret backroom talks with Republican senators, have stripped a public option from the health care bill.

If senators oppose a public option, they support the insurance companies. With no public option, there is no health care reform; there is merely insurance reform. And insurance companies are no friend to the consumer. Wendell Potter of the Center for Media and Democracy reports that insurance companies in 1994 paid claims equaling 95 percent of premiums collected. Now, just 80 percent of premiums are paid in claims; 20 percent of premiums go to shareholders, fat CEO salaries, and marketing. This is expected from an industry that makes its profit by denying your claims.

Grant Steen
Chapel Hill

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I had an interesting experience recently. I had a situation in which I needed to see a doctor. I didn’t have an appointment but didn’t want my situation to worsen and have to later go to the emergency.

I stopped by the doctor’s office and asked if they had a cancellation. They said no but that they would see me if I didn’t mind waiting. I was treated with respect and care. I evaluated my situation and had the cooperation of the medical staff. The decision was between the two of us. No government interference. Had the government been in charge, my case would have probably been denied because I’m over 80 years of age.

No government take over of health care, please!

Nita S. Norton
Raleigh

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I cannot believe the extent to which your July 28 editorial “Here, and now” ignores the facts related to the health care bill proposed by President Obama. Even CNN Money has published the truth in an article titled “5 Freedoms You’d Lose in Health Care Reform.” Please wake up as to who Obama really is and stop misleading your readers to promote the agenda of the most radical president ever.

Here are the five freedoms you’d lose:
1) Freedom to choose what’s in your plan.
2) Freedom to be rewarded for healthy living, or pay your real costs.
3) Freedom to choose high-deductible coverage.
4) Freedom to keep your existing plan.
5) Freedom to choose your doctors.

This list does not even include freedom to continue living when you are elderly and ill. Per the language of the bill, the government will then determine whether you should die because you are too expensive to keep alive with treatment private insurance would have approved.

Clearly The N&O does not understand the unprecedented threat Obama poses to freedom, the concept responsible for American exceptionalism and our prosperity.

Jonathan Anders
Raleigh

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I recently learned of H.R. 676, the United States National Health Care Act. Please provide an in-depth feature article about this act.

There has been little substantive discussion in the media about a single-payer health insurance option — every time it is raised, opponents scream "socialism" and all discussion stops. How can we, as a country, intelligently decide what we are going to do about our national health care fiasco, when we dismiss alternatives with inflammatory and unsupported characterizations?

Susan Musico
Chapel Hill

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Usually you hear someone say that they have insurance and yet when they need a procedure their request is denied. President Obama used just such an anecdote in his press conference the other night. What of the examples where insurance is abused or misused? How often do people have operations or similar expensive procedures done and then seek more care because they are not satisfied with the results?

The insurance company picks up the tab initially and if the insured wants to have more surgery or more testing at a later date, the company gets billed again. Is this not wasteful? If insurance did not exist, you wouldn't see these second and third consultations. I never hear about this sort of insurance abuse.

Robert Peele
Rocky Mount

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I do not understand why insurance companies have such sway over procedures that should be decided by doctors. Insurance companies take money from us, then deny payment or drop us for pre-existing conditions. If I put money in the bank, I expect to get it back with interest. How do these huge insurance companies get away with taking money for years and giving nothing back?
Why is Big Pharma charging me hundreds of dollars for 21 days worth of pills? Don’t tell me R&D (research and development) needs the cash. Big Pharma is akin to street pushers. They are selling maintenance drugs, not cures.

Take a look at the balance sheets of the pharmaceutical firms. The drug industry made billions in the United States. It spends 30 percent of its take on TV ads for diseases that did not exist five years ago. How much money is invested by Big Pharma in finding a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes? According to some stats, 13 percent.

Insurance companies and the drug firms need to be reined in. The only way to do that is change the system for all of us.

J. V. Womack
Durham

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The writer of the July 27 letter “We know it’s broken” said of universal taxpayer-funded medicine, the consequences of change are uncertain but should still be tried. I propose they are very certain.
In Oregon and Massachusetts, universal plans and mandates exist now, and they are failing miserably. One woman was refused cancer medicine by the State of Oregon, but they wrote her a nice letter offering assisted suicide. That’s much more cost-effective, if life is not the object of treatment. Walter Reed Hospital, a government-run facility, is falling apart at the seams.
It is an accepted fact that taxpayer-funded, debt-ridden Medicare and Medicaid are bankrupting the U.S. at an accelerating pace. In Europe, over 35,000 people died in one month because the weather got a little hot in summer 2003 and statist European medical systems couldn't keep up!

The consequences of these power-grabbing political schemes are far from uncertain.

Michael March, M.D.
Raleigh

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If the Blue Dog Democrats were actually serious about fiscal responsibility and not just using it as an excuse to block meaningful health care reform, then they should be insisting on bringing the young and healthy into our Medicare system. This would shore up Medicare and slash health care costs.

In addition, there would be no more wasted premium dollars on bloated administration costs, marketing, lobbying, misinformation campaigns, lavish CEO and executive compensations and insatiable corporate profits.

Until they demand that the Congressional Budget Office score a single-payer system of Medicare for all, they'll continue to be all bark and no bite!

Lou Meyers
Durham

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Two words that can derail the efforts to achieve a meaningful reform of our health care system: rationing and socialism.

Rationing of health care takes place every day in the most inhumane way. Health care is rationed indirectly when uninsured individuals, and some insured alike, lack the resources to cover copayments, transportation to the health providers and other expenses associated with their care.

Some of these people are unable to fill prescriptions for medications that some times are essential for their illness. The claim that a reform that includes a public plan would result in rationing of care is ludicrous. The rationing of care with a public plan would be humane and non-discriminatory.
Socialism implies to some an inefficient, wasteful system. In fact, this description fits the private health insurance system well. That system carries administrative expenses in the order of 24 percent and is laden with high advertising and management compensation costs. Medicare on the other hand has an administrative cost of about 3 percent, does not advertise and does not have compensation packages for its executives comparable to the private health insurance sector.

Perhaps Medicare should allocate more funds to deal more effectively with fraud, sometimes committed by health care institutions and providers.

Gustavo S. Montana
Chapel Hill

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In the early ’70s, N.C. Blue Cross and Blue Shield was pushing most all companies to sign up all employees for full health care insurance to be 100 percent paid by the employer.

I wrote BCBS saying that if people had no insurance premium cost, and no cost of health care, that use of the medical system would be unlimited and medical costs and insurance costs would skyrocket.

The president of BCBS wrote back telling me I didn't know what I was talking about. Now, the federal government intends to force through the same type free-for-users program as a law.

Let's see. They say Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are all broke and that the costs of these entitlements are out of control, so the feds are intent on adding a gargantuan entitlement on top of the ones they can't pay for now.

And they can't fix the housing catastrophe they facilitated, either.

Amusing, isn't it?

Bill Price
Morehead City

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As a retired insurance executive who was involved in group and individual health insurance for 40 years, I think some of these items should be considered and implemented.

1. Enact tort reform, thus reducing frivolous lawsuits. This would not only reduce the enormous malpractice rates of doctors and hospitals, but also would reduce unnecessary tests performed to protect the doctors and hospitals from being sued.

2. Push incentives for wellness to businesses and corporations. One grocery store chain has not had an increase in its health insurance rates in years by paying its employees to lose weight, stop smoking, etc.

3, Publicize outcome studies. The Mayo Clinic has rates much lower than many areas in the country and is always rated as a top-five hospital. It gives excellent treatment without excessive testing, surgery, etc.

4. Eliminate graft and fraud in Medicare/Medicaid where huge savings are possible.
If we do not have the world's best health system, why do Arab sheiks reserve whole floors at the Washington Duke and send their sick princes to Duke University Medical Center for treatment?

Robert A. Ross Jr.
Durham

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Once again President Obama speaks when he does not know the facts. I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years, and if Obama thinks that large pharmaceutical companies will continue to spend billions of dollars to research, develop and bring to market drugs that can be sold by competitors as generics within seven years, then he is wrong.

Where does he think these wonder drugs come from — generic drug companies? Not so. Why is he so opposed to any business or person that makes a profit? I have become so sick of our elected "representatives" making poor decisions that I may soon require a “wonder drug” to keep from going insane! Hope he doesn't run big pharma out of business before they develop one.

Robert Smith
Clayton

Oh, the ire over the Easley hire and resulting fire

bwheeler — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:44:21 -0400

Lots of letters this week on the situation at N.C. State. Here are a few online-only comments. Look for more letters on tomorrow's editorial page and in Sunday Forum this week.

As the events of the Mary Easley saga continue to play out, there are people out there who really believe that Mrs. Easley’s process to her position was “due process.” There are people out there who actually believe that Mike Easley, Jim Oblinger, McQueen Campbell and Larry Nielsen did not nothing wrong.

What happened to these individuals is nothing new in the wide and broad scale of government. I do not know whether I should be mad, sad or glad. However, I think all of us as reasonable adults know that we have all been a part of the “who you know” society. That does not mean that I condone what the Easleys and the administration from N.C. State have done.

To make things worse, they all, at some point, have lied about their involvement in this debacle. Had the N.C. State administration been forthright, this might not have been such a major story. Also, for Mrs. Easley to not step down, knowing that everyone knew how she got her job, was a little bit over the top.

Arrogance has no place in government, especially when the heat is on. We still live in a “who you know" society and always will. As I write, I’m looking for someone to help my daughter get a job at McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s or anybody who is hiring teenagers. At least I’m being forthright about it, and I’m not trying to hide behind any arrogance. I just hope I know “somebody.”

Marcel Webster
Durham

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The removal of the politicos within NCSU isn’t enough. Now that the corruption of the system has been brought to light, it’s time for a much broader sweep. Erskine Bowles and the others in charge over NCSU should also go, on the malfeasance charge of “clueless.” We’re paying him a bloated $425,000 to find and fix corruption under his nose before it gets to this stage.

How does Bowles justify approving a contract system of buy-outs for teaching when one quits ahead of getting fired? As adjunct professor at NCSU, I earned $7,000 for two courses; that’s the max rate these offenders should get, if anything. They’ve lost all credibility. I sure won’t let my daughter take classes with these corrupt professors and seek other professors for those subjects if necessary.

Capt. Michael P. Soehnlein
Raleigh

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Great reporting on the NCSU coverup. There is just one thing I do not understand. If I manage a company and cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars and resign rather than being relieved of my duties, how come I cannot go back to work for the same company? I am given the opportunity to find work elsewhere.

Now we have a chancellor and a provost who did just that, and they get to go back to work for NCSU? It must just be because it is taxpayer dollars so that is not important.
Perhaps it is time for the president of the UNC system to step up to the plate. I won’t hold my breath.

George Toth
Raleigh

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James Oblinger’s claim that he forgot about e-mails in regard to hiring and giving an 88 percent raise to the then-first lady of North Carolina is about as believable as a college student claiming the dog ate my homework.

Dan MacBride
Cary

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It sickens me to read of the NCSU boondoggle. I applaud The N&O for reporting this! Former Provost Larry Nielsen has a cushy parachute allowing him to eventually make $150,000(?) for teaching one class and maybe writing a book or doing some research after he thinks about it for half a year. Nielsen’s decision to hire Mary Easley with a huge increase in pay and under what could be and is perceived as political influence was irresponsible. It doesn’t pass the smell test to the regular folk outside the upper echelon of academia.

At this point, why is former Chancellor James Oblinger employed by the university at all? Oblinger’s decision to bypass protocol and pay Nielsen more than a faculty salary for three years has hosed North Carolinians. Now does Oblinger get a golden parachute, too?

Someone needs to get hold of this unacceptable practice of golden parachutes and sweetheart deals. From my perspective, these people have betrayed their positions and responsibilities. But the story should not end here. The State of North Carolina needs to address fat salaries and termination practices before charging the students their usual increase and shaking down the taxpayers for such nonsense as the whole Mary Easley ordeal.

Marty Lewis
Durham

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All right, so Governor and Mrs. Easley may have pushed their influence a little too far, taken advantage of friends who might have offered favors for influence and maybe done a few more sketchy — but not particularly unusual for politicians — things. But none of it warranted the screaming headline on your June 9 front page, with a font size befitting a Pearl Harbor or a September 11!

All your muckrakers are mighty proud of themselves, but it’s become more and more evident that this is not a high-minded investigation — it’s a political and personal vendetta. Enough is enough!

Terri Ring
Cary
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It made me angry to read that Jim Oblinger denied knowing about the ongoing communications concerning Mary Easley’s job until reading the e-mail. That implies that he thinks the general public is stupid enough to believe him. Most of us are not that stupid or naive.

And, in one quote, UNC System President Erskine Bowles says “it made him sick” (Oblinger’s lying, I guess). However, it must not make him very sick, because he says Oblinger and Provost Larry Nielsen made “some bad judgments in their administrative capacities” and might be able to teach again. The last thing they deserve is to work again for NCSU, in any capacity, especially teaching!

The whole situation is so awful — the money spent, the lies told, the behaviors of so many individuals — that it makes one wonder what is going on in the other areas of higher education. I appreciate The N&O’s bringing this to light —even though it is hard to read without becoming upset.

Mary McGowen
Wallace

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I am a graduate of NCSU as are my husband and many of his family. Three of my four children graduated from there also. I am sad to say how disappointed we State graduates are about the Oblinger/Nielsen situation. This comes after the damaging reputation State seems to be acquiring with the Mary Easley situation.

North Carolina as a state is suffering right now, with layoffs, cutbacks on services, reduction of benefits, which make the news coming out of N.C. State even more troublesome. My two daughters are teachers, and they don’t know whether they will be hired back next year due to Wake County budget cuts. My two sons-in-law were both recently laid off from their respective jobs, and both are also college graduates. It is a shame that they cannot continue to be paid while pursuing their future plans, as Nielsen is able to do.

It is disgraceful what is happening right now at the university. This type of publicity can only harm NCSU and create animosity among employees at the university. It certainly has put a sour taste in my mouth. I used to be a proud Wolfpacker. I still love the Pack, the athletics, the academics and the energy generated by such a diverse university. But I am embarrassed at the fiasco going on right now with the Chancellor, Mary Easley and Nielsen. Someone needs to clean up this mess before it gets any worse.

Dorothy Overby
Cary

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N.C. State University has long been looking for a way to step out from under the shadows cast by its renowned neighbors just down the road, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It would appear that its leaders have finally figured out a way to make that happen.

Joe Dew
Morrisville

Obama, doing his part, and this and that

bwheeler — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:04:00 -0400

Perhaps these are more musings than letters. Here are four offerings from readers: one on President Obama, one on a recent Paul Krugman column on the economy, one on the state of things in America and one a reminiscence on the N.C. State University bell tower:

Our president is trying his very best to cure the economic ills this country is now suffering after years of the illusion that derivatives, credit-default swaps, exotic mortgage securitization and other exotic financial products added to the Gross Domestic Product of the United States as opposed to growing our manufacturing and service industries.

They fooled us into using our home equity as an ATM machine without insuring that our home’s value and real income grew proportionate to the bonuses and rewards that those who are now deemed to big to fail enjoyed and continue to enjoy.

We are all asking why is everyone too big to fail except for you and me, brothers and sisters who actually make and/ or perform the goods and services necessary for America to have a real GDP and ultimately foot the tax bill for everything, bail outs, etc.

The answer is that all those who are deemed too big to fail have put their self-interest above our self-interest by putting their self-interest before our elected officials through their lobbyist, campaign contributions and the Washington K Street culture.

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the boys back in 1700s set up a form of government that put the citizens, that would be you and me, brothers and sisters, over a standing chamber of our great Congress, the House of Representative and set their terms at two-year intervals so they
would in essence always be running for the House of Representatives, thereby having to keep the voters, again that would be you and me, brothers and sisters, happy. Happiness today is a decent, dependable paycheck and a stable housing market, and members of the House of
Representatives need to hear directly. We need to hound them like the bill collectors hound us!

This strategy to get our interest on par with the AIGs, et. al., by keeping our House of Representatives in our faces, hearing our interests and doing our bidding, will convey to them that we are too big to be failed. If we do this en masse, as Malcolm stated “… by any means necessary,” keeping in mind Frederick Douglas’s admonition “Power concedes nothing without a demand,” then the stimulus money appropriated by Congress will find its way into our bank accounts, firming up our employment or providing you and me brothers and sisters
gainful employment.

President Obama is doing his part. What are you doing?

Dan Coleman
Raleigh

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I remember well the financial system that existed in the 1960s and 70s as economist Paul Krugman described it in his March 29 column.

I had my little passbook savings account, and once a week or once a month whichever the case may be, I went to the bank, and the teller handled my transaction. Sometimes she would inscribe in my passbook the fact that I had earned $1.23 or so in interest. All nice and neat.

There is a term that economists use: the velocity of money. Then, the velocity of money was like your car entering a school zone. Slow, perhaps even creeping. The economy was also minuscule compared with today’s. The excesses in the markets could have been corrected by the market itself without the government bailouts. This would have taken time, perhaps years, perhaps sooner, and would have caused pain.

However, that would have been preferable to massive intervention of the sort we are seeing. There are mainly three types of homeowners who have been severely affected by the housing price decline. The first group are those who used their houses as investment instruments. They pulled all their equity out to finance cruises and botox treatments, things like that.

Another group are those who purchased with nothing down and with barely the ability to make the monthly payment. When rates were adjusted up, they got caught.

The last major group were those who bought into a hot market at the top and suffered a loss in value when the market corrected. That is too bad. However, if prices in a local market had just witnessed a 50 percent increase in a few short years, wouldn’t that be the time to pause, to consider whether a speculative bubble was building? That makes sense.

If a Madoff type promises you 18 percent annually, and you know that stocks have always returned 7 percent, bonds even less, do you buy in? So these homeowners are impacted by the resulting downturn. The housing market would have reached a bottom on its own naturally, at which point investors would have raced in, which has always happened previously. So a tweaking of the financial markets is in order, a massive bailout was definitely the wrong prescription.

Robert Peele
Rocky Mount

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Today, I watched a pregnant woman in Wal-Mart in Smithfield drop a case of Coke cans because the paper case broke. There were several young teenagers, both white and African-American, who walked by and did not even try to help her. Several Hispanics teenagers laughed. An elderly man, well in age, got a cart for her and helped her pick up the drink cans.

When I was growing up, I was taught that when someone needed help, you stopped and helped the best that you could. What happened, America?

As one walks through Arlington Cemetery and other cemeteries and monuments dedicated to veterans across this nation, the American flag waves high to honor this nation and veterans who have served this nation they call home. Some veterans we welcomed home with open arms and love. Today, veterans can be found in homeless camps. They are not seen by many as heroes but as eyesores. What happened, America?

Today, people are entering this great nation illegally. Most refuse to learn our language. Some come to sell drugs and steal our way of life. Many of our politicians and business leaders, in my opinion, have found it easier to get down on their hands and knees and welcome them than do what is right for the American people and for America. What happened, America?

The middle class and poor class of people are seldom heard or even recognized, unless we break the law or someone wants our labor or our votes. The media seem more than eager to report the news and to talk about how our so-called leaders are not doing their jobs as they think they should. But how many do you see change places with them and do something to change the way things are?

The government and certain social groups have required the people of the nation to take prayer out of our schools and God out of our so-called court system. Does anyone read the Constitution anymore? Is this America? How long will it be before illegals and certain politicians attempt to close the doors to our churches and tell us what and who we can believe in? This nation was founded on the belief and trust of God, but the people, politicians and this nation have taken their eyes off of God and, like Peter, we are sinking. I pray God will forgive us.

I am a Vietnam-era veteran, and I love this country. I would gladly die for my God and my country. I wonder how many politicians and business leaders are willing to do so if there is no money to be made from it.

I am a red-necked American, born this way, and I am proud of it. My sweat, tears and skinned knuckles, along with those of other true Americans, have tried to make this country and nation great. Some politicians and so-called business leaders have caused us to fail. America, I beg your forgiveness.

Rudy V. Abbott
Pine Level

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Whenever a story is written about the N.C. State University Memorial Tower, a tale, told by my late father Robert E. (Bob) Pomeranz, a State College student 1939-43, comes to mind.

The recent front-pager in The News & Observer about the lack of bells in the beautiful landmark in West Raleigh rekindled that recollection, also authored in his memoirs, “Gyroscope.”

His Bell Tower escapade was planned in September 1942 and executed with precision Dec. 7, 1942. A Phi Beta Kappa student, among other honors, as well as sports editor and managing editor of the Technician (student newspaper), Dad was also good at drawing others into his special adventures there.

“Early in September 1942, a thought came to me to do something on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day,” he wrote in “Gyroscope” in 1990. “A number of State alumni were casualties of the Pearl Harbor attack, and it seemed most appropriate to recognize them.”

Being ambitious beyond a local level, the idea was “to invite a national figure to speak to the ROTC Cadet Corps at their (regular) noon formation, and to rededicate the Tower to the State men who died in the war.”

Neither Dad nor his committee of friends — Bill Wommack, Bob Boyce, Addison Hawley and Bob Dalton, all honor students — realized the Memorial Tower had never been dedicated.

This ceremony was being planned with genuineness. There was even a front-page article in the Dec. 4, 1942 edition of the Technician. The headline, “Quiet Observance To Mark Pearl Harbor Day Monday” was followed by several paragraphs outlining the event.

“The State College student body will observe Pearl Harbor Day on Monday, Dec. 7, with a serious ceremony to honor those alumni killed at Pearl Harbor or in other war action, or missing in the Philippines. The ceremony will take place at Memorial Tower between 12 and 1 o’clock.

“The ROTC units are expected to form on their regular fields, and march to assigned positions near the Tower. No speeches will be made. After the blowing of taps, one minute of silence will be observed. The Navy has ordered all of its installations except ships in action to observe this silence promptly at 2:20 p.m., Raleigh time, when the first bomb fell on Pearl Harbor last year, but because of a conflict on the campus it will be observed during noon hour.

“The military band will play ‘Remember Pearl Harbor,’ and the Star Spangled Banner, which will be sung by the entire group assembled, and all will take the Oath of Allegiance.”

Efforts had been made to secure a speaker of national prominence. According to the article in the Technician and a paragraph in “Gyroscope,” telephone calls were made to Philippine President Manuel Quezon, who was visiting in Washington; Sgt. Alvin York, the legendary figure from World War I; Lt. Com. Walter Winchell; and several others of similar prominence. None accepted.

“So, we decided to proceed without an outside speaker,” wrote Dad. “Addison Hawley was Lt. Colonel of the First Regiment. Bill (Wommack) persuaded him to march the Regiment at noon on December 7, 1942, from 1911 Field up to the Tower, form there with the Fife and Bugle playing for all they were worth. After Taps were sounded Addison read a speech I had written rededicating the Tower to our fallen comrades of Pearl Harbor Day. It was a solemn and beautiful occasion; (we all) took great pride in arranging it.”

The ceremony over, the participants dispersed but the day wasn’t over for the organizing committee.

“At 4 p.m., a messenger appeared at my door stating that Chancellor (John W.) Harrelson wanted to see me immediately in his office in Holladay Hall across the street,” wrote Dad. “As I went out of Watauga Hall, Bill Wommack joined me; he had also been summoned, as had been Addison Hawley. We were ushered immediately into the Chancellor's office.

“Chancellor Harrelson had headed N.C. State College for (several) years. (In 1934 Harrelson was appointed as the first dean of administration at N.C. State. His title was changed to chancellor in 1945; he retired in 1953.) He had been a Colonel in the Army, and was a strict disciplinarian. He was rather furious,” remembered Dad.

“What right did you have to rededicate the Tower? It has not even been dedicated the first time,’ ” Harrelson said according to Dad’s memoirs.

“There was more of the same for at least 30 minutes, and we were wise enough not to utter a word. When he finally ran down, he was quiet for a few moments, then a twinkle came into his eye, and he said, ‘Good show fellows, get out of here and don't let it happen again.’ ”

As an always proud alumni and strong supporter of N.C. State, I read with great interest the March 22 story, “Bell tower may finally sing with its true voice.” Matthew Robbins is to be commended for his efforts. Hopefully this injustice will one day be righted.

But as far as the graphic “An Unfinished Icon” that accompanied the article and pointed out the Memorial Tower was dedicated in 1949, please insert a line at the proper place. “1942: Tower rededicated to those alumni killed at Pearl Harbor or in other war action, or missing in the Philippines. Ceremony organized by a group of highly motivated and ambitious students.”

Jim Pomeranz
Cary

The state of things

bwheeler — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:21:57 -0400

We've gotten a number of letters recently about issues before the General Assembly that were simply too long to run. One writer would like the state to rethink its expenditures on computers in schools, one offers his take on whether judges should be appointed rather than elected, one takes issue with the idea of Sunday blue laws, one offers a real-life experience that reflects on the Marriage Amendment and another takes on the annexation issues in the state:

Gov. Perdue and the legislature could solve funding problems facing North Carolina public education by doing what many would, at first blush, consider unthinkable: terminating North Carolina's ill-considered, 20-year experiment to put all schools, students and teachers online.

The most critical question, given this era’s obsession with
accountability, is simply this: How much money has the state spent 1989-2009 on the computerization of schools, on hardware, software, consultants, maintenance, personnel, and training, and how have students benefited?

I don’t seek testimonials glorifying technological use by students or teachers, but rather the same statistical analysis by which teachers and schools are evaluated. Then, and only then, can we understand whether the gains justify the expense.

I taught history for 28 years in public schools and appreciate
computers enough to have bought a Kaypro, a 25-pound portable, in 1984, long before school systems contemplated buying them for teachers. By the time I retired, in 2004, computers were the rage of educational bureaucracy, creating the path, it was said, to a 21st century, world-class work force.

I had come, by that point, to regret their introduction. I write this letter on a laptop and will send it via e-mail to The News & Observer, so my regret is not per se linked to any core disdain for technological progress.

But I know snake oil. The North Carolina political and educational establishment, on all levels and under the guise of advancement, has poured millions, perhaps billions, into an ever-demanding maw from which primary profits stream out of our state and nation. This scam has infected even our universities. A useful tool has been repositioned as the sum and substance of education, and most of us have bought this
preposterous notion without a pause. In the meantime, computerization has driven up utility expenses, forced costly architectural adjustments and played a role in rising tuition costs. Quite an achievement, given its primacy as purveyor of entertainment.

The times demand clear-eyed examination of the past, present, and future of this endeavor. What has been gained, what has been lost and do the benefits outweigh the costs?

Al Baldwin

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Rep. Jonathan Rhyne is to be commended for courageously introducing a bill to appoint judges. And he is correct that the present elective process is like walking down a highway in the dark. It’s plain risky because the average voter operates in a knowledgeless vacuum about the competency of judicial candidates.

I am a retired lawyer from Massachusetts, which in the minds of some, I suppose, disqualifies me from commenting about North Carolina’s elective system. But allow me to offer for consideration, at least, the appointive process where I practiced. It is a process introduced by Michael Dukakis while he was governor.

Recognizing that the appointive process had become weighted heavily by political influences with appointments to judgeships of lawyers often lacking experience, judicial demeanor and temperament and, in some instances, I regret to add, even limited intellect, Dukakis set about to change that practice to the consternation of many politicos in the House, the Senate and the Governor’s Council who were zealous about the
patronage a judicial appointee wrought.

He established a Judicial Selection Committee comprised of proximate, accomplished and successful lawyers from across the state whose charge was to recommend to him three candidates for each judicial post. They began the search process by seeking recommendations from the presidents
of local bar associations. Then recommendations from proximate, respected lawyers in that community who were also asked to comment upon the competency of those named. Following that vetting process, a handful of highly recommended selectees emerged and were individually
interviewed by members of the Judicial Selection Committee. By majority vote three of them were recommended to the governor.

Unequivocally this selection process, while involved and tedious, met not only with approval of the bar, but with the respect and confidence of the public in a rejuvenated judicial system and selection process.

And I will add that the quality and competency of judges was instantly recognized. Politics was taken out of the equation and a stronger judiciary resulted. I respectfully commend this appointive process to you

Robert E. Kubicek, J.D.
Burlington

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I read your article on Sunday liquor sales with great interest (“Bill to OK Sunday liquor sales,” March 25) but was distressed by the comment by the chair of the N.C. House committee overseeing alcoholic beverages, Rep. Ray Warren, who stated, “Sunday is a day set aside for worship, family time together and the sale of alcohol on that day is not warranted or needed.” Warren’s view on the sanctity of Sunday from a religious perspective is enormously unfair, bordering on insulting, to a great number of N.C. residents who observe Sabbaths other than Sunday, or just as acceptable, no Sabbath at all.

Sunday blue laws interfere with commerce and create a privilege for one ideological class (Christians) and essential disadvantage for the non-privileged class (those who observe other Sabbaths, which are not commercially limited by law), and these are two of three main tenants our forefathers were actually protecting our country against when they wrote about a de facto establishment of a state church.

As such, the Christian Sabbath argument for the upholding of our state’s remaining blue laws is a clear violation of church and state, and it is about time someone in our state government has the gravitas to stand up to the Christian establishment and say no.

We should choose freedom over religion. We should not limit commerce based upon the beliefs of one group at the expense of others. If Christians do not feel that it is prudent, or acceptable, to buy liquor on Sunday, then they simply should not. But if I want to buy a bottle of Makers Mark bourbon on Sunday, do not limit me. And for the sake of our state coffers, do not limit potential tax revenues from the sales. Your Sabbath, Mr. Warren, is not my Sabbath.

I applaud Tony Rand and hope others stand up in support of the bill.

Natalie G. Knowles
Raleigh

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My partner and I recently attended an amazing performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” in the beautiful new DPAC. The show is set in Russia in the early 1900s. The old versus new or the changing of or reshaping values that is prevalent within this show is so very similar to the gay marriage debate we face in our society today.

The fact of the matter is that society changes. Arranged marriages are no longer acceptable in many parts of the world. In Fiddler, Tevye battled with the notions of his daughter’s bucking this tradition; however, it did not stop them nor was it easy for anyone. All of society will probably never accept or understand homosexuality and that is OK; however, simply because something does not fit into your world view does not make it wrong nor should it automatically not be legitimate.

The simple fact of the matter is that my relationship — one based on mutual respect, love, honesty and monogamy — is the same gender. We do not have the same “rights” afforded to heterosexual couples who may legally enter into marriage. As a result we must spend a considerable amount of resources with the mere hope of securing rights that heterosexual married couples take for granted based on a marriage
certificate, which is a government issued document, not a religious one. My partner has an illness that she will have for the remainder of her life. Since our relationship is not recognized or legitimized, we do not have any rights, we must protect not only her well being but my access to medical information, visitation, etc.

The symbolism that I saw and felt within this show touched me. I am not some great political activist; I am your neighbor, your daughter, your customer and maybe even your friend. I implore fellow readers to think about this from a logical and empathetic point of view and perhaps you can see the benefits of affording all citizens equal rights, not
special rights.

Jessica Wood
Raleigh

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I have seen a number of articles recently on annexation issues — both for and against the current system — but would point out that they are only part of the larger issue of the abuse of citizens by municipalities using the state-sanctioned authority of eminent domain.

I own fully forested property in Guilford County that the city of High Point wanted to use for a new sewer line that served its citizens. High Point used the authority of eminent domain to obtain the land and paid for specific permanent and construction easements. Over the course of the project, it became increasingly apparent that they were exceeding
their bounds but were remiss to respond to numerous complaints of impacted landowners. They merely proceeded and were content to publicly discount the complaining landowners as malcontents or trouble- makers!

After the end of the construction, the city was requested to resurvey the property to ascertain if indeed it had exceeded its legal bounds, which it ignored. I and other property owners paid a surveyor to fully survey the construction area, and the results were startling. The city had paid for 1.14 acres on my land but had illegally seized, denuded of vegetation and left unusable another 0.24 acres — illegally seizing and destroying almost 25 percent in excess of its legal authority. Other
nearby property owners were even more dramatically impacted.

Repeated attempts to get the city to pay for this trespass, illegal seizure and destruction of private property have gotten no action by the city. I have written the Attorney General on six occasions citing the consumer fraud perpetrated under the state authority of eminent domain by a municipality and also have gotten no results. I have written the legislators for this area, and they have gotten no results from the city. Since the city is self-insured and has no outside liability carrier, the only way to file a claim for damages is to use the courts and personally incur the entire cost of doing so.

It simply is not right that the State of North Carolina delegates
carte- blanche authority to local governments and then does absolutely nothing to hold them accountable when they abuse the authority and to make the impacted landowners incur all of the expenses to attempt to correct the problem. The overpowering financial and administrative size of the local governments makes this problem almost impossible for
individual property owners to fight.

What is needed is a place within state government where the use of eminent domain, once given and used, will be controlled and the citizens have equal standing with municipalities over grievances and restitution when abuse has been undertaken. The city of High Point should not be able to blatantly abuse property owners because it thinks it can get away with it without recourse. The legislature needs to
address this problem and restore the equity in this delegated
authority! Granted, the budget crisis lawmakers are currently
addressing is dire, but the budget crisis that the City of High Point has imposed on me and other property owners under the state’s authority is also dire!

Steven R. Moore
Chapel Hill

Thank you, thanks again

bwheeler — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:58:09 -0400

I want to thank the person who took my 57-year-old wedding ring to the information desk at Raleigh-Durham airport recently at the Southwest Airlines section. I dropped it and never saw it again. I was worried about telling my husband. It was his design.

Thank you so much.
Sara Harris
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The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Committee wishes to express our gratitude to the over 40,000 people who celebrated the parade and Wearn’ O’ Green Festival on March 21. We wish to say special thanks to Doug Grissom and his staff at the Raleigh Convention Center as well as to Sgt. Medlin and outstanding officers of the Raleigh Police Department for their incredible assistance.
We are pleased to have provided several local charities with assistance, including The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina; the Helping Hand Mission, The NC Special Olympics and Project Healing Waters.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Meg Lavoie
Raleigh

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Dear members of the Research Triangle community:

On
behalf of the children and families we serve at Duke Children’s
Hospital, I wish to express my gratitude for your remarkable generosity during the MIX 101.5 Radiothon that aired from Feb. 10 though Feb. 12. I also wish to acknowledge publically the herculean efforts of the Radiothon hosts and staff who brought you the courageous stories of our patients and described the miracles that happen at Duke Children's Hospital on a daily basis.

For the third year in a row, the Radiothon raised over $1 million to support our patient care, child advocacy, and research programs. This outpouring of charity in the current economic climate is exemplary and reflects the faith that you
have in the healthcare services we provide to pediatric patients across the age spectrum.

As always, we promise to be good stewards of your gifts and will continue our pursuit of excellence in order to provide our patients with the best possible healthcare available in the world, because nothing matters more than our children and their families.

Joseph W. St. Geme III, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center
Durham

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We’re grateful to Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center supporters who help us fulfill our promise to provide nonclinical cancer support services free of charge to anyone affected by any type of cancer — patients, survivors, families and friends.

Nearly 500 people opened their hearts and wallets at this year’s A Chocolate Affaire, helping us raise nearly $60,000 that goes toward our myriad services including peer-to-peer and group support, yoga classes, massage therapy, educational forums, lending library and more.

We thank our honorary co-chairs Dr. H. Shelton Earp, director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dr. H. Kim Lyerly, director of Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center; and our presenting sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline. Appreciation also goes to the volunteer planning committee: Joy Bryde, chair; Sara Baligh, Joan Boone, Sally Burke, Dale Flexner and Amy Leiser.

And here are so many others: 34 individuals and organizations contributed event sponsorships, 44 restaurants gave scrumptious desserts and beverages, 168 companies and
individuals donated items for our auction; and 120 event volunteers worked tirelessly over several months. We’re grateful to our new and long-time supporters for assisting many individuals who struggle with cancer’s impact every day.

Information about our programs and services is available at www.cornucopiahouse.org and 919/401-9333.

Mary Lawrence
President and CEO, Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center
Chapel Hill

'Defending Marriage' Part II

bwheeler — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:24:48 -0400

The March 6 Point of View “Defending marriage” by Tami Fitzgerald showed how unsubstantial arguments can become when you believe that God is on your side and that most people already agree with you.

Fitzgerald makes three claims that freethinkers must reject out of hand. She says that redefining marriage would be detrimental to our freedoms, that it would alter thousands of other laws and that an anti-gay constitutional amendment is necessary to preserve religious freedom.

She doesn't prove any of these claims. But how could she? How does an oppressed minority threaten our freedoms by engaging in a lawful contract? The only legal impact she offers is that schools will be required (really?) to teach that homosexuality is normal. (Of course, it is normal that homosexuals exist in all societies.)

The crux of Fitzgerald's argument was her call to preserve religious freedom. It's beyond me how repressing homosexuals protects religion. What is clear, however, is that using religious appeals to urge a change in the constitution is itself unconstitutional.

Religionists must lament that the Declaration does not say “all men are created equal —except for those we think we're better than.”

We should reject the irrationality and arrogance of the religionists.

Don Clement
Durham

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In view of the fact that the members of NC4Marriage believe that marriage is so greatly in need of a strong defense, I feel confident that members will also support one important addition to the Defense of Marriage Act: the banning of divorce.

It seems only logical to conclude that, if marriage is so desperately in need of protection, and since gay and lesbian marriages would account for a small percentage of the total marriages whereas divorce accounts for the destruction of a much higher percentage of these sacred unions, that the institution of marriage would be so much more effectively strengthened and protected by including a provision in our constitution banning divorce.

Why not? Presumably, the freedoms Tami Fitzpatrick mentioned in her March 6 Point of view piece “Defending marriage” couldn't possibly include the freedom to terminate such a sacrosanct conjugation.

Charles Putterman
Raleigh
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I wasn't looking for it; certainly, I did not plan on it. I met this lady moving into the apartment behind me. I swore I would always be single. Nope, not me get married no way. But her brown eyes got me. We talked, went out, etc.. Then one day I asked her if she would spend the rest of her life with me.

Sounds perfectly normal, right? We were both women. Now, how does it sound? For two years we shared ups and downs and even tragedy in our family. No license said we were married, no rights, no tax deductions. In fact, due to a state and federal law, quite the opposite.

So what makes a marriage? Certainly not the piece of paper for us. It is commitment till death and beyond. It is staying through no matter what. It is being able to say "I love you" for life, even in the very worst of moments.

What we ask for isn't the right per se to marry. Because all the paper and laws in the world did not make or would never break what Pam and I shared, even now when death did us part. What we ask for is simply some tax benefits, surviver benefits, basically the rights that go with that piece of paper — a marriage license.

So you want to protect marriage with an amendment or more laws? Go ahead. It does not and will not stop real love. She and I were married. God does love us, and I know where Pam waits for me. Because of my love for Christ, I know where she and I will meet again. All we are asking for is not to have to fight for everyday rights that anybody should have: medical say in each other's treatment; a tax deduction, or rights of survivorship. Or, for couples like me and Pam, the right to state or local social services that would help a widow or widower survive a loss financially.

Since Pam died, I have had to fight and beg to take over accounts without having to pay or repay deposits. I have been scrambling to find work and get off unemployment with out transportation because the car was in her name, and I can't get it financed.

Our state is in a budget crisis, and yet we have legislative representatives spending money to "protect marriage." Take that money and hire people like me to sweep the streets and get off unemployment. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

All the laws and amendments in the world will not take away Mrs. & Mrs Pamela & Juneann Galbraith. What a waste of time and money

Juneann Galbraith

Rocky Mount

Pare now, pay later?

bwheeler — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:31:06 -0500

I am currently a resident at Wilmington Residential Facility for Women. Due to the proposed state budget cuts, our facility is in danger of being shut down. This unit houses 36 women who have earned the privilege of work release. Out of the 36 women here, 32 actually work full time off-site. We each pay $360 per four-week period to reside at this unit. This amounts to roughly $185,000 per year.

As well as paying rent, most women have restitution that comes out of their earnings. This could not be possible if they were not employed. Most of the six minimum custody facilities have very limited work release slots. If the 36 women here were moved to any of these units, the possibility of getting a job would be lessened because the women currently at the other facilities are already on a waiting list for employment.

This being the case, all 36 women would basically be living off of the state with no income to contribute to our necessities, restitution or to child support. Not only do some of the women here work but they also attend Cape Fear Community College and are in the process of obtaining degrees.

Most of these women have children. If they are unable to procure their degrees or retain their current employment upon release, then welfare will be their only resource. We contribute to the community in many ways, such as in our use of public transportation, paying taxes and donation of our time in programs such as Think Smart, The Linus Project, feeding the homeless, as well as donating our money to charitable organizations.

Think Smart is a program that allows us to go into schools and to the police department to speak to high risk kids regarding their choices and consequences resulting from those choices. The Linus Project is an awesome chance to give back to someone less fortunate. We have a quilting class every Tuesday and make quilts for the use of children involved in a trauma situation such as fires, car accidents and abuse.

This is the only facility for women in the southeastern region. The majority of the women here are closer to home. Moving us to other minimum custody units would not only be a detrimental decision for us but also a hardship on our families. We have community support here. We have contracts with 12 work release employers. One work release site obtained close to 400 signatures in just a week alone to keep Wilmington Residential Facility for Women open.

Monetarily this budget cut would be less than beneficial to the state and would be demoralizing to the women who have struggled to earn this privilege. Please help us keep our facility open. Be a voice for us!

Kimberly Hawley
Wilmington

Changes not so comical

bwheeler — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:34:08 -0500

Except for a seven-year stint in the Navy, I’ve read “Peanuts” every day of my life since 1961, when I was in the first grade.

I know that things are bad. I read your paper every morning, I watch Katie Couric every night. ... So when you announced you were removing “Peanuts” from the Sunday paper, I thought I understood.

It wasn’t till Sunday morning — when I sat there with the funnies in hand and saw that Lucy and Linus and Woodstock and Schroeder truly weren’t there anymore — that a part of the kid in me just died.

Then the grown-up part of me that’s been waking up at 4:30 a.m. lately realized that I actually didn't understand, that this isn’t just The N&O’s isolated decision to save some much-needed cash. It’s one more symptom that we’re broken, that things will never be the same again.

The economists are wrong. When a major metropolitan daily newspaper can’t afford to put Charlie Brown and Snoopy in the Sunday funny pages anymore, we’re not in a recession. We’re in a depression.

And another part of America has just died.

Mark Hamblet
Chapel Hill

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It has died. The body has shriveled up. Give it a decent burial and be done with it.

The Sunday Comics are no longer comic. They have been compressed, twisted, turned sideways, stacked vertically and emasculated to the point that they are no longer fun to read either to myself or to a child. They are now so small, that in fact some print is difficult to read!

The pleasure is gone. End the agony. Bury the body. Just eliminate the so-called comics. You may see circulation go up when people like me are not aggravated by unenjoyable and almost unreadable “comics.”

Jay Hargrove
Carrboro

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The new Sunday comics have shrunk the font size way too small. Have a heart for us old people. Tell those young whippersnappers who made the decision that they’ll be old eventually and will also give up on squinting to read the funnies.

Phil Hanna
Raleigh

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Your revised Sunday comics section, with its shrunken pictures and tiny printing, arrived just in time. I have an eye exam next week, and I’ll take this along to show the optometrist why I need new glasses.

David Thomas
Raleigh
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I was disappointed in the small print, reduced size of the comic section Sunday'. I believe you will find that some of us older people will not be able to read them without a magnifying glass and thus will not enjoy them, should you keep this small print in the future.

Please consider going back to the previous sized print/presentation.

Rick Welch
Chapel Hill

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Watching a particular commercial of a person walking, showing no facial clarity, only that of showing red lungs of her body. The purpose of this ad was to apply a certain medication to the nasal openings as to clear the airways in a period of 15 minutes — 15 MINUTES!?!

The point of reality not stated is that if a person’s airways are blocked and if air is not available, she will become brain dead in 6 minutes.

The crux of this is that it is not the medication or what it does but of The News & Observer’s changes in Channels (last old one in October) and the change of the comic strip section on March 1.

In all probability these changes were noted by other subscribers thinking along with myself that less paper was used in the old Channels section. And in the “new” comics section, some of those strips are very difficult to read because of the print reduction.

The main point of this short note is to ask who at The News & Observer was not given the medication to clear his airway in six minutes?

Don Leu
Clayton

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Gee, thanks. Now the print in the Sunday comics is too small to read easily, too. I gave up reading the daily ones for that reason when you squeezed too many onto the pages, but I still enjoyed the Sunday ones. Now I’ll have to give that up, too.

Marilyn Allis
Raleigh

Letters, letters, letters

bwheeler — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:26:05 -0500

In case you're just surfing in to the main Opinion Shop page and haven't discovered the other items that live here, check out the extra letters from this week by clicking on the letters tab above. There are letters on Catholic bishops and same-sex marriage, on J. Peder Zane's columns about the Confederate monument at the state Capitol and on the Children's Psychiatric Hospital in Butner. There's also a new roundup of editorial cartoons from McClatchy artists under the Cartoons tab.

Gays, Catholics and marriage

bwheeler — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:47:20 -0500

As a Catholic, it pains me when church leaders get diverted by issues manufactured by politicians to increase their power. “The desire to rule is the beginning of all heresies,” (St. John Chrysostom). The “Marriage Amendment,”clearly intended to discriminate against a group of people, betrays the church’s long-standing commitment to social justice.

As a libertarian, it appalls me when a religious or political leader proposes laws revoking any God-given right and betraying the fundamental American principle that all persons are created equal.

Government has no right to “license” or give permission for marriage. Marriage is a sacred undertaking, a sacrament, instituted between two persons, before God — not the state. Mary and Joseph did not have a marriage license. Martha and George Washington did not have a marriage license.

An interesting historical note: States began issuing marriage permits as a way to prevent interracial marriage, just as they introduced gun permits to stop African-Americans from using guns to resist oppression.

Brian Irving
Cary

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In her Feb. 25 column “Bishops stand by ban,” Ruth Sheehan blathered on sanctimoniously about those speaking for an amendment to the state Constitution banning gay marriage and two Catholic bishops who stood by them.

Had Sheehan learned anything in the Catholic schools she attended, she would have known from studies in the Old Testament that our “loving God” (a term used to nullify Scriptures speaking against unnatural sexual activity) puts up with disobedience just so long before he permits his people to suffer consequences.

Mismanagement, self-exaltation and greed have put so many of our people out of jobs, yet she, along with some denominational liberals, want to add another curse.

Evelyn Holland
Cary

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Since when is it anti-gay to defend traditional marriage? Ruth Sheehan (Feb. 25) uses the same old acerbic, activist propaganda that makes this debate so wearisome: twisting the facts to make traditionalists look like the bad folks. It is laughable to call traditionalists intolerant after watching the tolerance of the activists in California after Proposition 8 passed, a state which had a defense of marriage law that activist judges over-turned. That is why we need a constitutional amendment and Sheehan knows it. To suggest N.C. does not need to protect marriage is dishonest and part of the activist strategy.

Redefining family and marriage into some malformed alternative that fits peoples’ personal preferences is what we traditionalists are opposing. Homosexual and heterosexual people will form their own types of relationships as they always have, but attempting to re-fabricate and/or legislate marriage into something it can never be for homosexuals is doing violence to natural human social order. Marriage is for one man and one woman, most of whom then procreate. Ruth further cites divorce statistics as though they are relevant to the marriage definition debate. That is a red herring and more social engineering propaganda.

There is a small minority in N.C . who do not care what the vast majority has believed or valued for centuries. I thank God our Catholic bishops are courageous enough to stand with time-tested truth. Now I pray that their flock pays attention to their bold leadership, whether they be elected or voting.

James Anthony
Raleigh

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I am writing to comment on Ruth Sheehan’s excellent column of Feb 25 headed “Bishops stand by ban.” She is absolutely right about the incongruity of these two prelates supporting an anti-gay actio0n that is not only unnecessary (gay marriage is not legal in N.C.) but also inappropriate. Clerics should be careful about taking political stands that could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of their organizations.

Since his arrival Bishop Burbidge, unlike his predecessors, has displayed an unfortunate tendency to wander across the boundaries separating the purely ecclesiastical and the purely political worlds. However, since he still expects me to support his Annual Bishop’s Appeal, I am having doubts as how he intends to use the financial support he is requesting and doubts as to his motives and purposes.

Francis Joseph Hale
Raleigh

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At a time when our state is facing the toughest economic times our leaders decide it would be necessary for us to put a Marriage Amendment to a vote. I would like to ask the sponsor and co-sponsors why we are doing this at the current time. I find it despicable that the state that I live in still harbors such discrimination against a minority group that it would like to take away rights that they don’t even have. Whatever happened to the Separation of Church and State?

I am hoping this gets knocked out before a vote, but otherwise I say we need to ask questions and march in uproar!!

David Massey
Raleigh

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The despicable anti-Christian bias exhibited by Ruth Sheehan in her column of Feb. 25 shows the true colors of such left wing liberals as her and most news “journalists.” I don’t recall ever reading a worse diatribe against honorable Christian leaders and those who stand for the truth. I am so grateful to the Catholic Bishops who are speaking the truth, and all the other leaders who join with them to do what Christians are supposed to do, stand for our God and His law as revealed in Holy Scripture.

As a Christian I resent the constant bashing of Christians and our beliefs and I implore you to admit to the anti-Christian bias and make amends.

J. Russell Capps
Raleigh

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I disagree with Ruth Sheehan’s column “Bishops stand by ban.” She criticized N.C .Catholic bishops as out of place participating in a Capitol news conference on the bill to allow citizens to vote on a constitutional amendment defining marriage. She said that it was just plain sad that the bishops would join with the bunch promoting this referendum.

Her one-sided article avoided the key point. We are in a social debate about marriage, and the church’s core belief is that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. This is biblically based on natural complementarity of husband and wife, cooperation of spouses with God in the creation of new life, and the fact that stable, loving relationships of a mother and father are best for children. This is not a biased view; rather it is a refutation of same-sex marriage as equivalent to traditional marriage. Making same-sex unions legal will undermine the biblical and societal understanding of marriage as the exclusive union between one man and one woman at one time.

All citizens including Catholics have a civic responsibility to speak up and present their views on public policy questions. Bishops are standing up for a key church theme in this societal debate. Authorizing a referendum on this issue is reasonable and, I believe, preferable to judicial redefinition of marriage as between same sex individuals

James Haag
Raleigh

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Thanks for the column by Ruth Sheehan regarding support for a constitutional ban on gay marriage, which calls the issue politicized, unnecessary and, one might add, ultimately unconstitutional. One supporter continually expresses disappointment that “North Carolina is the only state in the South that has not adopted a constitutional marriage amendment” banning gay marriage.

Happily, North Carolina was also the only Southern state that refused to pass an anti-evolution law, due in large measure to the influence of a devout Baptist biologist and president of Wake Forest College, Dr. Billy Poteat.

This probably accounts for the fact that North Carolina is regarded as “the” progressive southern state.

Why were anti-evolution laws passed only in Southern states? Were there no Bible-believers in Minnesota or Massachusetts? The answer is that the same “Bible-belt” mentality, rural, racist and ill-educated, also resulted in laws making inter-racial marriage a criminal offense, and now proposes forbidding gay marriage — both based on the argument that they are destructive of the institution of marriage and against God’s “plan.”

The Supreme Court struck down ( -0) the ban on inter-racial marriage as discriminatory on its face.

Any lessons for us regarding gay marriage?

Bernie Cochran
Raleigh

Even more stimulating

bwheeler — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:30:00 -0500

The House passes a complex “stimulus” package then sends it to the Senate for more debate, additions, deletions. Then it goes back and forth for more debates, changes, additions.

Why can’t a committee of House and Senate meet to design a package that both houses would pass quickly? We need something soon, so why drag this out any more than necessary? The committee makeup could be, for example, 20 senators (10 Democratic, 10 Republican) and 50 representatives (25 Democratic, 25 Republican).

Dale Whitfield
Wake Forest

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Regarding your Feb. 4 editorial, the economy’s problems do not stem from inadequate spending and cannot be cured by the proposed “stimulus” bill’s gigantic increase in federal spending.

The federal government’s housing bubble caused a great amount of resources to be drawn into investments that were unsustainable, especially in construction and finance. With the bursting of that bubble, a lot of capital and labor must be redirected into different productive activities.

Bearing in mind that what we’re interested in is making the most efficient use of resources, the question is whether all the proposed government spending helps or hurts. It will hurt. Political projects rarely pass a cost/benefit test and the “stimulus” bill is stuffed with items that even previous sessions of Congress rejected.

We don’t need more government spending. What we need instead is a plan for preventing future bubbles. Does anyone in the administration have a thought about that?

George C. Leef
Raleigh

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Every taxpayer should be outraged at the proposed stimulus bill crafted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Senate leadership. Shame on Sen. Kay Hagan for voting to pass this sausage-filled piece of legislation! This bill, funded by taxpayers for years to come, is the epitome of wasteful spending and pet projects, none of which will stimulate the economy or create jobs. Providing funds for STD education, tax credits for the film industry, money for the Smithsonian, the repair of recreational vessels, new furniture for Homeland Security, tax assistance for casinos, etc., does not justify emergency deficit spending. Taxpayers will be burdened with the long-term consequences of such reckless deficit spending. Excess debt and irresponsible spending were the cause of this financial crisis and incurring additional debt is not the solution. Perhaps if a greater number of government officials were actually taxpayers, such spending would decrease. It seems as if our elected officials have forgotten, there is no such thing as government money, but rather, it is TAXPAYER money.

Karen Chamberlain
Pinehurst
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I am writing as a local Raleigh resident to stress that I do not support the stimulus bill as written. However, I would note that if the provisions that are the most controversial (such as anti-smoking funding) are removed, the bill would be a good measure to stimulate the economy.

I am concerned that the Democrats in the House of Representatives were not disciplined enough to keep some spending programs out of the bill that do little to stimulate the economy. Meanwhile, by focusing on the smaller portions of the bill, the Republicans have been able to create a distraction from the larger portions that are worthy of consideration.

I would prefer to see the bill include more long-term investments in this country’s infrastructure. While some of these may mean less of an immediate effect, we are requiring future generations to bear the brunt of the cost, as it is being done through deficit spending. We should make sure that such costs also provide future generations with tangible benefits.

Ron Tucceri
Raleigh

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Rush Limbaugh “dittoheads” and other political conservatives hope to start Barack Obama’s presidency on its way to failure by sinking the administration’s economic recovery legislation. They clearly are more concerned with scoring political points than they are about the future of our country.

Is the stimulus bill perfect? No, of course not; I would hope that the president would veto it if it arrived on his desk laden with more pork than other more economically palatable fare. Nevertheless, it is a bold and far-reaching bill that promises not an overnight cure, but a long-range cure for some of our most pressing problems.

Even Senator McCain’s chief economic adviser estimates that, without the stimulus, unemployment will top 11 percent by 2010, the highest level since the Great Depression.

The majority of the country voted for change just three months ago. Are we to be denied the first fruits of that change by criticism from those who got us into this mess over the past eight years?

Dr. Geoffrey Simon
Raleigh

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That this stimulus package is still being debated amazes me. It is primarily pork spending and increases government jobs. It will create huge debt, that by its own admission the government is not sure can be sold. Anyone out there? They don’t think anyone wants to buy this debt if we pass this bill. So to sell this package of programs that will not help us keep our jobs, the government will have to offer higher interest return to the countries that buy our debt. Hello, high inflation. This will launch inflation through the roof. How is this going to help? It won’t.

I saw Jack Welch, the ex-CEO of GE; Steve Forbes and other business leaders on TV talking about how this stimulus package is bad and needs to be changed. They keep saying look at this like a business. What a concept — run the government like a business! Why aren’t these type people in Washington at the request of the president to help with a legitimate plan?
We have political hacks (I’m sorry but this is the case) who have no business or economics experience making decisions about our economy.

While this goes on, our unemployment numbers climb and the president goes to luncheons. I don’t believe leadership in crisis is in front of a camera or on TV, it is in building coalitions and listening and acting, making the hard decisions regardless of party politics. That is what business leaders do every day.

It is time for action on a new bill that stabilizes banking, opening up lending and confidence between banks. Spending AND tax cuts. People need confidence to go out and look at a new car.
Put through a stabilization bill that gives us the people this confidence in our government.

Tom Catlin
Mebane

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If $900 billion were divided by 300 million Americans, that would be $3,000 for every man, woman and child in America. Think of how much stimulation the economy would get if a family of four were to spend $12,000. We wouldn’t have to worry about the banks, investment firms or auto companies.

Or politicians for that matter.

Fred Schwartz
Raleigh

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Does anybody remember the TV game show where they put a bunch of women in a grocery store and give them 90 seconds to cram as much high-dollar stuff in their shopping carts as they can? The women race to the most expensive stuff in the store and rake it into their carts with no regard whatsoever to value or need, and the woman with the highest cash register total wins.

Sounds a lot like the Democrats and the stimulus package. Spend, spend, spend. After all it is OPM (other people’s money).

We are those other people. Our great-grandchildren will still be paying for this fiasco at the turn of the next century. They are acting like a bunch of brats on Santa’s lap. “President” Pelosi and her puppets need to be reminded that this is not a game show. We all know that waste is what the government does best, but now they are determined to go for a world record.

I suggest that Pelosi give up her House speakership to a congressman from Virginia or Maryland and sell her taxpayer-provided Gulfstream jet. The new speaker can commute in a hybrid car and save taxpayers $6 million a year on jet fuel alone and, in the process, shrink her “carbon footprint” 99.9 percent.

While we’re at it, let’s demand a tax audit on every single politician in Washington. That should raise about enough money to pay for the “stimulus package”! If, as Joe Biden says, “paying taxes is patriotic,” there is a serious shortage of patriotism in the Democratic party!

The government’s job is to provide what the people need, not every silly project that crosses the twisted imaginations of our politicians. Obama promised change and, by God, he’s going to deliver it. Unfortunately that change is going from bad to worse — from the frying pan to the fire. It’s time for our government to “Walk the Walk”!

Bob Cash
Durham

Letters, letters, everywhere

bwheeler — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:09:34 -0500

Here are some numbers I shared with the community panel just yesterday. In September, I basically was Lucy Ricardo on the assembly line:

Number of letters received in 2008 through Nov. 30: 16,354

November: 1,072
October: 2,239
September: 2,305
August: 1,189
July: 1,244
June 1,360
May: 1,299
April: 1,644
March: 1,440
February: 1,369
January: 1,193

2007: 14,924
2006: 11,990
2005: 11,676
2004: 14,069
2003: 10,236
2002: 10,327
2001: 10,944
2000: 8,447

We average more than 1,400 letters a month and have room to print fewer than 300. It's usually more like 275.

Tips I would give people:

The limit is 200 words. If you send a 250-word letter, you take a chance that I have time to trim it. Most days that's a big chance.

Priority is given to letters that are responding to editorials, letters and news stories that have been in the paper. The vast majority of letters we run, in fact, are responding to something that has been in the paper, unless I choose to print something else, like a thank you to a person who turned in a lost purse, for instance. That's completely subjective and somewhat rare.

If you include a reference to what editorial, letter or news story you are responding to, you have a much better chance of seeing your letter in print. Sometimes I have time to figure out what you're talking about, and sometimes I don't.

We like civil discourse. If you use the word "idiot," that's grounds for the trashcan. : )

E-mail is absolute best (not an attachment and NOT a pdf. just paste it in the e-mail). Fax is the worst. Bringing it physically to the building and handing it to the security guard and hoping it finds its way to me is the absolute worst.

Short is always better.

Funny is best.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

bwheeler — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:13:05 -0500

On Nov. 17, Golden Corral Restaurants invited all U.S. military veterans and active military personnel to a free dinner in their honor. I attended the event in the Glenwood Avenue restaurant in Raleigh where a color guard presented the flag and the Pledge of Allegience was given.

A very large crowd enjoyed the delicious dinner served by Golden Corral employees and corporate staff.

Thank you, Golden Corral, for your support of the U.S. military.

Harold V. Carraway
Raleigh

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Thanks to each of you who contributed surgical supplies, encouragement and support to help the children injured in the school collapse in Haiti. The N&O, Duke, WakeMed, doctors and friends donated supplies to fill five bins, two large cardboard boxes and a soccer bag with sutures, surgical instruments, gowns and masks that I took to Port-au-Prince.

Dr. Claude Surena, one of the initial first responders, filled his SUV with the containers. We delivered them to Hospital Germain, the public hospital, with few resources, where many of the children were transported. Now the children have clean sheets and gauze for their wounds, and surgery can be performed on those who need it.

We are grateful for the help you gave to each injured child and their teachers.

Bonnie Elam
The Haiti Connection
Raleigh

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I would like to express my appreciation to Triangle area residents for making the Nasher Museum’s biggest exhibition ever, “El Greco to Velzquez: Art during the Reign of Philip III,” a tremendous success. The crowds were thrilling! Nearly 75,000 visitors came over the course of the 11-week exhibition, compared with about 85,000 visitors during the entire last year.

Our achievement was buoyed by an outpouring of support from the people of North Carolina. I want to express my appreciation to all who came and brought their friends and out-of-town guests to see El Greco to Velzquez. Thank you also to all who took part in the Triangle-wide celebration that was inspired by this show, from tapas menus and library lectures to ballet and symphony performances.

Schoolteachers brought nearly 5,000 children for free tours, courtesy of Bank of America. Many people came to the museum for the first time — including members of the Latino community and residents of Wake and Orange counties. Some showed their support by joining the museum; our membership rolls doubled.

Also exciting was the economic impact of El Greco to Velzquez on the local economy — $3.6 million, according to the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This important exhibition of Spanish masterpieces helped us to learn a great deal as a young institution. We intend to build on this experience and continue to present great art for the enjoyment of all. We are able to keep up an ambitious pace because of the ongoing support of the people of the Triangle.

On behalf of the Nasher Museum staff, thank you.

Kimerly Rorschach
Durham

The writer is director of the Nasher Museum.

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I just received my December issue of Our State magazine, and it contained a wonderful article about the the Raleigh Boychoir and Tom Sibley.

I was a senior at Greensboro College when I first met Tom Sibley and worked with him as a member of the N.C. Music Educators Association, and through his efforts I was able to do my student teaching at Broughton High School and secure a teaching position with Wake County Schools.

Tom Sibley is responsible for bringing the joy and love of music to untold thousands of people not only Raleigh and Wake County but throughout the state and the nation. He has given his love and respect of music for over 40 years to the young people of this county, and not only have these young people benefitted but the people who have been fortunate to hear them perform also have been blessed.

Thank you, Tom!

David Markle
Fuquay-Varina

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We would like to thank University Mall management and its participating stores for the “It’s All About Giving” event held Nov 15. This event helped local nonprofits increase awareness about their organizations and raise money to support their endeavors. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels was excited to be a part of this community day of giving. We serve approximately 70 meals each day to people, regardless of age or income, who are unable to prepare a meal themselves. We not only serve meals, but also provide a friendly, personal visit each day.

During these difficult economic times, our group has seen a decline in donations and participation, as have so many nonprofit organizations. We are grateful to University Mall for the opportunity to spread the word about our local group and hope that this will be a reminder to everyone of all the great work that is being done for our community each and every day by groups like ours. Your continued support is appreciated.

Mary Alice Edkman
Board of Directors
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Meals on Wheels

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It is with regret that I was reminded in the Nov. 20 edition of The N&O that Jerry Meek will soon be stepping down as chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The NCDP has been fortunate over the years to have had many outstanding chairs.

I have been lucky enough to meet some great Democrats, including John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt and nearly all of the Democratic candidates on the ballot this year. In my mind and heart, Jerry Meek stands tall among these leaders, and I hope that we will see more of this brilliant, energetic and wise young man. Perhaps we may be given the golden opportunity to put a mark by his name on a ballot at some time in the future.

Thanks to Meek and to the excellent team of professionals and volunteers at the North Carolina Democratic Party headquarters. It’s been an honor and a privilege,

Karl G. Kachergis
Chairman, Chatham County Democratic Party
Pittsboro

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Thank you for naming Coach Earl Smith as your Tar Heel of the Week on Nov. 23.

As your article stated, he has been a positive role model to young men for many years. He coached two of my sons at Millbrook High School in the ’80s, and it is nice to know that he still is a force for good in the Wake County schools. I appreciate your giving him the recognition he deserves, not only for his football success, but also for the positive attributes he strives to instill into his players.

Georgia Marsh
Fuquay-Varina

Fixing the automakers' flat

bwheeler — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:42:54 -0500

Instead of banks and Wall Street getting a $700 billion bailout, let’s try this:

Increase the home interest deduction to 120 percent for a limited time for taxpaying citizens who are making their mortgage payments. The tax relief would help people stay in their homes and reward them for fulfilling their obligations. The banks would continue to get paid back, and there is no upfront cost to the U.S. government.

Give a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase under the median average home price in their area. This would help people get in their first homes and help others to sell existing homes.

If you buy a new appliance, energy-saving device such as a solar hot water heater or better windows for your home and you charge it or borrow the money, make the interest tax deductible. If they pay cash, reward them with a 20 percent tax credit. This could help keep debt off people’s homes.

To help the auto industry, give a deduction for interest on a car or truck regardless of whether it’s for personal or business. If the car gets over 25 mpg, give a 20 percent tax deduction to the buyer/taxpayer. The manufacturers would sell more cars, and we would help out the environment.

No bailout!

I have worked all my life, employed a lot of people and built homes for well-deserving families. I negotiated with banks and borrowed money and paid it back with no bailouts or government safety nets. When I made mistakes, I paid for them. I thought about what went wrong and corrected and moved forward. When I made the right decisions, I made a fair profit, paid my taxes, shared the wealth and prospered.

Sometimes we fail due to circumstances beyond our control and need a hand up, not a hand out. I believe if we reward those who are working through these hard times, they will reach down and help those who need a hand up by providing jobs.

Mark Massengill
Raleigh

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The latest bailout plan is to give lending institutions more money so they can make more loans. Isn’t this sort of like giving someone more money so they can buy more expensive groceries so their son, who lost his $40 an hour job in the automobile plant, can be hired by the grocery store as a bag boy?

Given the way Congress has handled the economic stability of our country, isn’t its involvement now sort of like putting termites in charge of the woodpile?

Dale Whitfield
Wake Forest

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Nancy Pelosi wants us, as U.S. citizens, to buy stock in GM and the other two automotive disasters. As an investor, I know that there is no value there. Various pundits have said that their problems are due to their not producing the light, energy-efficient vehicles that Americans now want, but that ignores economic reality. It is not as though the thought had never occurred to the management of these companies that building small, efficient cars would be a good idea — they just couldn’t make any money doing so under union contracts! Making a big ground-pounder takes more steel, rubber, etc., than a small car, but proportionally less labor, which is critically important when your labor costs are twice those of your competitors.

As long as these companies operate under the effective control of the United Auto Workers, there is no hope for them. In typical form, Pelosi proposes that these bail-outs come with restrictions on executive pay, a tiny part of their costs. Put restrictions on auto worker pay, and maybe something could be done to save these dinosaurs.

Otherwise, the best course for America is to let them go bankrupt, abrogating their ridiculous union contracts, and sell their assets to efficient nonunion competitors to operate. True, $32/hour-plus-cradle-to-grave-security floor sweepers will have to find honest work, and that’s tough. But why should the rest of America subsidize their exorbitant pay and benefits?

Harold McFarland
Chapel Hill

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Regarding the U.S. taxpayer being forced to bail out the U.S. automobile industry, it’s important to look through the smoke that’s being thrown up by the automakers and labor unions and understand the facts.

First, the auto industry is where it’s at today because of gross incompetence. The credit crisis merely moved forward by perhaps half a year its dire straits.

Secondly, America next year will still consume millions of new automobiles. And GM, Ford and even perhaps Chrysler will produce many of them.

If GM were to declare bankruptcy, 2 million people would not be out of work as the company, and certain members of Congress, are claiming. Plants would still be producing as they restructured. Did United Airlines shut down when it went through three bankruptcies during the past decade? United is now smaller, with fewer employees, yes. But it is still a significant player in the industry. And by GM restructuring, it, too, would emerge stronger than where it is today.

Don’t listen to their sky is falling bombasts. Let them go through Chapter 11 and don’t throw more money (taxpayer this time) after bad.

Bryan Andersen
Raleigh
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Do you not find it curious that in all the talks regarding the “entitlement” bailout for the automakers, no one has asked the CEO and other high level executives as a condition of a loan that they loan the company 50 percent of their own net worth? In addition, why do we not tie in the union’s membership to put up an average of $5,000/ member? Would this not create more focus on succeeding or is this another case of using OPM (other people’s money) with no skin in the game? Something to think about.

Thomas Macrone
Raleigh

Palin's class act, wary joy for gays

bwheeler — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:34:03 -0500

Writer Slavoj Zizek described the “desert of the real” as the place where there are no more warm and comforting illusions. For all Americans, it is time to move from election night jubilation and step into the desert of the real.

In the desert of the real, we must end the war in Iraq while winning the war in Afghanistan.

In the desert of the real, we must repair the global economic meltdown caused by America’s irresponsibility.

In the desert of the real, we must protect, defend, and repair a Constitution that has been long been treated as just a piece of paper.

In the desert of the real, too many Americans still need our best efforts so they can enjoy basic human rights most take for granted.

To those who might want to just enjoy the glow for a little while, I can only say this: There is no time. There is hard work ahead, and some of it is dirty work, and some of it is the work of generations. But it is work that needs doing. Let's go, everyone. Wake up, get a shower, and roll up your sleeves.

Welcome to the desert of the real.

Stephen Gallagher
Youngsville

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If anyone wonders why the Republican Party is in such disarray, revelations by self-serving political advisers provide a clear example when the professional strategists were quick to criticize Gov. Sarah Palin once the election was over.

The balloons of the Obama victory party hadn't even deflated before Republican advisers of McCain began trashing Palin. Apparently, there were some "problems" with her temperament and lack of knowledge of important information VP candidates should know.

First, the governor didn't even respond in kind, only saying she was proud to have been selected and how much she admired Sen. McCain. A sure sign of the class Palin brought to the campaign, something lacking among the Washington crowd.

Second, the quickness with which these advisers dumped on Gov. Palin demonstrated they were more interested in deflecting responsibility from themselves for the failed campaign, as they positioned for future employment in next election go around.

Third, the silence from McCain himself was deafening. Considering what she provided his campaign, and tireless effort to support his candidacy you would think he'd immediately defend Palin, and going further demand to know the names of these gutless whiners! Unfortunately, the "maverick" Mc Cain was more a defender of Obama's questionable ties than the one person who kept his campaign on life support ... Sarah Palin!!

And finally, and this was really the first thought that came to mind: While all the "highly" educated Washington elites were so dismissive of Palin from the beginning, I thought of the equally well-schooled folks overseeing the Wall Street implosion and mortgage debacle. So much for elite school education.

You may have heard the saying, "eating your young," which I was reminded of after hearing this sniping. I hope these political advisers enjoyed the "meal" as much as our party enjoys being firmly planted in the minority.

Through it all Palin has proven she is a class act as the tens of thousands of folks who rallied for her can attest. The folks in Alaska should be proud to have her as governor.

Anthony Bruno
Cary

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On Election night in 2000, I went to sleep with one president and woke up to another. In the days that followed, I was astounded at the steps that were taken to assume power. The eight years that have followed have been the darkest that have existed in my lifetime in this nation.

The opinion of this nation in foreign lands seems to fluctuate between laughable and outright hatred. Our economy has declined to the point of panic while governmental spending remains unbridled. A pointless war continues with thousands of brave patriots giving their lives to greed and futility. People in the LGBT community have been attacked at a national stage as both an abomination and as second-class citizens.

President Clinton was the first president ever to mention the gay community at the national stage. He did so with caution but he did so with support. Our last president spoke the word homosexual and followed it with hate. He tried to intimidate the gay community back to a point 50 years ago where people were in the closet to save their lives. He tried again and again to get the most powerful nation in the world to amend the most powerful document in this nation to declare that gay people do not deserve to stand together in a committed relationship.

So this year, I went to bed overjoyed that a man had been elected who ran a campaign based on unity. Based on coming together and rebuilding the dignity of this country. Based on measuring people for the content of their character. I have offered him my support, but I must admit I do so with caution because too many times my people, gay people, have been thrown on a pyre when the heat of backlash got too intense. President Clinton sure did it.

One of the most honest things I ever heard from Clinton was spoken after he passed "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act clandestinely in the middle of the night, when he said I had no idea how much they hated you. He said this to a leader in the gay rights movement and he was referring to the conservative right. He had been a president who promised a lot to gay people and delivered little.

Any joy that I feel in the hopeful turnaround in the direction this country has taken is also tainted with the pain that I feel for the blows that were directed at the gay community at the same time. At the same time the country was voting to elevate Barack Obama to office of president, California, Arizona and Florida voted to ban same-sex marriages. This is after California has been granting legal marriages to gay people since June.

I celebrate this victory. I celebrate Barack Obama and his vision. I thank him for mentioning gay people in his speech Tuesday night. I only wish my joy could have been less bittersweet.

Richard Tyler
Durham

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I am sad for what took place in the election. I am sad that rhetoric was chosen over substance. I am sad that Marxism was chosen over freedom and liberty. I am sad that someone who has never stood up for his country was chosen over a man who has given his entire adult life to the service of his country. I am sad that a con was chosen over a patriot and true American hero. I am sad that Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" was hijacked with the public not judging a man by the content of his character but once again choosing to view the color of someone's skin. I am sad that our nation that was founded and sustained by Judeo-Christian values voted for someone who revels in the deaths of the unborn and already born. I am sad that Americans chose government intrusion over our Bill of Rights. I am sad that the principles we hold dear and the foundations of this great country were traded for a government handout.

While no one can know the future except for our Creator, I do believe that America made the wrong choice and her future is much less secure, and those who have given their lives in service to America and her freedoms may have now done so in vain.

Melodye Aben
Raleigh

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During election seasons, a country is polarized by political party, religion, ethnic race, economic equity and military power/terrorism. This year it was worse than other years due to Obama’s candidacy. It is time to think of ways to transform this division to constructive tasks. Below are some thoughts/tasks.

Political Party – We need more than two major parties to participate in the election and to depolarize the influence beyond two parties.

Religion – The Founding Fathers separated church and state for a reason. We should make it illegal to talk of religion or to have any faith-based initiatives by parties in the election campaign.

Ethnic Race – Society should evolve to colorblind as soon as possible, the earlier the better. Ethnic or mixed groups will dominate the demography of the country eventually. Participation of these groups in the form of a referendum is very important on many social issues such as immigration, education, abortion, school prayer, etc.

Economic Equity – The Cold War is over against big powers such as former USSR, but the economic war has just begun. Democracy with high economic disparity may be subject to social discontents. We may need equitable distribution of wealth for many social programs as is done in many European countries in the name of social democracy.

Military Power/Terrorism – We will fight two kinds of war in coming generations: national drug/gang violence and international terrorism. Both are important but a military super power cannot win these by any conventional means. We need to take back our neighborhoods and win over the emotions of ideology.

Amalendu Chatterjee
Morrisville

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Elizabeth Dole was a carpetbagger by the classic definition of the word. She was an a outsider who gained political office in an area to which she previously had no connection. She used her birthright which she had previously discarded to run for Senate six years ago. She rode the wave of Bush and used the political machine left behind by Jesse Helms to take over his seat in the Senate.

Helms came home frequently during his tenure as our senator. He spoke with the people who lived here, and he and his staff did their best to take care of them in Washington. I guess Dole also went home frequently during her term as senator. The problem is that N.C. was never her home and never will be.

Kay Hagan is going to be a refreshing change in the Senate for the state. She was born here, she lives here and she knows what the state needs. It is good to think that both senators from North Carolina are actually from North Carolina again. They actually live here and perhaps they will represent the state first and any political agendas second.

Don Pickett
Raleigh

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Tonight my country unequivocally said to the world: No more. Enough.

No more will we resort to belittling world leaders and the citizens they represent.

No more will we use unimaginable violence against innocent civilians to steal natural resources.

No more will we ignore our international responsibilities to protecting the global environment, upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights.

No more will we torture.

No more will we turn a blind eye to disease, poverty and hunger.

No more will we choose reckless violence over mature negotiation.

No more will we disregard our Constitution, which is the legal framework that guides our domestic and global behavior.

No more will we say one thing and do another.

No more. Enough.

And so I ask my fellow citizens of Earth to forgive the past eight years, to trust, to remember the decency that I believe characterizes my country and to join with us and our new president as we begin the global healing process that is so desperately needed.

Tyrus Cohan
Cary

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The election is over, and now the hard part begins. One major issue is the deficit, and we need to reduce it sharply. Here's how.

I propose a tax on the "confused" — those who voted for Bush and put him in office. The amount: $5,000 per family who voted for him once. Like all taxes it should be progressive. Those who are more confused pay more — so those who voted for Bush twice pay $20,000. And if you compromised your child's future by putting the Bushies in office, you pay $5,000 per child. So, a two-time Bush voter with three kids, your bill is $35,000.

This won't wipe out the deficit, but it will help! And it's a fair tax — those responsible for the mess will pay to clean it up.

Michael Foster
Chapel Hill

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Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama painted John McCain’s policies as an extension of the failed Bush policies of the past eight years. Now that Obama has been elected, will we finally see change? Let's see.

John McCain voted to give $750 billion to fat cats on Wall Street. So did Obama.

McCain believes the United States should intervene militarily in Pakistan and Iran. So does Obama.

McCain voted to extend the Patriot Act, which gives the president the power to wiretap, read your e-mails and throw anybody in jail as an enemy combatant. But Obama voted for it, too.

McCain’s spending and tax-cut proposals would add hundreds of billions to the federal deficit, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. So would Obama’s.

John McCain supports governmental limits on carbon emissions by private companies via a cap-and-trade system. So does Obama.

This is change we can believe in?

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Michael Powers
Charlotte

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The morning after the North Carolina primaries, I was driving my son to his kindergarten class when the commentator on the radio said that he wondered whether Jesse Helms' North Carolinians would actually ever vote for a black man for president during general elections.

Hearing those words, my 6-year-old son said: "What does this man mean? We are white and we would NEVER not vote for someone because of the color of his skin. ... We vote for who is the best.”

I then spoke briefly about segregation and opportunity and told him about racial disparities old and new here in North Carolina, a "simple" conversation of a grave topic that a mom can have with her son while driving in morning traffic. Francesco heard my words and remained silent for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed: “Mommy, I am so happy I don't live in THAT world." I had tears in my eyes for the rest of the trip to the school and I thought of his wisdom and HIS changing world for the reminder of the day.

This Tuesday night my son, my husband and I were watching the results of the elections on TV when my son fell asleep. His last words before dozing off were: "Mommy, wake me up when they announce he is the president." There was never a doubt in his mind that Barack Obama would become the president of the United States. He was certain that the world around him had changed.

I continue to become tearful every time I hear Obama's acceptance speech, or when I see the picture of the Obama family at Grant Park and the crowd that received them there, or when I think of the millions of people of all races and creeds who have voted for him and of those who have cheered for him and us around the world. I also fear because I know that the world has not changed as much as Francesco imagines it. But I have hope that my son's generation will finally see true equality and opportunity for all.

Viviana Martinez-Bianchi
Raleigh

Joy, pride, relief ... partisan hack?

bwheeler — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:28:36 -0500

I am proud to be an American.

I’ve said that statement many times in the past, but today I am especially proud to call myself a citizen of the United States of America.

To help you understand why I feel this way, I need to explain a bit about my background. I was born in the South in the early 1960s. I was raised in a white, upper-middle class, decidedly segregated culture. I attended a “white flight” private school. My family enjoyed membership at an all-white country club. We very neatly fit into the segment of society that Dr. Martin Luther King called “sons of former slave owners,” my ancestors having been slave owners prior to the Civil War. I distinctly remember being told by friends and family members “you can be nice to black people, but you cannot be friends with them.”

I also vividly remember how African-Americans were treated in our culture. Any attempt by leaders to address injustices was met with a derisive “What do those people want now?” African-Americans were treated with scorn, if they were treated at all.

In my younger years, I harbored feelings and said things about fellow American citizens that I now realize were wrong and deeply hurtful — to myself as well as to them. I have begged God to forgive me the many years I disrespected people just because their skin was darker than mine.

I know I am not alone. There are many other Americans who came from similar backgrounds or who in the past harbored similar attitudes toward African-Americans who now realize the pain and injustice that those feelings bring to bear in our society. Thankfully, like me, they now reject those attitudes and are working toward reconciliation.

That’s why I can watch the news this morning and feel immensely proud. Our nation has elected an African-American to the most powerful office in the country, if not the world. We have sent a signal to the watching world — a world that said an African-American would never be elected president of the United States — that our nation is still “the land of opportunity.” This is an amazing moment, especially when you see it through the prism of our history.

I feel certain that I will not agree with every decision that President Obama will make — but I can say that about every president in my lifetime.

Differences over policy, however, can wait for another day. Today is a day we should be celebrating this incredible accomplishment.

Yes, I am proud to be an American.

Brian Ellison
Durham

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This is a historic day for America, a day that I am thankful that God allowed me to live to see it.

When I was growing up in coastal North Carolina in the 1940s and ’50s, blacks were considered by most locals to be less than human. Not so by my parents, even though both of their ancestors had been in North Carolina for 200 years or more and some had been slave owners. My mother, in particular, always emphasized to me that they were people just like us. She took pride in the simple fact that she shared the dinner table with an African-American housekeeper who assisted her for a while after I was born. My father worked shoulder to shoulder with African-Americans at the menhaden factory, had black friends and never showed any evidence of bigotry.

I remember thinking how unfair it was that African-Americans were consigned to separate, but unequal schools; were turned away from hospitals, sometimes needlessly dying as a result; had to use designated “Negro” restrooms and drinking fountains (if they were were lucky enough to find them); and, despite our being a coastal community, were not allowed on the beach (except for fully-clothed nannies in the care of small white children). In the mid-1950s, Morehead City had two movie theaters, of which only one permitted blacks — in a sealed-off balcony accessible by way of a fire escape in the adjacent alley.

By the time I began my university studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, the university had been integrated for 10 years, but there were only a handful of African-American students enrolled. I befriended one who was turned away from the First Baptist Church on Franklin Street because of the color of his skin. Students and faculty rallied around him and a new church was established on campus. While I was not an activist, I supported the UNC students who demonstrated against segregation and were successful at integrating some businesses downtown.

In 1960, I left North Carolina for graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, never thinking I would be able to return. There were precious few blacks in Wisconsin or at UW-Madison, but I befriended one from South Carolina, who was also working on a Ph.D. in chemistry, and I observed for the first time inter-racial dating on campus. During those years (1960 through 1964), the South was in turmoil — heinous crimes were being committed against blacks, and governors were standing in schoolhouse doorways in an ultimately futile attempt to prevent integration. Fortunately, by the time I finished my Ph.D. in 1964, the Research Triangle Park had been established, and a diverse and racially tolerant population was budding in the Triangle area. I have worked with many African-Americans over the course of my career, including those from other countries. I never saw them as any different from myself.

I think that John McCain is an honorable man, and although he permitted himself to be manipulated by the radical right wing, I believe that he would have resumed his moderate stance and done a credible job at governing this nation. However, his running mate would not have done a credible job should he have succumbed to melanoma.

Neither he nor Barack Obama can fix this nation overnight, as I am afraid many people naively expect, but I believe that Obama possesses the coolness of mind, personality and intelligence to effectively bridge the partisan divide and put us back on track. And I think that he, more than anyone, can heal this nation’s soiled international image.

Thank God that the time has finally arrived in this country “when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” May God protect and guide our new president through the very difficult times ahead.

Bob Lewis
Cary

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America has spoken. We are now to move forward unified as a country, and all must be hopeful that we will continue as a great nation.

We should not sit back and wait for all the campaign promises to come to fruition as most of the time they don’t. Those who are successful are those who get busy achieving their goals instead of waiting for someone to do something for them. Those who are good community citizens are that way because they want to help and to give, not because our government says we have to. Those who stay involved in their children’s education do so because they want them to become responsible, knowledgeable and independent. Be thankful for this great country and pray for peace, strength and prosperity for all.

If you were a first-time voter and have not yet really educated yourself on the current issues of your country, state and town, then start now. We have even greater opportunity, as you have seen, to make a difference. During these next four years, pay attention to the issues and how this new administration has changed things for the better or not, and you will be able to make an informed decision on whether you want things to continue with President Obama, or another candidate.

Yes, I am disappointed in the elections. But I still love this country and know that all the newly elected have worked hard because of their love for this country. Who would go through the last few months of campaigning who didn’t truly care? Those who did not win are not leaving the country. I’m not, either.

Jennette Rafetto
Cary

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Nov. 4 around midnight, acclamations of joy and relief could be heard across my apartment complex because of news of Barack Obama’s victory and John McCain’s defeat. Yet the next morning on the walk to my car, I noticed Obama’s red, white, and blue Hope posters littering the ground after being torn to shreds. Both are reactions to the results of the election that could not be any different.

After months of campaigning from the right and the left calling for change, I have to wonder whether any of this promised change will occur. And in an election of high voter turnout, it seems obvious that America as a whole is not satisfied with the direction the country is currently taking. Yet will our nation overcome its difference of opinions in order to achieve change or will the stronghold that exists in America due to party lines continue to reign over Washington?

Caitlin Greene
Raleigh

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Though I have read many accounts of black Americans’ weeping at the results of the election, I am a white woman and I, too, wept when I realized that the intelligent, articulate African-American Barack Obama would soon be our next president.

I was overcome with being part of this defining moment in American history and thrilled that, at long last, we can become united by hope instead of divided by fear.

Carol Muth
Raleigh

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I do fervently hope that my reading of Barack Obama as the most partisan senator ever elected is wrong and that the few people I know who see him as a “closet” moderate with bipartisan tendencies are right.

Even though the war, the economy, taxes, energy and health care are rightfully the key focus areas, I think the two bellwethers of bipartisanship will be the issues of check-off replacing secret ballots in union elections and the Fairness Doctrine being pushed by Nancy Pelosi to curb conservative talk radio.

By the way, there is some irony of people feeling that secret ballot is somehow not viable in such a historic election year. In both of these issues, Obama has so far supported the party line, but it has been stated by Ron Williams of NPR that both of these along with trade are areas where Obama is really not radical.

We can only hope. If I’m wrong, I will be delighted.

William Conklin
Raleigh

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Overzealous supporters of several candidates and interest groups have usurped state highway rights of way and flouted state statutes to post their campaign signs. These signs are like mushrooms in a lawn after a heavy rain. Unsightly and unwanted. State statute G.S.136.32 prohibits all but official highway signs on state highway rights of way. Several years ago, N.C. DOT adopted an ordinance prohibiting the placement of advertising signs within highway rights of way.

Now that the election is over, I hope that the campaign volunteers utilize the same zeal in removing signs as they did in placing them.

Kirk Port
Raleigh

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Tuesday was my birthday, and I got the best gift possible — a new president and, best of all, the one I supported. It was my best birthday gift ever, but that is not why I am writing.

Discussions about the election will no doubt go on for months — even years. But there is one aspect that has not been celebrated enough.

I have always made a point of voting, but every year I heard many people say they did not vote because they felt their vote would not count — that big money controlled our elections. Despite the powerful influence of money on politics, the American people have never really been disenfranchised, but many felt they were.

This election ended that. Who could not rejoice at the reports of huge numbers of people coming out for early voting and the overall high voter turn-out. I ate out Tuesday night, and my charming waitress had voted for the first time earlier that day. She was so happy and proud I’m sure she will not fail to vote in the future. A friend told me he watched as door-to-door volunteers registered a 100-year-old neighbor so she could vote for the first time in her life.

The true power in this country is in the grassroots, and many people discovered that for the first time with this election. This is the first major accomplishment of Obama’s administration.

Merrilie Brown
Chapel Hill

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My faith in humanity has been restored. Barack Obama was able to win the presidency without rancor, vandalism or slandering. He won on his own merits. Thank you fellow, Americans.

Sally Wenda
Raleigh

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Several years ago I spent a few weeks working in downtown Philadelphia. As an amateur student of our nation’s history, I was thrilled to be in the same city block as the American Philosophical Society, the origins of the Lewis & Clark expedition, the home of Benjamin Franklin and the birthplace of our government. Every time we walked to dinner, we went past a national monument. We were walking the same streets that Benjamin Franklin walked. One night after dinner, I walked around Independence Park and was able to look at the Liberty Bell from the sidewalk.

I remember what a thrill that was. I stood there, alone and in the cold dark night, thinking about the history of that bell. The symbolism it embodied. What it meant to the nation as a whole. I’ve thought about it a few times since then as I fondly remember my time there. As I sit here watching the election coverage, I am drawn back to that time.

I mostly remember wondering what it sounded like. When they first hung up that bell and tested it. When they rang it to announce the first Continental Congress. When they rang it to announce the battles of Lexington and Concord. The Liberty Bell (also called the Independence Bell) was used to call the community together so that the latest news could be disseminated. It was used to announce the bellwether events of the day.

Tonight, I now know what it sounds like. It’s ringing as I write this. We have our own bellwether event. Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States of America. Over the coming days there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth. There will also be much joy and excitement. Pundits will wax philosophically about the good and the bad of the Obama administration. Regardless of how any of us feels about it, the bell still rings.

It’s ringing stretches all across the world. It is ringing loud and clear. All nations can hear it. The ground trembles with the vibration of its sound. The whole world sees an African-American man elected to the highest office of the land. This is a man who 150 years ago would have been an uneducated slave. He would have worked himself to death in a Southern cotton field. This is a man who even 50 years ago would have lived in a segregated society. Now his picture will be everywhere for everyone to see. Dictators will see it. Terrorists will see it. The rich and powerful and the poor and defenseless will see it. Make no mistake, we are still a shining city on the hill. We are the model for freedom across the world. We are the last, best hope for freedom everywhere.

We have finally done it. We have transcended race and wiped away the tarnish the last eight years have left on our national brand. I never thought I would live to see this day. This is the fall of totalitarianism and communism. This is the defeat of the Axis powers. This is the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. This is the creation of the European Union. This is 9/11.

No matter what side of the fence you sit on, you should remember this day. No matter what his policies turn out to be, remember this day. No matter where we are in four or eight years, remember this day. I know I will. We still have a long way to go, but we are well on our way in getting there. I thank God for this day and pray for the strength to continue down the road. The election is finally over. We are all one people. Let us unite and work together on the major issues of the day. We have so much work to do.

Douglas Ward
Holly Springs

Wrong, wrong, wrong on Obama

bwheeler — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:55:45 -0400

Apparently, John Finch’s 20 years in private practice have given him the very skill that he decries Barack Obama for: “the greatest skill of every pitch-artist is the ability to weave bits of truth in an often deceptive fashion.” He has taken Obama’s suggestion that — given the increasing religious diversity of the U.S. population — we must embrace different value systems, and we cannot simply think of this country as a “Christian” one.

Somehow, Finch has equated a rapidly changing demographic with a new value system. Obama’s remarks have nothing to do with moral values — they are simply suggesting that a multicultural society should embrace all the attendant faiths — and nonfaiths — that are part of our national fabric. That would include respect for their various value systems.

I’m planning on voting for Obama on Nov. 4, but don’t count me as one who looks at him with “blind adoration.” He’s not Superman. He has said things and done things that do not sit well with me. I’m voting for him because he has all the skills that this country needs for a president at this juncture. If you want to see some blind adoration, go to a Sarah Palin rally.

Danny Gotham
Chapel Hill

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As a Christian seminary student, I object to how John Finch’s Oct. 28 column “weaves bits of truth into a large fabric of fluff” to misrepresent a speech Barack Obama made to progressive Christians. He quotes an out-of-context passage to claim Obama promotes replacing Christianity with lukewarm religious pluralism.

Ironically, Obama was calling on Christian Democrats to stop hiding their Christianity. He describes how to do this while keeping church and state separate to avoid Christianity’s reduction to another political issue with which to score points.

Obama doesn’t propose adopting a politically correct universal moral code, as Finch suggests, but rather translating biblical values into proposals that are subject to argument, and amenable to reason. This way, a progressive Christian politician can fight for biblical values without throwing around God’s name cynically and disrespectfully.

Morgan Guyton
Durham

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Regarding the Oct. 29 Point of View by John Finch, I would like to suggest that perhaps he should look in the mirror. He’s a pretty good pitch artist himself, except for me he has thrown nothing but foul balls. Aside from the abusive ad hominems, false dilemmas and amphiboly he employs, his own “blind fundamentalism” is transparent. I found his cover-up of Obama’s position amusing. He states:
“He [Obama in his “Call to Renewal” speech] explains why ‘Christian values can no longer form the moral basis of American society. He [again, Obama] states that: “Given the increasing diversity of America’s population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.”

How clever Finch was to leave out any attempt to help clarify Obama’s obvious intention. With the addition of a few words and if we bother to pay attention to his past rhetoric, we can understand his position. To wit: “Christian values can no longer be the only form for the moral basis of American society.” His statement has an entirely different meaning than the one alluded to by Finch and is based upon the fundamental principles of our Constitution. We are a country based on a foundation of freedom not on Finch’s particular brand of “Christianity” only, or anyone else’s for that matter.

Frankly, Finch, not Obama, scares me. With 20 years in practice as an attorney, has he forgotten those principles taught in his constitutional law classes, or merely chosen to twist and ignore them?

It is hard for me to believe that anything could cause more polarization in our society than the thinly veiled sectarian issues Finch used to prop up his exposition. Focusing on heated issues like “abortion and other matters” (whatever they may be) is far more divisive than making a simple statement about our diversity as a nation.

His false dilemma about Obama’s lack of understanding about “the morally conservative nature of most cultures” or that he disregards the “true facts with the assumption that the rest of us are clueless” are clearly not reasonable choices to glean from his written and spoken positions. Our need, no, our moral imperative, is to embrace freedom by showing tolerance, living peacefully and defending everyone’s right to believe as they choose, while at the same time obeying the laws of civilized society.

I have no “blind fundamentalist-style devotion” to anyone or any ideal other than to live free. Indeed, I agree with Finch about one thing: History does have an annoying way of repeating itself. Sectarianism is one of those “scary” things I hope we can all avoid repeating. Being free and avoiding any kind of “sectarianism” is why our country was founded, wasn’t it?

Paul M. Kauffmann
Durham

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In response to the Point of View “From the lips of Barack Obama” by John B. Finch, I would like to say thanks for affording me the opportunity to read the article written by Barack Obama, which led Finch to believe that Obama is a “left-wing extremist.”

After reading the article, I am in total opposition to Finch’s opinion and am only further convinced that Barack Obama has the most dynamic insight into understanding mankind and our very blessed United States of America.

Rose Whitley
Smithfield

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John Finch, in “A pitch artist who inspires scary devotion,” is frightened of Barack Obama. Based on his column, Finch frightens very easily. He fears the statement that our nation is diverse, not simply a white, Protestant, uniform entity, and that our values should reflect that diversity. And just what Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim values does Finch fear? An examination of the basic moral values of any of the world’s great religions would reveal much more similarity than difference.

Finch described the Rev. Jeremiah Wright as “virulently divisive.” Rev. Wright’s extreme statements are clear; so is Obama’s denunciation of those views. All of Obama’s writings, actions while a state senator and U.S. senator and statements during the primary and general election campaign indicate that he does not accept the “liberationist theology” views expressed by Rev. Wright. However, given the experiences of African-Americans during the Jim Crow era, it is absurd to expect that those of Rev. Wright’s generation would hold views other than the ones expressed by Jeremiah Wright. If you have been subject to lynching, and every legal and social degradation, verbal condemnation is the least one would expect. But Obama grew up at a different time, had different experiences and does not share those views expressed by Rev. Wright.

Obama said he would agree to public financing, if an agreement could be reached with the Republican campaign. It is clear that if he had gone with public financing and not accepted the millions of small donations, the Republican attack machine, including the 527s, would have had a field day. Campaign finance will have to wait for more comprehensive reform.

Obama does not have “dubious oratory talent,” but real talent; he has the intelligence and the ability to be a great president. It’s a shame John Finch does not recognize this.

Joe Elinoff
Durham

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I was saddened by the article written by John Finch, who seems to share the same last name as Atticus Finch in the famous novel by Harper Lee. I do not understand why The N&O chose to print this pitch artist’s venomous article. He apparently prides himself as a Christian conservative. Well, the best of Christian conservative tradition is to celebrate the birth of God with all stripes of religion — magis from all over the globe.

I remember the year-end parties given by the late Dr. Leslie Campbell, where he heartily welcomed a Palestinian from Bethlehem for the occasion. Contrary to the pitch artist’s rhetoric, the McCain campaign has inspired scary devotion amounting to a mob. McCain has been irascible throughout the campaign, while Obama has been calm. I ask the pitch artist accusing Obama being a pitch artist to read the candidate’s past comment on the Warren court. Obama is an intellectual to a fault.

Has the writer ever attended a black church? I urge him to do so. Jeremiah Wright is in the tradition of Prophet Jeremiah. The preacher’s self-righteous rhetoric belies his good deeds. There is no mistake the Rev. Wright has done a lot of good things. What was shown in the snippets does not reveal the real person and his church.

What Finch advocates is not in the best of Christian tradition. It is a last ditch pitch artist’s effort to stop the history from happening.

Paul Suhr
Raleigh

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John Finch (“A pitch artist who inspires scary devotion,” Oct. 29) so misrepresented Barack Obama’s 2006 speech that it’s hard to refute briefly.

Nowhere does Obama hint that Christian values no longer underlie American society, as Finch charged.

Late in the speech, Obama says we have become a religiously diverse nation. From this, Finch inexplicably argues that Obama is either ignorant of or cynical about the nature of the world. Obama’s point is simply that politics must be respectful of this diversity.

Finch uses the tired “celebrity” talking point: Obama is such an inspiring speaker that he is dangerous. So effective public speaking is a bad thing?

Reading Obama’s speech honestly reveals a thoughtful examination of religion and politics. He might not be as absolute as some conservatives want, but he respects their religious values.

Obama is not the pitch-artist here.

Don Clement
Durham

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Many thanks to Point of View writer John Finch for pointing us to a two-year-old speech by Barack Obama. As an Obama supporter I highly recommend this speech to any undecided voter.

Finch, of course, hopes the speech will convince you that Obama is a dangerous extremist. Wow, you’d think he could have found something a tad more inflammatory, less thoughtful, less statesmanlike than this. It’s at http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060628-call_to_renewal/

Our highest hope should be that an Obama presidency will move people such as Finch toward thinking and working within a diverse society instead of fighting against it.

David E. Brown
Chapel Hill

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Like many others in Raleigh, I am a lawyer. Law school’s purpose is to teach reasoning and organized, rational thinking and this is the basis on which people listen to a lawyer’s opinions with some respect. John Finch certainly gives his legal credentials as a reason to listen to his views. I am upset that he uses the profession and his “20 years” as a lawyer to make such a flawed argument.

Finch writes well and much of what he says makes sense. But his entire argument is based on a personal, partisan assumption that’s hidden from the casual reader. In his fifth paragraph, Finch writes that “[p]resumably” Obama’s suggestion that we embrace a more inclusive moral code shows Obama’s desire to foist his “very liberal policies regarding abortion and other matters” onto society. Thus does attorney Finch, with The N&O’s assistance, persuade based upon his legal credentials and his erroneous personal assumptions.

The more inclusive moral code Obama referenced is to embrace non-Christians. I come from a proud Jewish heritage. Our Founding Fathers separated church and state so that all Americans could have freedom of worship. Many Republican supporters seem to equate Christianity to being “American” or a “real” American or patriotic. I submit that nothing could be further from the truth. Obama’s speech calling for our country to embrace Americans of all religions is certainly not equivalent to pushing abortion rights or a liberal agenda.

I am just so upset my profession and its reputation for intelligently reasoned thinking is used to support this type of thing!

Victoria Wright
Raleigh

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Why publish another fear-mongering attack on Barack Obama like John Finch’s baseless column claiming that Obama is a left-wing extremist who is hiding some unspecified scary agenda, and calling Obama supporters blind for not seeing this? Can no one defend McCain/Bush policies without resorting to scare tactics about Obama?

Finch says he’s afraid of Obama’s 2006 speech on religion, which promoted the idea that faith-based morals have a role in public policy. This is an idea that a huge majority of Americans agree with. Obama, however, cautions against using the beliefs of any particular religious sect as the basis for our laws. Again, this is something Americans agree with, and it’s right there in the Constitution. What is scary about this?

It’s hard for me to understand how anyone fairly reading Obama’s words on this or any other topic can be afraid of some hidden extremist agenda. Some may disagree about some of his ideas like allowing Bush tax cuts on top income-earners to expire, or bringing troops home from Iraq, but these are not scary radical views.

The election should be about ideas, but it looks like fear-mongering is all Finch and the McCain/Palin campaign have left.

Michael Ling
Chapel Hill

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I suppose it is reasonable to offer a range of editorial views, pro and con on Barack Obama. But the guest op-ed by John B. Finch just doesn’t belong in any paper that values its credibility. Finch makes the inflammatory charge that Obama is a “left-wing extremist” and attempts to loosely back up that dubious claim by equally dubious arguments about Obama’s multiculturalist outlook. And then he claims that most cultures are morally conservative. Just what is “morally conservative” supposed to mean?

If you insist on subjecting your readers to this drivel, in all fairness, perhaps you should headline these pieces, “Another rant by a right-wing raving ideologue.”

Howard A. Partner
Durham

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Reading the op-ed piece by John Finch, I am drawn to wonder whether he is aware that his argument supports the language he criticizes.

Paraphrasing Obama, he states: This demographic change is given as the reason why America must embrace a more universal moral code. He then proceeds to demonstrate that such a universal code, acceptable to Roman Catholic and Hindu immigrants, would more closely approach that of fundamental, evangelical Christians than would the moral code he attributes to Obama’s very liberal policies.

To my understanding, Finch has confused what Obama said (Finch’s attribution) with his own adversarial political view.

Dan McConnell
Raleigh
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John Finch started his outrageous attack on Barack Obama in his Oct. 29 op-ed piece by writing “Who is the real Barack Obama? Unlike most of his supporters, I have concluded that he is a left-wing extremist.”

Finch’s evidence is Obama’s 2006 “Call to Renewal” speech on religion and politics. That speech confirmed, Finch writes, “my worst fears about Obama.”

The problem with Finch’s charge is that Obama’s speech is anything but radical; it is moderate in tone and substance (and I encourage readers to Google it and read it for themselves). In fact, Finch has completely mischaracterized Obama’s position. This is an important issue for many people, and the record needs to be set straight.

In his speech, Obama claimed that “Americans are a religious people.” He asserted the importance of faith —a faith that speaks to a “deep hunger” in people’s lives. He confessed that “something was missing” in his own life that led, eventually, to his own conversion to Christianity: “I felt that I heard God’s spirit beckoning me. I submitted myself to His will, and dedicated myself to discovering His truth.”

Obama argued that “secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square” and he mentioned a number of great Americans who were moved by their faith to make America better. He praised evangelical ministers for their public concern and chastised his own party for its occasional wariness of religion. (Indeed, Obama has since proposed strengthening President Bush’s faith-based initiative, to the discomfort of some Democrats.) He noted that it is not enough to change laws; the problems of our time require that our hearts be changed as well.

Is this what troubles Finch? Well, he doesn’t mention any of this. The problem would appear to be that Obama also defended the separation of church and state.

Now, we need to keep in mind, as Obama reminded his listeners, that the strongest support for separating church and state at America’s founding came from evangelicals — especially Baptists, and he made the important and often overlooked point that the vitality of religion in America (unlike in Europe) is a result of the free enterprise in religion that the First Amendment made possible. The idea of separating church and state is not some wild-eyed radical idea.

But, Finch says, Obama “alludes to immigration” (a red flag) and claims that we are no longer “just a Christian nation.” He seems to think that what Obama really wants is a “universal moral code” in keeping with his “very liberal policies.” This, Finch argues, violates the “morally conservative” nature of our culture

America has become a religiously pluralistic society and, as Obama noted, “given the increasing diversity of America’s population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater.” We need to find common ground. Democracy requires that we not use religion as a “tool of attack.” Americans “don’t want faith used to belittle or to divide. They’re tired of hearing folks deliver more screed than sermon. Because in the end, that’s not how they think about faith in their own lives.”

This doesn’t require that religion be excluded from the public square; far from it. But this does mean that we should treat each other with respect and try to find moral common ground. In a religiously pluralistic society the separation of church and state provides a framework that allows us to live together with our deepest differences (which are often religious). It prevents constant warring over religious truth — over whose interpretation of the Bible will be favored, or which religion will be given preferences.

Finch notes that 20 years of practicing law has ”given me many opportunities to learn about ignoble human qualities” — implying that he is able to discern such qualities in Obama.

No doubt Obama’s position can be criticized from the vantage point of the Religious Right or the Secular Left, but what is completely unreasonable is to argue, as Finch does, that Obama’s position is radical or insincere or ignoble. Obama’s speech, and his position on religion and politics are utterly moderate, deep-felt, and any suggestion otherwise is simply “over the top.”

Warren A. Nord
Former director, Program in Humanities and Human Values at UNC-Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill

Danger, fright and sin

bwheeler — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:31:47 -0400

So I will receive up to $800 in tax cuts if Barack Obama is elected. Is that the price of my soul these days? Is that worth giving up my morals? Is that worth 3,000 babies being killed each and every day? Is that worth my children and grandchildren not inheriting a free country with the greatest Constitution on Earth? I don’t think so.

No amount of tax cuts will make up for the extreme plans Obama has for my country and its Constitution. Everything he proposes just stinks! Each and every person needs to vote this year to ensure this unqualified, inexperienced, no morals man does not get elected.

Please vote for John McCain. Voting is a right and a privilege, not an inconvenience. Vote early, vote McCain. Ensure that future generations will have the chance to live in the same, great nation that we live in today.

Vote for McCain. No amount of temporary cash in your pocket is worth the demise of this great nation. Please vote John McCain.

Susan Eby
Holly Springs

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As I watch this election unfold, I have become more and more concerned about the future of my small business.

My small business is one that depends on overseas products because the items I sell are not available here in the U.S., and the maze of rules and regulations that I must adhere to are at times overwhelming. I try very hard to keep up with the many regulations and costs involved and can barely hold on. To think that there will be more taxes and regulations forced on my small business is frightening. I am sure that small businesses across the U.S. are already stretched to the point that many of us are now holding on by the skin of our teeth.

Those of you who have a government-backed job just do not understand what small business owners have to deal with, and to think that an Obama victory will bring more requirements such as required health insurance for all employees or new taxes would certainly be the end of many small businesses like mine.

I have read and heard the media bash “Joe the Plumber,” and in reality he is very similar to many of us who have a dream and want to stand on our own and be fair to all our employees. I feel strongly that our politicians have deserted the small business owners and continue to give large corporations and government pet projects more backing without addressing the needs of small business owners. Our elected officials continue to spend more on giveaway programs, and I am sure now that these type give-away projects are a big factor in our current financial crisis.

I for one want lower taxes and fewer regulations and requirements. Our system is broken and needs to be fixed by lowering taxes, and our politicians just do not get it. We cannot continue to run our country as a welfare state if we want to continue to have the lifestyle we deserve. Spreading the wealth sounds good to those who want something for nothing, and our elected officials are to blame for this.

I am scared for my family and my employees. It is time to stand up against more government and more boondoggle spending before it is too late.

Perry Harris
Smithfield

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The tone of the McCain/Palin campaign and of many of their supporters at their rallies has become dangerous. Civil discourse has been left aside in favor of attempting to instill a fear of their opponent by tapping into latent racism and fear of terrorism.

Using indirect and at times very direct messages, they are perpetuating and fueling a dangerous fire and emboldening those who may otherwise be inhibited from action with their tacit approval. And the effect will last well after the campaign is over.

An angry extremist’s attempt to prematurely end an Obama presidency would be catastrophic on a human level, a political level and an economic level. And the McCain/Palin campaign would be culpable.

Taking advantage of, and perpetuating, these most destructive of human emotions to further their own political gains is simply inexcusable. It diminishes us all.

Michael Stella
Durham

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John McCain frightens me. He is stuck in the past, unable to overcome his lost-war complex. If he were elected president, his romantically patriotic notion of a victory with honor might motivate him to fight and prolong wars that are not in humanity’s best interest. I don’t think he is emotionally detached and rational enough to discern the point where ending a war short of victory becomes the prudent thing to do.

Another scary trait of McCain’s is his boasting about and glorification of service and sacrifice. When using the phrase “paying the ultimate sacrifice,” he appears awestruck. We don’t need another president who demands of our soldiers the willingness to kill and be killed for a questionable cause and whose certainties about himself and our country may do even greater damage.

The wars of the 20th century are over. NATO lost its function. Its extension toward the East is a folly. So is the installation of a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. The changed geopolitical situation requires a statesman in the White House who will lead the world in establishing a new order that includes Russia and China. How else can the world become safer?

Bill Grothmann
Cary

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As Charlotte’s Mayor Pro Tem, many people have asked me who I support for governor. My answer is clear: Bev Perdue. In fact, the majority of the Charlotte City Council supports Perdue for governor.

I know both candidates personally. I served with Charlotte Mayor McCrory on the City Council for seven years, and I’ve seen first-hand Bev’s work as lieutenant governor.

Bev is the leader we need during these difficult times. Unlike Pat McCrory, she understands that to do that we must bring our entire state together, all 100 counties, rather than pitting regions or groups against each other.

The difference is clear here in Charlotte: Pat vetoed a budget that would have added 70 more police on the streets. He opposed a program to revitalize a troubled neighborhood and reduce crime. Perdue, on the other hand, personally visited those communities to learn about their concerns.

Charlotte’s form of government, like other North Carolina cities, gives the mayor no power. McCrory has never written a budget nor does he vote on council actions except in very limited cases. He has absolutely no experience in human services such as education, health care or mental health. In these most challenging times, we cannot risk a governor who needs on-the-job training.

As governor, Bev Perdue has the experience and temperament to give all North Carolinians a seat at the table. Only she can move our entire state forward.

Susan Burgess
Mayor Pro Tem
Charlotte

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Why is Robin Hayes adding to the hate speech of this election, calling liberals “people who hate America”? Call me a liberal. I usually vote Democratic and believe in giving a helping hand to the less fortunate, rather than a boot in the face to hold them down. I volunteer with struggling schoolchildren, build homes with Habitat for Humanity and work with our local Literacy Council to teach adults to read. I have worked hard, raised my children to be productive tax-paying citizens, and I go to church regularly. For this I hate America? How am I so threatening to Robin Hayes?

Is it that I am tired of people who make big bucks getting all the tax breaks? That I think it is wrong to give more tax breaks to U.S. corporations that take our jobs out of our country? I have lost two jobs to NAFTA. I support tax breaks for companies that add jobs here.

Robin Hayes was born into one of the wealthiest families in North Carolina. He doesn’t know what it’s like to live in fear of losing your job and medical coverage, through no fault of your own, knowing there are few equivalent jobs available. He has no idea of the struggles many families face every month to pay for basic necessities.

He should be ashamed to say that I hate America and people who do well. I simply want to keep more of my paycheck and to get America back on track, to be the best it can for its citizens and be respected by other countries again.

Hayes doesn’t deserve to represent North Carolina if he thinks his divisive speech is appropriate. Talk about stupid!

Susan Whitledge
Newport

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A few thoughts about the presidential election:

John McCain is experienced, has high integrity, has served our country as a U.S. Navy pilot, is a Vietnam War POW and has extensive foreign affairs and defense expertise. He is the true change agent in this election, is the best hope to cut the wild federal spending and is known for working with both Democrats and Republicans.

In contrast, Barack Obama has no executive experience, was indecisive as an Illinois state senator, voting “present” on many issues, is rated as the most liberal U.S. senator, rarely challenges his political party and has stated one of his primary goals is to “spread the wealth” by taking more money from some hard-working Americans and then send federal checks to those who pay no federal income tax — a new form of welfare.

Obama’s belief system has been influenced by such radicals as Jeremiah Wright, who as Obama’s pastor for 20 years preached hate for America and whites; William Ayers, who is an unrepentant American terrorist whose organization bombed Americans and American facilities; and let’s not forget Tony Rekzo, a friend of Obama’s who is a convicted felon. Obama has a connection to our current financial mess. He is one of the largest benefactors of political contributions from the failed Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, now bailed out with billions of tax dollars.

Obama’s own running mate has stated Obama is not ready to be president!

Who would best serve America? Seems like a “no-brainer.”

Joe McDermond
New Bern

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One cannot underestimate the confidence that North Carolinians had in Elizabeth Dole six years ago in her run against Erskine Bowles. She is known as a classy and respectable woman, but I have lost that regard for her in the past week. Not only has she loaned her campaign $3 million, but six years ago she harshly criticized Erskine Bowles for a similar loan, claiming that she did not possess that kind of personal wealth. She accused Bowles of using this money to fund his negative attack ads, though she has plenty of personal experience with these as the former head of the NRSC.

The more she speaks, the less I trust her, which is probably why she consistently stays out of North Carolina politics even while claiming to represent us. We all know that a closed mouth gathers no foot, but that is not the kind of representation we need, and that is one of the many reasons that I am supporting Kay Hagan for our next U.S. senator.

Elizabeth Ragan
Raleigh

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I found the Oct. 25 Sunday Forum page very interesting, but there is one thing everyone seems to miss. A middle class plumber asks Sen. Barack Obama a question that he does not have a scripted answer to. The next thing that happens is the Democratic Party, news media and union attack this individual as though he were an enemy spy. They look into his background and try to discredit him. In short they make his life miserable.

I have two questions: Are not the Democrats supposedly champions of these people? How comfortable does it make you feel voting for someone who condones this activity?

George Toth
Raleigh

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Pat McCrory stated in his debate with Bev Perdue that he doesn’t support 25-year retirement for law enforcement. Bev Perdue has in the past and still does support 25-year retirement for law enforcement.

Pat McCrory went on to state that the law enforcement organizations that endorsed Bev are labor organizers. McCrory is trying to mislead the voters with scare tactics and comparing cops to Jimmy Hoffa Mafia type leadership.

While I am a member of the N.C. Sheriff Police Alliance, we are not affiliated with any union. As Bev Perdue has stated on more than one occasion, “These are the men and women putting their lives on the line for our safety every day, and it’s insulting to attack them!”

Law enforcers have endorsed Bev Perdue because we know that she’s the best candidate to be tough and smart on crime, and to ensure that our officers have the tools we need to keep our communities and our children safe.

Pat McCrory needs to support N.C. law enforcement the way he supported his own pay raise!

Rickey Padgett
Bahama

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Our political discourse is currently being pounded by repeated claims of the evils of “socialism.” As far as I can tell, this is based on the notion that we should never have public policy or infrastructure that redistributes wealth, as it is supposedly “anti-American.”

Those beating the drum apparently don’t really understand America. We already depend on such institutions for the health and wealth of Americans, every day.

Health insurance is a system we each pay into — hoping never to use the money we pay — so those unfortunate enough to require medical help can use our money.

Our income tax system has always asked more of those most able to pay, so that essential services from education to roads to a strong military benefit all Americans.

We each pay employment insurance taxes that enable folks to feed their families after an unexpected layoff; we each certainly hope we personally never need to use such funds.

Each generation (hopefully better off than the last) pays into the Social Security system so our parents and grandparents are less likely to live out the end of their lives in poverty.

Americans everywhere benefit from the institutions that some among us seem to suddenly despise because they “share the wealth.”

I am proud that we value the quality of life of every American citizen. Not just the wealthy, or the fortunate, or the well-connected. Not just the healthy. Not just those who have a job. Not just those who can keep their homes.

We value every one of us. That’s a core value of the America I love.

Tom Cole
Cary

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Barack Obama brags about his years as a community organizer and advocate for better schools.

It looks like this endeavor failed. Chicago still has the second-highest high school drop out rate at 52 percent after Detroit and the highest U.S. murder rate under a Democratic administration. Sounds like Chicago needs someone like Rudy Giuliani.

After failing as a local state senator (50 percent present votes!) he did what a lot of politicians do when they cannot make it in the real world: He ran for the U.S. Senate and after two years of this he decided he was ready to become president.

Is this a great country or what? Goes to show that anyone with absolutely no qualifications or experience in national, military or foreign policies might get elected president.

Albert F. Rodrick
Havelock

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Rumor has it that Sarah Palin loves playing “Redneck Woman” at her campaign rallies. Now, this is a good thing. However, Sarah can never be more than a pretender because she was born in Alaska.

As a pure-bred Bertie County, Eastern North Carolina redneck, I have a question: How many times a week does Sarah eat the best food in the world — namely, barbecue made from Parkers in Wilson?

Also, how many times has her neck been truly red from priming tobacco, picking cotton, hunting ducks and harvesting peanuts, soybeans and corn? Doesn’t Sarah feel more at home sliding around ice than splashing in the no-man’s land of the Dismal Swamp?

More alarmingly, she seems to worship bears more than pigs. It is probably a confusion of distance. I admit she deserves a few points for eating wild meat and sitting on a bear sofa cover with the bear’s head still attached to it at the governor’s mansion.

Bless her heart, there is so much attractive about her and if her running buddy for president were a little younger, I might consider voting for her. Imagine her actually being in the crowd who holds all the power in Washington and New York, especially those wealthy Republican bluebloods, who have been running the country for the past eight years, with all their pedigree blood lines, Ivy League educations, country club ways, right-wing think tank views about the world and unshakable belief in their natural superiority.

Have mercy on this good woman and spare her the four years of having to deal, up close and personal, with such arrogance!

Earl Bell
Pine Knoll Shores

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Thankfully, Nov. 4 is finally in sight (and with that the end of a deluge of TV commercials.) This is the most important election in my life, and I need to speak.

My support for Barack Obama solidified when I read Caroline Kennedy’s endorsement in The New York Times: “I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”

Though I was only six at the time, I remember the excitement around President Kennedy’s election, the optimism and accomplishment of his administration and the horrifying results of gunfire in Texas. I remember how the country came together in the toughest of times.

Then, I began to volunteer here in Johnston County. Early on I learned the campaign’s motto “Respect, Empower, Include.” The campaign has managed to do just that: A 15-year-old Smithfield-Selma student intern, proud to offer her time, youth and energy. A 40-something former academic and athletic standout at South Johnston High and current soldier on leave from Iraq volunteers. A retired Kenly man with access to a van has driven round and round the county delivering signs and taking elderly and handicapped voters to vote early. A multitude of retirees have given their time to call and canvass and greet. For many, like me, the spark of passion has reignited.

Organization may be the real shining star of this campaign. There is a chain of command, and everyone has his or her task in focus. No one’s job is more important — there is one task only, to make change happen. Only through teamwork can we succeed.

Huge rallies have run like clockwork, offices have sprung up quickly and successfully all over our state, and communication is premium. We are all on the same page — a page for the history books. With Barack Obama it is obvious that we have a leader people willingly follow. They have a stake in his vision!

Teresa McLamb Blackmon
Benson

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I am a life-long Republican and business owner who has resided in North Carolina for the past 15 years. I do not expect nor demand much from those who choose to represent me in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Perhaps had I paid closer attention to these matters, I wouldn’t have lost most of my retirement account in the last two weeks.

I, like many others, have been forced to watch helplessly as those who sought the public trust violated that trust. The facts are simple: Elizabeth Dole moved back to North Carolina with the intent of seeking election to the U.S. Senate. Personally, I found it more than a little disconcerting that a person with so little in common with the average North Carolinian would assume she could effectively represent the interests of North Carolinians. It is no longer mere speculation.

Elizabeth Dole is a member of the Banking Subcommittee and the Financial Institutions Subcommittee. As such, Dole must be held accountable for the meltdown of the financial institutions that has occurred in the last month. Not only did Dole fail in her responsibilities to her constituents, incredibly, she has received large contributions from the very banking institutes she was charged to regulate.

Dole sought election to the U.S. Senate and assured her constituents she would look out for their best interests. Dole, by virtue of her position on key subcommittees, was in a unique position to identify and respond to what is now a crisis that has eliminated 40 percent of the hard-earned retirement funds of average Americans.

A person of integrity would have stepped down and admitted their failure. Dole shows no such inclination. We must send a clear and unambiguous signal to Dole and others that her deplorable conduct is unacceptable. I am encouraging everyone to vote for Kay Hagan.

Steven Norris
Kernersville

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Fliers and media releases in the black community have championed Beverly Perdue for governor. The lottery was passed into law due to sleazy manipulation by our lawmakers and a tie-breaking vote by Lt. Gov. Perdue. North Carolina chose to use gambling revenue to meet some of the needs for education rather than support the state on the wages of taxpayers.

Rampant sin has caused God to take back material things that we have enjoyed. Specifically in North Carolina, the Lord has taken back gainful employment and our state budget for this physical year can have as much as a $2 billion shortfall. Last summer, the Lord withheld the rain and many businesses related to agriculture shut down throughout the state.

The N&O indicated that the recent stock market fall has cost the state of North Carolina about $12 billion of the $60 billion that the state had in its retirement fund. Also, the lottery will take away approximately $1.268 billion from the pockets of the people of North Carolina and yet the budgeted money allocated for education has decreased.

We as a state, a nation, along with the world have “sown the wind and are now reaping the whirlwind.” If these times are what Jesus called the “beginning of sorrows,” and I believe that they are, things are going to get much worse before they get better as we move closer to the tribulation period. Greed and “get something for nothing” is the dominant mindset of this world, and part of it is a byproduct of legalized gambling.

If Beverly Perdue is elected governor, we will be promoting someone to a higher office who has not acted in the best interest of the people of North Carolina. I recognize that through the deceit of Satan, many in this state love the lottery and the idea of “getting something for nothing,” though they are losing their hard-earned money pursuing a hopeless dream.

Christians do not have to entrap themselves by pursuing unrighteous gain and likewise should hold irresponsible politicians accountable.

Rev. Chester Debnam Jr.
Raleigh

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A recent poll found that 65 percent of Americans would like another choice in the upcoming presidential election. This finding represents an overdue growing dissatisfaction with both major political parties. Republicans and Democrats are usually portrayed as vastly different in action and philosophy, but history reveals great similarities between the two.

Both parties have consistently sacrificed individual freedoms in order to increase the scope and power of the federal government. Both parties readily increase taxes to fund pet projects and buy votes, while increasing a national debt that will haunt generations of Americans to come. Both parties seek to micromanage the lives of individual citizens while courting the support of vocal, militant or wealthy special interest groups.

It matters little whether John McCain or Barack Obama wins the presidential election and who wins most congressional elections. In four years the citizens of this nation will have less opportunity, wealth, personal and religious freedom, and personal and national security. We will certainly have more debt, illegal immigrants and governmental intrusion into every aspect of our lives.

I am not sure that the course we have taken can be reversed even if there were major defections from both parties. Our expansive welfare programs, uncontrolled borders and generally substandard public educational system have given us huge populations of persons with no thought of personal accountability or responsibility. These individuals have one priority in life, that being to get as much as they can with as little effort. They will gladly support and elect whoever promises them the most. If possible (as it will soon be), they would readily take everything that you have through legislative or bureaucratic processes. From their point of view, you owe it to them anyway.

We have sacrificed freedom and liberty in the transformation of our Constitutional Republic into a socialistic democracy. It’s time to suffer the consequences. The real shame is that our children will inherit a second-rate nation overwhelmed with debt because of our greed, ignorance or apathy.

Wiley Cockrell
Rocky Mount

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I wonder how many North Carolinians would want Sen. John McCain to be president if they knew that, according to The Economist, McCain is an “avid gambler” who “reportedly spent 14 hours straight playing craps in Las Vegas.”

While he was risking mainly his own life as a pilot, and while he nowadays merely risks his rich wife’s money when he shoots craps, as president his risk-taking and his unstable temper could endanger the lives of all Americans — and especially the lives of the members of our armed forces. Former Sen. Bob Smith, a New Hampshire Republican, said that McCain’s “temper would place the country at risk in international affairs, and the world perhaps in danger. In my mind, it should disqualify him.” Or as Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi put it, “the thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He is erratic. He is hotheaded.” And yet McCain argues that his exceptionally level-headed opponent is the risky choice!

If McCain could notice the beam in his own eye, he would realize just how unsuited he is for the job of president.

Ken Wahl
Durham

Health care and crap-shooters

bwheeler — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:29:16 -0400

As a physician and presumably one who makes more than the $250,000 magic mark, I am often asked for whom I will vote. Those who asked are often shocked by my answer. If it were all about me and me alone I would definitely vote for John McCain. His health care plan is better and my taxes would not go up. However it is not about me. I love America and all that she stands for, so I am putting country first and voting for Barack Obama. Yes, I will probably see my taxes go up but I will also see the division, fear and hate pass from this great nation. It is past time that each of us take off the “ME” hat and put country first.

Robert Harper, M.D.
Raleigh

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I enjoy reading all the anti-Obama letters from people who are so certain he will be an awful president. They are probably the very same people who voted twice for George W. Bush. Don’t you just LOVE the irony?

Sam Hershey
Raleigh

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Have you noticed that when the Democrats have an indoor rally the event is open to the public but Republican rallies require a ticket? And to get a ticket you have to go to a Republican campaign office where, I am sure, you are screened. Heaven forbid that an Obama supporter would get into a McCain or Palin event.

This speaks volumes to me about the willingness of the Republican candidates to risk a confrontation with an ordinary citizen who disagrees with them, unlike Obama who had a dialogue with so-called Joe the Plumber. Why are the Republicans such control freaks who are afraid to entertain serious questions from the rank and file on the other side?

Ron Sinzdak
Clayton

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There’s an e-mail circulating claiming that people who support Sen. Obama aren’t able to say why they do.

As a white Catholic woman, raised in a small town, I may not seem to be a typical supporter, but I support Obama for his stances on women’s well-being, energy, the war in Iraq and his health care plan. On women’s well-being, Sens. Obama and Biden have fought for equal pay for equal work.

On energy, they focus more on environmentally sound, renewable sources than our current reliance on oil and nuclear.

Obama has a comprehensive plan for ending the war in Iraq. I feel the number of lives lost is a tragedy. And the money and resources we have expended there could have been invested here.

Most important to me is health care. Although I’m a fairly healthy 33 year-old, I have a condition that requires medication costing over $12,000 a year. I am fortunate to have health insurance, but I know that I could be one of the millions who do not.

I support Barack Obama because I care about my country and those that are less fortunate than I.

Amy Ross Frazer
Raleigh

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John McCain’s health plan is a real solution. The Democrats’ plan is just a promise built on hope.
If you want to really know the difference in the health plans of the candidates, spend some time doing real research on the web sites. Read all of the Democrats’ plan, then read the McCain plan. You will see the Democratic plan is based on goals which they “hope” they can do. Democrats will also micromanage your medical community into a nightmare. McCain’s plan is a sensible, do-able plan with real solutions.

Don’t believe me, research and compare both plans. Do not take someone’s word for it.

Tom Beeman
New Bern

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Several issues have surfaced and been debated to death in relation to our most crucial presidential election in recent history. For me this presidential race isn’t about political parties, race, gender or even the economy, although our economic crisis is one I fear we wont break out of for awhile. For me, this presidential race is about our personal safety.

Does anyone remember 9/11? Do you remember the sickening feeling that amassed in your stomach for not just hours, but days, weeks on end, hoping and praying for our country? Do you remember who was at fault for that? Do you remember who proudly proclaimed responsibility for our nations saddest hours? It was a terrorist.

No one cared that day what political party you belonged to. No one cared what race or gender you were. And no one cared about your economic status. What mattered was our country’s safety. What mattered that day was calling your loved ones, wherever they may have been, to make sure they were safe, to tell them you loved them one more time. What mattered was learning that upwards of 3,000 people have lost their lives or have been physically affected because of 9/11. All of these things took place because of a terrorist.

I don’t want a repeat of 9/11. I’m sure no one does, except a terrorist. So why then would America even consider electing a president who has ties to terrorism? Barack Obama had his political coming out party at known terrorist Bill Ayers’ home. Does this sound like behavior of a dedicated American citizen? Do you really think those strong and influential ties have been broken?

Let’s also remember that Michelle Obama hasn’t been proud to be an American the majority of her 44 years. While I may have disagreed with some decisions regarding our country I have, for all the 32 years of my life, been extremely proud to be an American.

One may not agree with the various political views and opinions for our country. One may feel a change is in order. I certainly hope and pray all voters agree that safety is a main issue for our country. I hope and pray voters remember 9/11 and how unsafe we all felt afterward.

Danielle L. Stowe
Pinehurst

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Senator McCain makes no secret of his intense attachment to craps, a pure game of chance. According to The Economist web site, McCain “has reportedly spent 14 hours straight playing craps in Las Vegas.” This love of gambling explains why he has lurched from one strategy to another in the campaign, apparently with the devil-may-care attitude of “let’s take a chance and see if it works.” In fact, even a McCain supporter, Tucker Carlson, used the word “gambler” on television in describing how McCain has run his campaign.

Do we really want a crap-shooter in the White House?

By contrast, before coming to Washington, Barack Obama played weekly private poker games in Illinois with some of his legislator colleagues, and apparently came out ahead because he played thoughtfully and well. As the N & O’s endorsement so aptly put it, Obama would give us a government of “thought before deed.” By contrast, McCain would give us a government of “let’s take a chance and see what happens.”

Ken Wahl
Durham

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Change is the magic word that we are all hearing during this election campaign. Change is what Barack Obama is promising to give us. Change is what John McCain is promising to give us. Change is what Congress is promising us. Change is what the president is promising us. Change is what Wall Street is promising us. Change is what the financial industry is promising us. Change is what state and local government are promising us. Change is what the American people want.

And I truly believe that the candidates, the government and big business truly want to give the American people change. I have no doubt that they will give us change. The problem is that all they intend to do is convert the dollars in our paychecks into change.

We better be careful about how much change we are willing to accept. We may not be able to afford it! They’ve already turned my IRA and 401K into change.

Emsley Hamilton Jr
Raleigh

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I am a 4th generation cattle producer from Waynesville and the former president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association. I personally support Barack Obama for president because I believe he has got what our country and agriculture needs during this difficult time.

At a time when our national debt has doubled to $10 trillion in the last seven years, when banks are failing, and the stock market is crashing, Obama provides the steady hand needed to change our policies and restore the unprecedented prosperity our country enjoyed during the 1990s. Of course, what’s good for our country is also good for agriculture and rural America.

The Obama campaign has worked hard to reach out to all segments of the agriculture industry to listen their concerns. He believes in robust international trade. Obama has also pledged to base his administration’s decision-making on sound science. He understands that use of guns for hunting and other sport is part of the way of life in rural America.

John Queen III
Waynesville

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So, according to U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, “Liberals hate Real Americans who work hard, have success and live in small towns”. And according to Rep. Michelle Bachman of Minnesota, Congress should be investigated for members who are “Pro-America” or “Anti-America”.

Minnesota can decide about Rep. Bachman but here at home we need to consider Hayes’ viewpoint. Does he really believe what he said or is it campaign blather? Since he was so quick to apologize, Hayes either realized he was wrong or cynically realized the environment of North Carolina is rapidly changing from negative to positive and he needed some quick CYA.

Either way, the remarks of both representatives are designed to be divisive and intimidating at a time when the country needs to be united. Perhaps they both don’t want to realize that we are all Americans no matter where we live or what we believe. Maybe they’ve forgotten that the beauty of America is that freedom allows the expression of any viewpoint.

What I don’t understand is how we keep electing people who say they love America but clearly can’t stand Americans.

For once it it time we were represented by people whose main goal is not to divide the country into armed camps glaring at each other over fences.

Ronald Bryant
Raleigh

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Republican Colin Powell recently spoke of why he is disappointed in his party. Whether or not you agree with his vote, his thoughts are certainly worth noting: He is disappointed because his party not only tolerates, but encourages the false impression that Barack Obama is a Muslim when, in fact, Obama has always been a Christian and has never been a Muslim.

He went on to say that what is even worse is that this is even an issue. He said that it is absolutely un-American to say to a young, Muslim boy who is growing up somewhere in the United States, “You will never be president because you are a Muslim.” This kind of thinking goes against everything we stand for in America.

Obviously, the fear and suspicion in this country is based on the very real fact that we were attacked, and over 3,000 people were killed by a group of radical Muslims. But we must remember that al-Qaida is in no way representative of the vast majority of Muslims in the world or in this country.

We need to open our eyes and pay attention to finding ways to solve this nation’s problems, rather than falling victim to those who would have us believe that fear and prejudice are the same thing as patriotism.

David Barnes
Winston-Salem

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Many important issues surround this election, perhaps more than any other in history. Our economy is in shambles, our military is stretched thin, our enemies hate us more than ever, our allies have lost respect for us, our schools are under performing, and thousands of Americans can’t afford health insurance.

Despite the seriousness of these issues most of the people I have talked are more concerned about their personal income taxes. Most of us will have lower taxes regardless of who is elected. How much less depends on multiple factors that not even the IRS fully understands. But is a difference of a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars more important than the future of our country? We should be more concerned with which ticket is better prepared and has the vision to repair our economy, fix our schools, take care of Americans, and start to fix the international disaster George W. Bush has created over the past 8 years.

James Powell
Apex

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Is it fair to blame George W. Bush for all his misguidance over the past eight years without laying the same burden of blame on the Republican establishment for its blind and unwavering support of his administration’s domestic and foreign policies.

Whatever happened to the Grand Old Party of Lincoln, with the foresight to govern by the people and for the people - how did it slip away to be fouled by and for power and greed?

Folks, it is not Joe the plumber the Republicans give a damn about, it is maintaining the 400 to 1 wage differential between the working class and the CEOs, CFOs, the hedge-fund managers and Wall Street traders that make $100 million plus per year and pay as little as 15 percent, and some cases, zero income tax.

It is a tangled web these Republicans have weaved, and the last thing this country needs at this stage of malfunction is a proclaimed maverick following in the path of a profound ideologue.

William T. “Nick” Smith
Wilson

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Although machiavellian tactics have been employed by politicians since the beginning of time, the non-editorial news media has never surpassed politicians until this presidential election in the use of them. From one with an ethical and legal obligation to protect the health and safety of the public, I am severely disappointed in those who put ethics aside for their own political ends.

I’m also ashamed of the heralded effort to “get out the vote”. Ethically one should not vote or encourage others to vote without the voter being informed; and yet how can the public be informed with obvious suppression of information, over reporting of out of context statements, entertainment news confused with real facts and only inaccurate surface coverage of issues.
I’m sure media officials will be satisfied with their all new low of manipulating this election. As always, the politicians who spend and promise the most will probably win, contrary to their actual real unstated plan for their term in office.

Jeff Miller
Raleigh

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Having watched the campaigns over the last year, one thing has become abundantly clear — Republicans are now touting Populist ideals long held by yellow dog Democrats.

When Joe the Plumber”and all the little guys are embraced by the Republican Party, one must wonder if they are not indeed taking a page from William Jennings Bryan or, for that matter, John Edwards.

As for the recent comments from letter writers concerning Barack Obama’s statements about sharing the wealth, there has been a Republican push for a massive redistribution of wealth the past eight years benefiting the top 1 percent — not small businesses or the working class. The top 5 percent of wage earners in America have 75 percent of the wealth, yet they got richer with the tax breaks which were to stimulate the economy.

Wow, that sure was a success, wasn’t it!

We middle American Joe the Plumbers and poor folks should be so gullible as to believe Republicans care about our well-being and vote for the same policies again. I don’t think so.

Jim Nolan
Morehead City

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Rod Dreher’s advice to John McCain on the Oct. 10 Other Opinion page was superb. We are in a very hard time, and our way out is through determination and personal responsibility, not any form of government bailout.

On the same page, Bruce Lightner’s play of the race card — don’t be afraid of Barack Obama because he’s black — was pathetic. I don’t care if Obama is purple. His party put us in this financial crisis (see Steven Holmes’ NY Times article, 9/30/1999 — a year and a half before Bill Clinton left office), insisting the money people give mortgages to high risk parties.

Since the Democrats took control of Congress two years ago and opened the government’s money flow (yes President Bush shares the blame, but Congress writes the legislation), look at the results. Trust Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to help us out of this? Think Barack Obama is better qualified than John McCain to be Commander-in-Chief?

Our choices are not terrific here, but comparing a there’s-going-to-be-reform Republican war hero (McCain’s record supports this reform claim — he has a record) versus Obama’s business-as-usual Democratic Party proposals and his complete lack of qualification to be commander-in-chief, this is a no brainer.

Hillary Clinton was correct in her repeated strong criticisms of Obama not that many months ago. Give Hillary a chance to come back and run four years from now.

Peter Smith
Chapel Hill

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I find it ironic that the front page headline in your paper on the day The N&O endorsed Barack Hussein Obama was about the Herbst family who had their landholdings and belongings seized by the Zimbabwe government. Talk about redistributing the wealth, that’s where your paper has decided to influence us to go. If you are voting as a 95 percent bloc just to get a token tax refund, you are ready for socialism.

Read the article to find that a government official received the spoils of such a socialist move. Not an ordinary man. Obama only needs your vote. After the election, presidents care very little about your opinion or your opinion of them. Or so this paper says about George W. Bush.

Your candidate will only do what the country club to which he belongs allows him to do. The U.S. Senate is the most exclusive club in the world. Perhaps they will split up our earned wealth among themselves, they will need something to offset the increase in taxes Obama will propose on them, sure.

William C. Barbee Jr.
Sims

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I read your Oct. 19 article on Wally Herbst, the Zimbabwean man who lost his land in Africa after a redistribution of land. The unfortunate series of events that fell upon Herbst happened to many other people in Zimbabwe via the redistribution of wealth by Robert Mugabe. Fidel Castro did this nobel deed for the “revolution.” The socialist Hugo Chavez wants to do the same.

This all sounds familiar. Isn’t that what Barack Obama wants for the United States, so he can “spread the wealth”? Be afraid America. Be very afraid!

Freddy J. Garrido
Wake Forest

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As a recent transplant to North Carolina I have long envied North Carolina’s good fortune of having Elizabeth Dole in the Senate. Now, having for the first time in my life having registered to vote as a Democrat, living in North Carolina, I still intend to vote for Dole.

If nothing else, she had the resolve to vote against the popular trend and reject the Wall Street bailout that has thus far proven itself just one more step in eight years of looting the national treasury under varied guises of public interest. Just because of my respect for her unique influence prior to living in North Carolina, and her willingness to support the middle class voting against the Wall Street bailout, she will be the only Republican official for whom I vote, other than immediately local officials who may have proven effective, in this election.

Peter John Stone
Lenoir
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As the final days of the presidential campaign approach, I find them more hilarious than “Saturday Night Live.” John McCain and Sarah Palin continually portray themselves as representing “Joe the Plumber”, “Joe Six Pack” and “The Real America”.

I don’t think “The Real America” identifies with Sarah Palin having been bought $150,000 worth of outfits, or of Cindy McCain wearing $300,000 worth of attire and jewelry in just one appearance.

I don’t think “The Real America” approves of continuing the Bush tax cut for someone making $4.1 million a year as Cindy McCain does, or of not considering someone to be rich unless they make over $5 million a year as John McCain stated.

I don’t think “The Real America” has trouble remembering how many homes they have as John McCain admitted, but rather has trouble as to how they are going to pay for the one home they have (if they still have one).
And I don’t think “The Real America” advocates the slaughter of wildlife from airplanes or helicopters as Palin does. “

Real America” has a choice to make at the polls on Nov. 4 and that choice is obvious.

Kenneth Elowitz
Cary

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I am an Army wife who realized it wasn't the Army who controlled when my husband could be deployed, what type of protective equipment he would use in a war zone, or what benefits he will receive when he leaves the military.

My husband’s chances of being injured or killed while serving in Iraq were higher than they should have been because Elizabeth Dole voted against funding to armor existing Humvees and purchase new armored trucks.

Although my husband was disabled, my family is thankful that he is alive and doesn’t face the eminent threat of being deployed. However, when Dole voted 22 times to cut veterans health care and benefits and allowed veterans’ health care costs to triple, we realized we were nave to think that my husband would be done fighting when he left Iraq.

Dole has not done right by my family and her voting record proves it. I will support Kay Hagan for U.S. Senate because her voting record proves that she will fight in Washington for every military family. I’m glad that I realized politicians control our military before it was too late for me to express my opinion at the voting booth.

Tracy Mauro
Fayetteville

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As a lifelong registered Democrat and fervent Barack Obama supporter I must say that I am very disappointed in the ongoing ACORN situation, but for Republicans to suggest that this is jeopardizing the fabric of democracy is the worst type of hyperbole.

Rather than being a case of widespread voter fraud it is simply a case of a few unscrupulous workers turning in voter registration cards filled out with fictitious information. While appalling, there has been no proof whatsoever that ACORN or anybody else had people waiting in the wings to turn up on Election Day and attempt to vote using this information. For Republicans to suggest otherwise is further proof of the desperate lengths they will go to in an attempt to get themselves elected.

I also find it curious that while this tempest in a teapot has the Republicans in an uproar, they were quite accommodating when the greatest case of voter fraud ever was perpetrated upon this country by Jeb Bush, Katherine Harris and the Supreme Court of the United States. Glass houses indeed.

Richard O’Connor
Raleigh

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This presidential election reminds me of the children’s story of the emperor’s new clothes. However in this case, no one wants to report that the emperor has no clothes.

Here we have a politician that has done nothing. When pressed his supporters say he has managed a great campaign as if we are to believe he is in charge. Here is someone that is very charming, is a great orator and almost no emotion. Something like the political equivalent of a Stepford Wife. He is the creation of the Lakeshore liberals in Chicago.
A vote for Obama is not a vote for change, it is a vote for Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and George Soros.

Bill Conklin
_Raleigh

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Sen. Joe Biden says Barack Obama will have our enemies “test” him within six months if he is elected. I recall another president who flunked the test when Americans were held hostage in Iran for 444 days. The day President Ronald Reagan was sworn in, the Iranians quickly released our hostages knowing Reagan would pass that “test” with flying colors, unlike his predecessor, Jimmy Carter.

I doubt Iran or any of our other enemies will want to test Sen. John McCain. America cannot afford another Jimmy Carter in the White House, and that’s what we might get if Obama is elected, tests and all.

John Edwards
Louisburg

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I've had it with the continued, unsupported accusations that Barack Obama is a Muslim or terrorist.

The following happened to me this morning. I was in a parking lot with some Obama signs on my truck. An older gentleman pulled in and asked if I lived in the community. I answered that I lived in the next town over. He told me I should take those ?%#@ signs back where I come from. Then he asked, How can a white American support a Muslim?

I told him respectfully that Obama is not a Muslim. He said he was. I asked how he knew and he huffed and said It’s in the books and records. But it was clear he wasn’t concerned with support for his claim and that we were going nowhere.

This anecdote makes two things clear (at least to me); 1) being anti-Muslim is perceived as a more acceptable way to be racist, and 2) John McCain, Sarah Palin, and their advisers have stoked the fire of intolerance. They are willing to divide the country in a desperate move to gain the presidency.

We must hold the McCain campaign and the RNC accountable for their inflammatory rhetoric. A good time to accomplish that would be election day (or before — vote early).

Brent Groce
Lewisville

More stylin' with Sarah Palin

bwheeler — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:39:37 -0400

Why are people shocked — shocked! — at the Republicans’ spending $150,000 on clothes for Gov. Sarah Palin? After all, don’t little kids love dressing up their Barbie dolls?

David E. Crean, Ph.D.
Greenville

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I must not be thinking clearly. It makes no sense why Gov. Sarah Palin’s $150,000 makeover is newsworthy, but Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s $6,500 pantsuits and Sen. Nancy Pelosi’s $50,000 pearl necklace are not.

I would suggest that there are precious few in Congress who do any significant portion of their clothes shopping at Target and Marshall’s.

How about the real issues on the front page? This smacks of schoolyard name-calling, and continues to demonstrate that many in the media are less than balanced when it comes to Sarah Palin.

Joseph D. Campbell
Raleigh

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The N&O outsourced over 45 column inches to this story. If Palin had shown up in “sweat pants, turtlenecks, ankle boots and heavy coats” like one of her detractors, the catty reporters would have been sniffing at that.

I’m waiting for the 45 inches talking about how out of touch Joe Biden is regarding his favorite restaurant, which went out of business years ago and is now a wing shop, but I’m not holding my breath. I’ll also bet his wardrobe isn’t from Target.

Gerald Lester
Durham

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Your Oct. 23 article on the $150,000 that was spent on Sarah Palin’s “ritzy” makeover was just another indication of the media’s liberal bias. Barack Obama’s campaign funds have topped more than $600 million while John McCain’s have been less than 1/6th of that. Yet it becomes a national headline that the Republican campaign spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin’s image.

If she had not come out polished and professional, the media would have had a field day picking her apart. And despite the campaign’s spending on her appearance, the media still criticized her, calling her frumpy after the Republican convention.

The media have picked about her appearance, family and credentials more than Obama, McCain and Biden combined. I think it’s time you backed off and focused on the issues and presenting objective news. We the people can come to our own decisions!

Michelle Henderson
Cary

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In order to understand why Obama is where he is, one need look no farther than Page 12A in the Oct. 24 N&O — the headline “Biden pledges to work for prosperity/; at the top and “McCain trolls for working class votes” in the middle.

Selective reporting (a $150,000 wardrobe is obviously more important than a $2 million party) and unabashed favoritism helped tip the scale. We still hear about Dan Quayle and “potatoe,” but Joe Biden misstating the vice president’s job description during the debates must be irrelevant. Would anyone care to wager what the fallout would be if a GOP chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee gave a speech guaranteeing a global crisis in the next six months? Sen. Joe Biden holds that position, did you know?

I hope you guys are proud of your journalistic fervor. Is there a plan to return to a semblance of integrity after you win?

Luke Steele
Creedmoor

That Obama endorsement

bwheeler — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:50:24 -0400

The reader from Dunn who was of the opinion that The N&O could not report the election process fairly once it endorsed a candidate apparently has been reading a phony newspaper for the last 35 years. Every day for the last few weeks we have read about national, regional and local newspapers endorsing candidates, as they do in every election.

During the last 55 years I have been reading The N&O, I have looked forward to the endorsements, and sometimes rejections, of candidates, which The N&O has expressed in every presidential and gubernatorial race, as well as the congressional and local races, as they have done over the last hundred or so years. I appreciate the paper’s opinions and reasoning whether I agree with the conclusions or not.

Thanks and keep up the good work. I am sure your news stories are well researched and as accurate as news stories can be, no matter what your political opinions are.

Ed Nicholson
Raleigh
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If the writer of the Oct. 22 letter “Not knowing Obam adoesn’t feel The News & Observer has vetted Barack Obama sufficiently, then I urge him to review the countless debates, interviews and speeches given by Obama and the hundreds of articles written about him.

I’d like to tell you why I think The News & Observer endorsed Sen. Obama for President. He is transformational figure uniquely qualified, intellectually and temperamentally, to bring this country into the 21st century. The kind of change Obama is talking about is profound. He so understands the need for change and the need to bring people together that he has based his whole campaign on these issues. We can either embrace change or we can resist it at our peril.

The current financial crisis illustrates the point. Our leaders chose to do nothing to ward off the economic meltdown, which has now spread to the rest of the world. In March 2007, Obama warned of the impending mortgage crisis.

I am a 63-year-old woman and the change called for will not be easy. Imbued with a sense of hope, I invite you to join me and work together for the brighter tomorrow Obama talks about.

Louise Lockwood-Zorowski
Cary

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The presidential election in North Carolina is proving to be quite important. I am a 72-year-old, white haired look-alike for Sen. John McCain, whom I have long considered a hero since I was a renewable energy congressional lobbyist and knew him in the mid-1980s.

However, I agree with another of my heroes, Gen. Colin Powell, about the McCain campaign signs he has noted. Three additional signs I personally note, however:

(1) The N&O’s Sunday editorial endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama was quite enthusiastic. It countered a trend I sensed in headlines and story placements seemingly leaning toward McCain.
(2) Obama’s $150 million September fundraising total is amazing. His Internet organization already has several $100 contributions from me, well above the $85 average.
(3) Three times over the past month I have had Obama for President campaign signs stolen from my front yard plus the ugliest robocall ever heard. I truly expect better from supporters of McCain, a man I still admire. It is bad manners and counterproductive. The signs cost $5 each which will only increase the Obama fundraising total for October.

Robert Kennel
Holly Springs

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In your editorial endorsing Barack Obama, you mentioned many sound reasons why he should be our next president. In addition, we can see why he would be the better person for dealing with the severe economic difficulties we are now facing.

Sen. Obama would bring in a new team of economic advisers to help cure this sick economy. Among others that would include Robert Rubin. These advisers were the economic experts who gave us an economy in the 1990s that created more than two million new jobs. Incredibly they also took us from a budget deficit to a budget surplus. This budget surplus was something that I never thought I would see during my lifetime. If we compare the eight years prior to 2000 to the most recent eight years, we can clearly see the difference.

When it comes to our current economic situation we need a team of advisers who will have the knowledge and abilities to remedy our economic difficulties. In this case a return to the past will be a giant leap forward.

Marvin Woll
Raleigh

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I am not surprised by The News & Observer’s endorsing the vast majority of Democrats running for national or state offices. I respect your opinion, but your endorsements seem to be straight from Democratic talking points memos.

As an informed voter, I get news and editorial comments from a variety of sources. I then form my opinions based upon multiple factors. I would suggest the following if your paper desires to be a trusted resource to this region: Get back to basics. Tone down your liberal rhetoric. Don’t continue to manage your content by purchasing the majority of your news from services such as the New York Times and Associated Press. If you must buy your news, opt for a balanced approach. Don’t bother with purchased political messages disguised as cartoons, there is simply no balance.

I suspect times are tough in your business, given the size and content of my paper delivered to my door each day. Have you considered it may have something to do with your lack of balance? I will continue to subscribe but must admit Section A is very much part of the recycle bin as soon as it is retrieved from the front lawn.

Bruce Cadwell
Wake Forest

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I was an executive secretary of The State Record Publishing Company years ago, and and our jobs consisted of reporting the news fairly to everyone. I find it so hard to believe that you would endorse any candidate — not Obama, but any candidate. It seems that you would respect all of your readers’ opinions and choices and certainly you wouldn’t want to lose a subscriber.

I was just as surprised when Oprah Winfrey came forward for him. I never even knew who my bosses voted for much less printed their choices in the newspaper. They were that discreet. I am disappointed in The News & Observer, but I won’t cancel my subscription. My daddy always told me to keep my enemies close to me.

Fay Martin
Raleigh

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First, Colin Powell is a truly an American patriot having served his country well as a soldier.

As a statesman and politician, however, he is severely lacking. He will be forever remembered for his arguing for U.N. approval of the Iraq invasion due to the presence of WMDs. His error at the U.N. can be due only to either making a mistaken judgment along with George W. Bush, or a lack of character in not standing up to the Bush administration and resigning his position due to his not buying the WMD argument.

Remember Eliot Richardson’s resignation as attorney general in 1974 because he would not fire the Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox per Nixon’s orders?

Since Powell’s character is above reproach, one must conclude that he believed the WMD argument and made the same faulty judgment as Bush. Thus, Powell “got it wrong” on the most important U.S. policy decision of the decade.

Powell’s endorsement of Obama is therefore interesting, but not a compelling rationale for choosing a presidential candidate.

Likewise, it is very concerning when The N&O endorses Obama but concedes in the later paragraphs “it is true he lacks experience” and cites very few factual reasons for the endorsement. Then, two days later The N&O trumpeted the Powell endorsement as an additional rationale for The N&O endorsement.

Your readers would be much better served by The N&O’s detailing the reasons why Obama can overcome his lack of experience by listing his advisors and potential Cabinet members than by repeating the worn-out clichés of the campaigns: Obama’s in a favorable light and McCain’s in a negative light.

Harold Nelson
Cary

Sarah Palin: Stylin' and GASPin'

bwheeler — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:25:10 -0400

You have got to be kidding me? The cost of Sarah Palin’s wardrobe on the front page of the newspaper? I know times are tough at The N&O, and space is at a premium. Here are just a few stories I would find more interesting:

Why Barack Obama needs to raise over half a billion dollars to run a presidential campaign when that money could be put to better use being “redistributed” to help the poor, and really get this economy jumping.

An actual accounting of just how many people will benefit from Obama’s highly distorted tax plan.

An essay on socialism, so all your readers have a better idea of what they have to look forward to.

Why you have to pay $5 for an Obama yard sign but the McCain signs are free.

Your biased coverage has made your newspaper good for one thing — lining the bottom of the bag I use in my trash can. Great job!

Darice Warren
Holly Springs

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Regarding the story about the Republican National Committee spending $150,000 to outfit Gov. Sarah Palin in upscale NYC boutique finery, the RNC must have taken a page from movie immortal Alfred Hitchcock.

For his wonderful ’50s movies, Director Hitchcock would send his leading ladies — “the cool Nordic blondes,” one critic called them — to NYC to be outfitted for the films. Then Grace Kelly, Vera Miles, Doris Day, Tippi Hedren, Kim Novak would set the women’s fashions for the year.

Why doesn’t the gang at the RNC go all the way and kick in another 10 or 20 grand and make Gov. Palin a blonde? After all, not only gentlemen but real Americans prefer blondes.

Roy Armstrong II
Bath

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Choosing to run the AP story about the “Ritzy Makeover” of Sarah Palin and putting it on the front page of your paper confirms, without a doubt, that journalism is dead. At least at The News & Observer. This article was ridiculous.

So, let me get this straight: It’s more important to choose an AP story that makes fun of Gov. Palin than to investigate the recent alliance Obama had with Bill Ayers or Rev. Wright? With days left before the national election, you put wardrobe costs on the front page instead of doing some actual journalism to find out about Barack Obama?

There are hundreds of articles you can choose to run — and you choose one that focuses on a wardrobe? Have you asked how much Joe Biden paid for his hair plugs?

Who cares! Is it any wonder that the media are called blindly biased? Journalism has died a painful death.

Vickie Leff
Cary

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The RNC spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin’s wardrobe? I think she beats Paris Hilton. The McCain campaign is so hypocritical. And they want America to believe that they understand the plight of all those struggling to make ends meet.

Corwyn Cease
Raleigh

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Seems unfair that Sarah Palin’s $150,000 shopping spree makes your front page Oct. 23 and is described in great detail. Yet the issue of over half of Barack Obama’s $500 million in campaign contributions being unidentified hardly gets reported. Not knowing who or where Obama’s funding is coming from would seem to be of much greater concern that the Republican VP’s wardrobe.

J. Buckley Strandberg
Rocky Mount

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I got a chuckle out of Ruth Sheehan’s Oct. 22 column on GASP, the gals who are outraged that “any old woman” may seek public office. The mental image of dozens of angry Sarah haters descending on the funeral home, booze and checkbooks in hand, is delicious. A Southern way of describing such behavior might be “common as pig tracks.”

Juanita Frady Walker
Raleigh

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Regarding Ruth Sheehan’s column “Appalled becomes political”:

I was very surprised to read the names of the three smart women quoted. Each of these women has fine qualities, including being: phenomenal business women, excellent mothers, witty, bright, leaders in their church communities and schools.
At one point, one of them made an attempt to run for office. All three are extremely intelligent and capable of taking on any job, any time, anywhere.

The position of vice president is a new position for any individual lucky enough or better yet, willing, to be elected to it. Some of our past presidents and vice presidents have appeared to be “perfect on paper” but have been less than competent.

There will be a learning curve for whoever the newly elected VP is. What would be the problem of having a mirror image of these women in our highest office?

If I held the same political views as these women, I would personally vote for any one of them if they chose to run — because I know that when presented with a new job or task, these women would be up to the challenge.

Sarah Palin will represent and care about many of the issues important to these exact women. When Ella said, “any old woman” she was exactly right. Shouldn’t the leaders in our office represent “any old all of us” but be smart and capable enough to learn and handle the challenges of the new position?

Tearing Sarah Palin down with a name like GASP isn’t the answer. How can we be appalled by any woman trying to achieve her goals and raise a family? Weren’t we all taught that you don’t have to tear someone else down in order to build yourself or your cause up?

If these women don’t support the McCain/Palin ticket, this is certainly their right. But why not try building Obama up, instead of tearing Sarah down?

Jan Copeland
Mom and McCain/Palin supporter

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If the women in GASP (Ruth Sheehan, Oct. 22) were to list the leadership experiences and/or questionable long term acquaintances of Barack Obama and Sarah Palin, omitting names, it would be obvious that this vice presidential candidate is more qualified than the presidential candidate.

Forgetting political party, how can anyone ignore this? Is it because Palin is an intelligent woman? Sounds like sexism or cattiness to me.

I “gasp” when I realize how many U.S. citizens are voting for our precious country of America to be led by a smooth talking Pied Piper.

You know that story.

Harriette Nichols
Swansboro

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Ruth Sheehan’s column Oct. 22 on GASP provided further confirmation about Democrats.

What’s their objection to Gov. Palin? That she didn’t abort her special needs son and, if he survived an abortion, let him die? No? Could it be that she became a city council member, mayor and state governor on her ability and not on her husband’s coattails or some affirmative action program? No? Maybe it was her being selected to oversee the hated oil and gas industry? No? I know, it was her successful fight of corrupt politicians? No? I got it. She is a Christian believing in what the Bible teaches. No? She wants to drill in ANWAR? No? She did not go to a an Ivy League school and become a lawyer working pro-bono for ACORN registering illegal aliens to vote. No?

The answer, all the above! This lady shows more class then any from GASP! Articulate, honest, smart, understands the meaning of servant of the people, successful on her talent, and loves her God, country and family. That is what these women hate. That is why they support a Democrat with far less experience and talent, and anti-American socialist ideas.

Dave Campbell
Raleigh

Goodness is alive and well

bwheeler — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:41:22 -0400

I have lived away from home for about a year now, leaving Michigan, many great friends and my parents. I think I am doing pretty well living on my own, starting a new career and making new friends. But on Oct. 16, I called my parents for their comfort.

I had worked all day, gone to the bank to get my money out for the week, went home to cook dinner, went to exercise and decided to go to WalMart to see what it had in the way of Halloween costumes.

I found a few items. I picked up some candy to take to work thinking my co-workers would enjoy this. I got to the checkout line and my wristlet, with my drivers license, charge cards, work ID and $92 had slipped off my wrist. I immediately retraced my steps — picking up and looking everywhere. I went to the front desk and reported it, still sobbing. Then, I drove home and called my mom.

My mom said go back and retrace your steps. I looked in the house, my car, the gym and then I went back to Wal-Mart. My mom said to get a manager and have him help me look. Go back and retrace every move. Lift the bag of candy you put back, look to see whether you dropped it and possibly kicked it.

No luck, I called home once again. My mom and dad said they were praying to St. Anthony and that they knew I would find it. I asked, Do you really think someone would turn it in? My mom immediately replied, “I would.” I heard my dad say, “I would,” then I said I would, too. I have always tried to be honest and truthful.

By this time, it was 10:30. I was so upset and started to leave the store. I heard the manager say, “Wait, this was just turned in by some man.” I asked, “Where is he?” She said, “I don’t know.” I wanted to thank him, reward him, hug him or something.

I called home, again, and told my parents everything was intact in my little purse.
So this is why I am writing this letter, to thank the man who found it and was honest enough to turn it in.

Thank you so very much. You have restored my belief in humanity — even in these most difficult times.

Lindsay Panackia
Cary

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I wanted to send a note to explain a situation that happened to me while visiting your town on business. I was in an Irish pub in downtown Raleigh on Sunday evening with some of my coworkers. During our visit to this establishment, my purse was stolen. It was devastating because I was out of town with no identity, checkbook, car keys, cash, credit cards (even to pay my hotel room), nothing. I was lost.

On Monday morning early, I received a call from American Express stating that a lady from Raleigh had called to report that she had found several of my cards lying on the side of the street. She wanted them to contact me to let me know so they did.

This was a start to help me cancel the things in my purse. Then on Monday evening, my husband called me to let me know that someone had left a message on our home number regarding some information they found and left a number. On Tuesday morning, I called the Raleigh rescue center and spoke to Ron. A group of individuals at the rescue house found my purse and wallet (with nothing in it). Another gentleman from their location found my keys. When I asked Ron whether someone had found keys, he realized that they were mine.

The day and trip were starting to look up because I had no idea how I was going to get back to Charlotte without keys. I am so grateful for them. I scrambled enough cash to put gas in my car to get home.

It gets better, though. When I arrived home Thursday from a long day of work, there was a hand-written envelope addressed to me from a gentleman in Raleigh. Inside the envelope was my driver’s license and a note that stated that he found my license on East Hargett Street.
I just cannot believe that all of these kind people in your town took the time and the effort to track me down in various different formats. All that I can say is that there are genuinely good people in this world, especially in Raleigh.

Kelley Turpin
Charlotte

Calling all Palin defenders

bwheeler — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:49:21 -0400

I thought the purpose of a debate was to take questions from the moderator and address your comments to answer the question asked. Since when does a debater tell the moderator what she wants to answer and avoid the officially asked question altogether? This is definitely a new process in the field of debating. This is totally unacceptable! Thank you, LORD, that Joe Biden was able to carry on the tradition in its true and correct format!

Georgia B. Njagu
Graham

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After having watched the full extent of the presidential debate and the vice presidential debate, I am convinced that of the four principal candidates, only one is clearly not experienced enough or suitable for the office sought. That one is Barack Obama.

Quentin Haning
Raleigh

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Joe Biden clearly won Thursday’s debate. While Sarah Palin did a good job presenting rehearsed talking points, Biden looked like a real vice president. He presented a clear case for why he and Barack Obama represent the change Americans need — away from eight long years of Bush-McCain policies. Further, Palin’s talking points sounded a lot like a continuation of Bush. She called leaving Iraq the “white flag of surrender,” she said she agreed with Cheney’s expansive view of the vice president’s powers, and she promoted economic policies that would shower tax cuts on corporations and the super-wealthy while leaving the middle class behind.

In general, Joe Biden made clear that Obama would make the middle class his priority, bring our troops home from Iraq responsibly and restore America’s leadership in the world.

Caroline Griswold
Durham

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After watching the vice presidential debate as many Americans did, I cannot help but cringe at the thought of Gov. Sarah Palin’s being in the White House at all, let alone in the second-most powerful position.

She said Biden kept referring back toward the past eight years and that we should not be concerned with the past but look toward the future. Well, Governor, it is quite hard to do that, as Biden pointed out, when McCain’s agenda is almost the exact same as the Bush administration’s.

The only reason it may have appeared Palin held her own during the debate is because she dodged all the questions her opponent Joe Biden asked. Instead of addressing the issues of creating new energy sources, how education will be funded, and how children and families can afford health care, all she could do was wink at the camera and do her “Drill, baby, drill” oil chant.

She has turned the debate and the entire election into a mockery. The painfully obvious only reason she is on McCain’s ticket is to bring in women voters and the Republicans who thought McCain was too liberal.

Joe Biden is one of the most experienced congressional leaders today and has extensive foreign relations experience. He is quite possibly the best vice presidential candidate that this country could have and the mere comparison between him and Governor Palin just makes me realize how low this country’s government standards have become.

Tracy Fehr
Durham

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I watched the debate and saw what a good vice president looks like. Joe Biden was thoughtful and knowledgeable, and while respectful (for instance not pointing out Sarah Palin’s not knowing the name of the commander in Afghanistan), he made it clear that McCain is no “maverick” but would continue Bush’s failed policies. Palin didn’t answer many of the questions asked — several times it was apparent that was because she didn’t understand the question — but instead gave her inappropriate, folksy, rehearsed speeches, accompanied by her cutesy mannerisms.

The few times when the real Palin did come through, it was scary — like her agreeing with Dick Cheney about expanding the powers of the vice president.

We need to elect people who have spent their lives working for the working people of this country: Joe Biden and Barack Obama. This IS the most important election any of us has ever voted in.

Katherine Seaton
Pittsboro

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While I was relieved to see that the woman who may soon be a 72-year-old heartbeat away from the presidency did not repeat the Katie Couric debacle, the vice-presidential candidate was still frightening, especially compared with the experienced, well-informed, (surprisingly) eloquent Sen. Biden.

A candidate like Gov. Palin who answers a question about the sub-prime mortgage debacle with talking points on energy policy is clearly not informed or sharp enough to get what’s on America’s mind or lead in these troubled times. Repeating talking points is not leadership and will not work in an international crisis.

I get that Gov. Palin is a working mom with an interesting family who can relate to “Joe Sixpack.” As a mom, small-business owner and W. Va. native with a slew of nutty relatives, so am I. And guess what? That doesn’t qualify me (or her) to lead the free world.

The debate showed that John McCain’s first major presidential decision was politically motivated and dangerous. If he’s elected, this irresponsibility could jeopardize America's future.

Tara Hun-Dorris
Raleigh

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Sure, Governor Palin did fine: She can string words together and she can study hard and pass a test.

But we are talking about the vice presidency of the United States of America, not 10th grade history. And as much as she wants to distance herself from Bush, can we really even remotely imagine another four years of “nucular”?

Her “plain-spoken” “Washington-outsider” way of talking diminishes the seriousness, gravitas, critical importance of this role in our country. I am not amused or in any way entertained by her. I am insulted by her demeanor; I am ashamed that any of my fellow Americans could even consider someone of her limited experience and ability to take the office of vice president; I am embarrassed for women that someone of so limited intelligence is being modeled for a role of leadership (crafty, sly, sure — but intelligent? thoughtful? insightful? nuanced? worldly?) She’s a perfectly fine person who’s entitled to her opinions and beliefs, but God Almighty, she is not vice presidential material.

Isabel Geffner
Chapel Hill

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In the VP debate Thursday night, Joe Biden was clear and concise about what he and Barack Obama would actually do to bring the troops home, make things better for the middle class and improve the economy.

While Sarah Palin was more confident than she has been in recent interviews, I felt she had been well-rehearsed on what points to make and what to say in response to the points Biden would make. Joe Biden stuck to the real issues and brought home the fundamental differences between Obama and McCain. It was obvious that he spoke from a voice of experience while as she admits, she is “only five weeks into this” and has little experience. And it is clear she is not in touch with main street issues if she thinks she is a part of the middle class.

Elizabeth J. Fusaro
Durham

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We need no more evidence that Sarah Palin is not ready to be vice president. The popular question behind the recent debate was, “How well will Palin do?” The answer is, better than most people expected.

But the fundamental question, “Who is better qualified to be VP?” was also answered resoundingly. Joseph Biden could step into the Oval Office tomorrow. No objective observer could conclude that Palin will be ready anytime soon.

From her wrong-headed reading of the Constitution to her charge that criticizing the current administration is somehow being tied to the past, Palin showed that she is out of her depth. Reciting predictable Republican talking points does not make her a cogent thinker. Being perky and homey does not make up for her lack of knowledge and experience in federal government.

John McCain’s first executive decision — picking the person to replace him if necessary — was woeful. Who dares believe that Palin is capable of leading us through the morass we are inheriting from George Bush?

I hope undecided voters see that John McCain, through his own rash judgment, gives them only one choice for avoiding the frightening risk of a Palin presidency: vote Obama-Biden.

Don Clement
Durham

Pitchforks, gene pools and the Titanic

bwheeler — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:59:58 -0400

There are many critical issues facing voters during this presidential election. I am not a one-issue voter: I make every attempt to evaluate a candidate’s ability based on a broad range of positions and his or her demonstrated abilities to make good judgments. As an American with a disability, I am concerned about how our candidates will break down the barriers that exclude people with disabilities. A careful examination of Obama’s and McCain’s positions on disability issues reveals clear and consistent differences.

Barack Obama has been a supporter of the Community Choice Act of 2007 and the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act of 2007. John McCain has been a staunch opponent of the Community Choices Act. Obama has voted for full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and has been a supporter of early intervention programs. McCain has repeatedly voted against the IDEA Act. Under Obama’s health care plan, people with pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded. McCain’s health care plan would not end discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Obama supports fully funding the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) so that we can ensure all polling places are accessible. McCain has voted repeatedly against the Help America Vote Act.

These are but a few areas where these men disagree. I cannot in good conscience vote for a president who is pro-life but will not protect the lives of Americans with disabilities.
I am voting for Obama in November.

Cindy E. Block Ph.D.
Raleigh

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Saying that the mainstream media lean to the left is like saying the Titanic took on a little water.

Tina Fey’s satirical send-ups of GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin have made front-page news or received extensive coverage in the “entertainment” sections of most newspapers. The “Saturday Night Live” act has been featured on just about every morning news show.

But while Fey’s portrayal of Palin is scathing and hysterical, where is the send-up of Joe Biden?

Oh, that’s right. Joe Biden can make a mockery of himself without the help of SNL. But when he does make a buffoon of himself, that story is relegated to a sidebar on Page 9A in The N&O.

My concern is about the way this ship-of-state is listing and taking on water from the port side. At least there were lifeboats and some survivors of the Titanic. I fear the liberals will take us all down with the ship!

Chris Kling
Vanceboro

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I can understand the desire of many people to want to honor Sen. John McCain for his service to his country by electing him president. But of course more important than the honor of being president is all the work involved in being president. And with the ongoing financial crisis I wonder if McCain may not sometimes see his decline in the polls as having an upside for him, since being president is going to be even more of a headache than usual in the coming years.

Moreover, I find it hard to see how even McCain could believe that he’d do very well with the financial mess. The impetuousness that served him well as a bomber pilot does not seem what is needed to cure damage to our economy that was caused largely by the impetuousness of so many investment bankers and their ilk.

McCain may be more exciting and unpredictable in his actions than his opponent, but the financial crisis should provide us with all the excitement we need for a few years.

I don’t see how it would be good either for McCain or for the country for him to get this job, however much so many people may feel drawn to honoring him with it.

Ken Wahl
Durham

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I have a dream. The real answer to the bail out.

Let’s say we have a real grass-roots campaign, and we voters decide that no incumbent shall be re-elected in the national election. In the beginning real men and women ran for office to serve the people and then went back home to their real life. That was called serving your country. Now we have career politicians in office for more than 20 years who have lost any ability to understand basic issues. If every politician knew we the people were not going to allow this to happen again then we would be taking back our country. The people’s business would be accomplished and the opportunity to serve one’s country could become a reality again. This could be accomplished and the result would probably solve this crises and prevent similar crises in the future.

Robert McCorkle
Fuquay-Varina

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And the beat goes on. As a therapist of more than 20 years, I have worked with many, many individuals and couples. Among the many topics I discuss with my clients are setting healthy boundaries and not rewarding inappropriate behavior. Well, the current fiasco we have come to know as a bailout being discussed in Washington by our “political leaders” is certainly proving me wrong with what I have believed all these years.

Once again the great minds of Congress are showing their true colors. They are positioning for personal power rather than working for what is best for this country is evident. What will it take for these out-of-touch-with-reality folks to see just what they have done and are continuing to do to our country and the American people?

I am reminded of the old black and white movies of the ’30s and ’40s when the masses charged the castle with sticks, pitchforks and stones, dragged out the leaders and hanged them.

Perhaps that may be going a little too far, but I would suggest that we borrow that old line from the movie classic, “Network,” and go to our windows, throw them open and shout to the world, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

Sadly, this is no longer a question of whether the Democrats win, or if the Republicans win. It is now a question of how much America loses?

Robert Jan Hedgepath
Apex

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I may well be the only Democrat ever produced by my gene pool. I come from a long line of Republicans, possibly reaching back to the gilded age of boss rule. My late father once asked me, “Don’t you have enough money yet to be a Republican?” He wasn’t kidding. Having ultimately inherited exactly one-third of the material wealth he and my mother amassed during their lifetimes, I am still a Democrat. Yes, capital gains tax is a concern for me, but here is why I will vote for Barack Obama:

The first time I heard him speak, Obama spoke in specifics about the grotesqueness inflicted upon our planet by our greed and lust for petroleum-based convenience. He spoke of what is right and wrong with our education, health care and foreign policy. I have read his books. He knows who he is and what he stands for. He is a thinking man, who is alert, awake and aware.

Obama doesn’t just talk about the need for unity. He really believes to his core that we need to rise above partisan politics to fix everything humanity as a whole has spent our time on this planet screwing up.

That is not what I hear from the Republicans. What I hear them touting is that we are the very best in the world. John McCain rallies are rife with chanting that we are the greatest nation. I don’t imagine the McCain and his “drill, baby, drill” followers understand that the real issue is the disastrous damage done by humanity’s greed to our seas, our flora and fauna, and the very air we breathe. We need to join the rest of the world in reducing our dependence on petroleum products in general.

This, of course, takes discipline and teamwork with other nations — things the Republicans appear to avoid for some reason.

Judith Quay
Chapel Hill

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If North Carolina elects Beverly Perdue to be our next governor, then we will get what we deserve.

Over the past eight years, there has been corruption in state government. Most likely, we have discovered only the tip of the iceberg. From Meg Scott Phipps to Jim Black to Thomas Wright, Democrats in leadership positions have ended up in jail. Beverly Perdue has been lieutenant governor for these past eight years. Where has she shown any leadership in combating corruption?

Now, according to The News & Observer, she said she “doesn’t know” if she would have reappointed Louis W. Sewell Jr. to the State Board of Transportation. Sewell voted on money for road projects near property owned by him or his son. She said she was too busy running for governor to answer such questions. Earth to Beverly: We want to know how you’ll act as governor, and if you can’t answer a question like that, we must assume you will do nothing differently from what you have done, which is to turn a blind eye to corruption involving members of your party.

Perdue has served on the State Board of Education for the past eight years. What do we have to show for her expertise in education? A 30 percent dropout rate and a four-year graduation rate of 61 percent (even lower among minorities) — not the kind of record she can brag about.

Beverly Perdue must be judged on her record, and her list of actual accomplishments is thin. We’ve already had eight years of an invisible governor. We don’t need four more.

I am tired of the status quo in state government, and that is why I’m voting for Pat McCrory.

Ed Jenkins
Chapel Hill

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The News & Observer on Sept. 26 printed an editorial cartoon depicting Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin being coached and “drilled” on various topics. It was rather humorous — at first glance.

Upon further reflection, it is not so funny with the election in fewer than 40 days. She is, not surprisingly, being systematically shielded from the press. In the three or four interviews granted since her shocking choice, she has shown a consistent, frightening incompetence to lead this country should the 72-year-old (with reoccurring cancer) John McCain win. Voters should seriously think about McCain’s campaign theme of “Country First” and elect a top-to-bottom qualified Obama-Biden ticket for this country.

Gil Dunn
Raleigh

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Countless words have been written thus far this election campaign. Doubtless the coming weeks will bring countless more, floating down rivers of ink up onto our doorsteps and into our mailboxes.

Come Nov. 4, however, there will matter only one word: Enough.

Enough wastage of human lives. Enough wreckage of our economy. Enough withering away of our moral authority. Enough.

Enough fiddling and burning. Enough lying and hiding. Enough spying and spinning. Enough.

Enough tax cuts for those who profit off job cuts. Enough inequality in the paycheck, and in the chapel. Enough of 50 million uninsured. Enough.

When the time comes the curtain to be drawn, or the pen to meet the oval, we would favor ourselves to forget those countless words forests were felled to bring. At that moment, just one word need be remembered: Enough.

M. Annette Watlington
Chapel Hill

Give everybody $50,000!

bwheeler — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:07:51 -0400

The bailout package should be resoundingly rejected no matter how many “Sweeteners” are added to it. The bailout won’t work for the following reasons.

1. All it really does is move us one step back from the cliff we’re about to go over. There is no fundamental change of direction, so the next step will put us right back on the brink again. This is merely a stall tactic. We need painful and meaningful changes in our spending habits and tax policies.

2. Wall Street tells us that it must get these “toxic” loans off its books. First of all, nobody seems to know just exactly what loans are where, so how could you possibly know which ones are bad? That certainly leads to a huge question about how much anything is worth. Next Wall Street changes direction and tells the taxpayers that these toxic loans are “an investment.” We’ll probably end up making money on it. It’s a sure bet. They’ll even manage it for us. This sounds exactly like the pitch they used the first time they created and sold these investments. They’re willing to try it again with $1 trillion of the taxpayers money. They haven’t even changed the sales pitch. Are we that gullible?

3. There is a natural bottom to the housing market. Artificially creating a bottom simply delays the inevitable. But at what cost?

4. This bailout is typical of any negotiations. Reach for the moon and settle for a nice little package. Wall Street put a gun to our heads and threatened that the world was going to fall apart if we didn’t give it the keys to the Treasury with no oversight. It’ll accept a little bit of oversight. Big deal. All of this is just a bunch of fluff. The bottom line is that the taxpayers are still on the hook for $700 billion.

5. Of course Wall Street still has one card left up its sleeve. It warns that it doesn’t know whether $700 billion will be enough. It may need a $1 trillion or more. It warns us that doing nothing is surely going to sink the country. Of course, nobody knows whether the bailout will work, either. Either way ordinary Americans lose. Let’s not put an additional $1 trillion on the backs of the taxpayer

6. Restarting the credits markets to the way they were is a disaster. Not everyone can afford a home, or at least the kind that builders have been pushing for a long time. Stop the subdivisions of McMansions. We need more affordable housing. We need to get back to sensible lending. I’m sorry but not everyone is qualified. Credit in general must be reined in. Americans just can’t resist easy money. The government and the people are like alcoholics. We got incredibly drunk and now the bailout is our aspirin. But being alcoholics, we’re going to go right back and do it again unless there are some fundamental changes in attitude and policy.

James Riley
Youngsville

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As Americans we hear about the “trickle down” effect whenever the bailout package is discussed. I think that most Americans would rather see a package that features the “trickle up” effect. Here is how it would work.

Instead of giving $700 billion to the banks, mortgage companies and Wall Street, why don’t we give $50,000 to each taxpaying American citizen? This would cost less than the currently proposed bailout and would help the economy in the following ways ...

1. People who are delinquent on their mortgage payments could get current and in some cases they would be able to pay the mortgage off. This would make the mortgage companies happy.

2. People who are not able to afford health insurance or their medications would be able to purchase both. This would make the pharmacies, drug companies and insurance companies happy.

3. People who can’t afford that new winter coat or new clothes for their kids because their fuel bills have taken such a big bite out of their budget would now be able to purchase those things. This would make the retailers happy.
4. Some people would buy a new car to replace the outdated one they have been trying to get by with. That would make the auto industry happy.

5. Some people would splurge and take a trip to see loved ones or to just escape the stress they have been living with for so long. That would make the airline industry and the gas companies happy.

6. Some people would put money into a 401K, CD, money market account or savings account. That would make the banks happy.

All in all, the economy would start moving in the right direction and the citizens of the United States would begin to have faith in their government.

It seems to me that the “trickle up” program would be a much wiser use of our money than the proposed bailout program, and it would cost less.

Billy Brewer
Lillington

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Gosh! This financial crisis seems so familiar: Industry giants take advantage of regulatory loop holes to rape U.S. taxpayers for enormous profits that benefit very few and push the economy to the breaking point! The solution: Call upon the reeling taxpayers to once again wring more money out of their shrinking disposable incomes to support a government bailout. Can anybody say Savings and Loan? Enron? Squared! It was a decision to bail out an irresponsible industry that was given a deregulation-driven blank check to make tons of money— and then squandered it!

So here we stand again backs against the wall, staring down the barrel of bad government pushing us to make an emergency decision to saddle our children and our children’s children, etc., etc., with higher and higher interest payments for ever-increasing periods of time — kind of like an adjustable rate mortgage, wouldn’t you say? Or the war in Iraq! There’s a definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
So what’s it going to be? Your money? Or your life!

Rick Towner
Raleigh

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I would like to thank the representatives who voted against the passing of the bailout. This was a courageous movement on their part in the face of such pressure to go along and be a part of the crowd. Remember, the same conmen who declared war on Iraq are the same one who want your $700 billion to line their pockets and take care of their Wall Street friends!!

Ron Lindamood
Fuquay-Varina

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I have a partial solution to the economic crisis we are in. Let’s start with the president and work our way down through Congress. Let’s pass a law that for the next four years, they must serve at either no pay or reduced pay. Remember, our first three or four presidents served at no pay, either. And also put in there that they cannot make money taking it from fat cat lobbyists, either. But let them keep their speaking honoraria, money from personal investments, book deals, etc. Can you imagine the money the federal government would save if even for four years neither the president nor the Congress were actually paid?

And the other thing is this. They always complain that they cannot get enough Congresspeople to show up for votes on key issues. Let’s have a time clock installed outside the doors of each house of Congress. The members would actually have to punch in, just like the average Joe, in order to get into the chamber. Then when pay is reinstituted after four years, no one in Congress should be allowed to make any more than the median income of the constituents they represent in their state or district. Then we would see who the real “statespeople” are instead of the politicians who only look out for themselves!

Edgar Taylor
Knightdale

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There is no blame game to play concerning what is currently going on with the economy. The Bush administration and Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) are responsible for letting these companies go on a wild pony ride. Certain people are responsible for taking out loans and mortgages they knew they couldn’t afford or pay back. Everyone needs to accept responsibility for their part, realize they screwed up, and move on, instead of playing the blame game. It’s time to fix this problem, not point fingers. And fixing this problem is more important than adjourning Congress so candidates can go out and campaign. That’s what they pay people to do.
Our tax dollars pay Congress to do their job and sort this mess out.

Charlie Burnett
Raleigh

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The government pushing lenders to issue loans to people who had no financial recourses to repay the loans is the reason we are in this mess. Fannie and Freddie bundling this trash paper into financial instruments continued the recipe for disaster. How is it that this simple explanation is not shouted from the roof tops? The current Washington lawmakers who pushed this on us are now going to fix it? May God have mercy on the souls of Barney Frank and his comrades. News flash: Barack Obama is as liberal as they come and would not rein in his comrades.

Nick Tesla
Durham

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I’m absolutely in shock over what I’m seeing. Nobody likes the bailout. But if we don’t get it, a lot of people won’t be able to get paychecks because their employers can’t make the payroll, won’t be able to sell their houses because potential buyers can’t get loans, won’t be able to get loans for college, for a car, for a new roof--you name it. And now the Republicans have the gall to blame Democrats for the Republicans’ own vote? How gullible and stupid do they think we are? Talk about putting partisanship over patriotism. For shame. For shame.

Barbara Norton
Durham

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During the past several weeks I have been amazed at the outcry against the “bailout” package aimed at shoring up our nation’s economy, especially the notion that the package only helps billionaires on Wall Street.

While I do believe there is plenty of blame to be left at the doorstep of investment bankers, there’s a whole host of others that participated in the making of this debacle; the Federal Reserve Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, our elected representatives in D.C., and us, yes, US, American citizens.

Should we blame everyone else for our propensity to live beyond our means? As a nation we don’t save, we purchase too many things on credit and then we expect our house prices to continually go up in value so that we can pay later for today’s excesses.

As someone who became a Realtor three years ago, I was continually amazed at the number of people who felt entitled to purchase a home without having to spend even one dollar out of their own pockets! Let’s face it, this kind of thing is a recipe for disaster for most people, and we have no one to blame but ourselves if we didn’t understand this.

Right now our country stands on the brink of economic disaster and who stands to lose the most? It’s not those on Wall Street, but us, the everyday American taxpayer. If Congress doesn’t act now, I’m afraid most of us will watch our hard-earned investment and 40l(k) portfolio value drop precipitously, and there will be more job losses as small and large businesses combined find it impossible to keep operating.

Congress must come together now to agree on a plan that will quiet the stormy worldwide markets. Once that happens, I hope it will enact the reforms necessary to prevent another economic meltdown such as we’re seeing today. Finally, I hope all of us learn our own lessons about spending, saving and the principles of sound money management.

Pam Accola
Raleigh

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Like most ordinary citizens of this nation, I am not pleased — in fact, I am extremely angry! — that we are being asked to bail out the banks and investment companies in order to “restore confidence in our financial institutions.”

Rather than award the same people who got us into this mess, it seems to me to be a better investment of our tax dollars to commit to spending $700 billion dollars either, 1) putting solar panels on as many homes as $700 billion will buy, or 2) investing in a real mass transit system for the entire U.S., local and interstate. Either of these alternatives would put money back into the system, create jobs, help to reduce our dependence on outside energy sources (i.e., we wouldn’t have to wage wars in the Middle East), as well as creating a sense of confidence in our real financial systems.

Why isn’t something like this being proposed?

Will Hooker
Raleigh

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There is a solution to our present financial crisis: Charge it to the oil companies. Here is the situation: The oil companies have for decades operated in a protected environment, protected by Army, Navy, Marines and local police. They render a service that we sorely need, but it is time we made a decision to make them the number one public utility. All other utilities are responsible to government except oil, and we can, by an act of Congress, declare oil companies a utility with the whole United States as their franchised territory. As such they have an obligation to the USA to provide help in time of need.

The oil companies can pay hundreds of billions of dollars to buy the franchise they now enjoy. That is the first step. Second, use the bailout money under close supervision, so we will get our money’s worth. That’s their job, to bail us out in time of need. But it isn’t all loss: The oil companies will be allowed to charge a dollar a gallon bailout fee, so all the citizens have a part in the operation. Every time they get a gallon of gas, they are helping.

Next, there will be money paid back on the bailout. This goes to paying down the national debt. Also with supervision. It isn’t too much to ask our number one public utility to help our Uncle Sam, particularly when it will get its money back with interest.

John Townsend
Wilson

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I was very disappointed in the overall coverage of the financial crisis. The media devoted virtually no attention to the framework of the plan put forth by the House Republicans or the positions of the Democrats who dissented. Instead, the media blamed everyone who voted no for the ensuing drop in the Dow.

They did not look at the true cost of the bailout. By injecting the government into the capital markets and thus, by definition, impeding the free flow of capital, the government would be undercutting the most powerful force behind the growth of our economy. What would have been the real cost to the American people if we implemented a plan that could have depressed growth of the economy by 1 percent to 2 percent annually and eventually doubled unemployment by undercutting the market mechanisms that have allowed the United States to consistently outperform Europe and virtually every other economy?

It is ironic that this bailout is occurring the same time the business press is looking so condescendingly at Italy’s efforts to prop up Alitalia. Everyone concedes the Alitalia efforts are a political move that will continue to mire Italy in slow growth and high unemployment, yet it is exactly what our president, Treasury and Democratic leaders are trying to push in Washington. Let’s look at the options, so that we do not become another Italy.

Lloyd Melnick
Chapel Hill

A word -- or two -- of thanks

bwheeler — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:36:51 -0400

My husband thought he lost our car keys Sunday when at the Carborro Music Festival. Well, he did! — but someone found them lying near our car parked in the large parking lot. They didn’t take our car. They didn’t take anything out of the car. They attached the keys to our windshield wiper so we would see them when we returned to our car!

Thank you Good Samaritan for your honesty and concern. This supports how we have felt about North Carolinians since relocating here from New York a few years ago. You are such good people.

Jim and Darlene Pomroy
Pittsboro

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On Sept. 8, I was honored with the first Lifetime Achievement Award during the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Luncheon before 675 people at the new Convention Center. I was overcome with emotion and did not go to the microphone to thank the bureau and all those present.

It has bothered me greatly for not expressing my warm, heartfelt thanks for this award, and I do so now with much regret that I cannot do it in person to all those present.

The new convention center and attached Marriott Hotel are magnificent and will prompt significant economic impact for the Raleigh area in not only convention business, but also other private sector investment in downtown and the area. It is truly a dream come true for me, and it was an honor to be a part of its inception and construction.

My wife, Janice, and I miss Raleigh and will always cherish the 20 years we had in that dynamic community. But we are with family and grandchildren in Yakima, Washington where we should be in our retirement.

To Denny Edwards, Doyle Parrish and all those friends in the audience on Sept. 8, thank you so much for your wonderful recognition.

Dave Heinl
1987-2007 President and CEO, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Yakima, Wash.

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I just wanted to thank Progress Energy of Raleigh for sending crews to the Central Ohio area to help restore power to our neighborhoods. Who knew that Hurricane Ike would enter Ohio with a vengeance on Sept. 14? Over a million people in the area found themselves without power for a week or more. Trees were snapped, debris everywhere, and the lack of power resulted in school and business closings.

Finally on Friday evening after six days, we were elated in our own neighborhood to see the power trucks from Raleigh. In less than three hours, the tired workers cut down two large trees and fixed the mangled hot wires to restore our electricity. Great job!!

People of Raleigh should be proud, as your power crews worked many, many long hours throughout the week in this (very grateful) Central Ohio area.

Kathleen Marine
Columbus, Ohio

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I want to express my gratitude to Officer Edmonds and to the dispatcher of the Cary Police Department who assisted me on the early morning of September 25.

I am new to the area, and I recently started walking every morning to get fit and to lower my blood pressure. I decided to take a different route, and I got horribly lost walking through the maze of streets in the MacGregor subdivision. I ended up on U.S. 64, and I was scared, lost and exhausted. I thought I was near Kroger, so I called a friend to meet me there to take me home. As it turns out, I was not near Kroger but at the exit for Sanford.

I called 911, and the dispatcher was very kind as she could tell I was rather upset. She calmed me down enough to be able to tell her where I was. She dispatched an officer, Officer Edmonds, and he arrived five minutes later. I told him that if he could drop me off at Kroger, my friend would take me home. However, my friend had come and gone from Kroger when I didn’t show up. So Officer Edmonds drove me home to New Kent Place in Cary. I was six miles or so from home.

I am so appreciative to Officer Edmonds and that wonderful dispatcher. U.S. 64 doesn’t have sidewalks, and people driving to work are sometimes sleepy or in a hurry, so it was rather dangerous.

I think the Cary Police Department does a wonderful job, and they make Cary one of the safest places to live in the USA. I will always be grateful to Officer Edmonds for taking me safely home and to the dispatcher who talked me out of my fear.

Mary Cooling
Cary

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I would like to thank The N&O for including me in your Clay Aiken article and especially the positive outlook portrayed in the piece. It makes my heart glad to see how far our society has come on LGBT acceptance. With our help this trend will continue until it someday becomes a nonissue.

Our country was founded on the belief of freedom, equality and justice for all. My religion teaches God is love and love thy neighbor as thyself. Let us remember and practice these beliefs in our dealings with all people including the LGBT community.

Ted Mayer, DDS
PFLAG Triangle president

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Thank you for the Haiti coverage, especially as we bemoan our “crumbling economy.” Haiti is 90 minutes by plane from Miami but light-years distant from our comfortable lives.

On my trip to Haiti in April, a fellow traveler said she needed six months to process what she had just seen out the bus window during the last 30 minutes. But there is hope. New-Bern based Haiti Fund has been teaching thousands to live off the land using farming, reforestation to prevent flooding, cisterns to catch rain water and fish farms.

Matthew Cook
Raleigh

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The Sept. 25 article written by Stanley B. Chambers Jr. on the vigil in Durham (The National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims) exemplified courage and heart to articulate what many shy away from in the media. It was great effort to express the cry of the community to the people of Durham and surrounding areas.

I commend Chambers and The News & Observer for bringing awareness to the public eye. It is vital that we as a community stand united and informed and not continue to enable violence to control our society for generations to come. Your support speaks loud in the concern for your neighbors.

Janice Oliver Belcher
Cary

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On Sunday, Sept. 14, I had the pleasure of being in downtown Raleigh for the Lenovo Magnificent Mile Race. I am still bragging on Raleigh’s citizens.

Being unfamiliar with Raleigh, except for the N.C. Museum of Art, I had to ask directions both going and coming, and each time the person went out of his/her way to direct me.

The race for the benefit of the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation was a total success and a joyous celebration of life that honored the victims of two motor neuron diseases by raising more than $30,000 for research. Many thanks go to the hundreds involved as volunteers, racers, newscasters and sponsors who made it happen and to the City of Raleigh police who kept the race lanes free of traffic.

I look forward to being a tourist in beautiful downtown Raleigh soon.

Sarah McFarland
Winston-Salem

Jefferson, Nixon, McCain, Obama

bwheeler — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:25:35 -0400

I wasn’t leaning toward Barack Obama until I learned why he voted against the Bush (Iraq) War when so many others were fooled by Dick Cheney and did. Obama had the insight needed to realize Iraq was organized around several different tribal groups all of whom distrusted one another with a vengeance. Jeffersonian democracy had little chance of working within that type of political environment. This has been evident. Obama demonstrated insight that I think a president must have to keep us safe.

Arnold Nuckles Jr.
Greensboro

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Barack Obama ably demonstrated in the debate Friday night that more years served in the Senate does not necessarily lead to a better understanding and judgment about the issues. Obama recognized in 2003, as McCain did not, that waging and winning a war in Iraq would not be as simple as President Bush and his administration promised. Obama recognizes today, as McCain does not, that simply reducing earmarks — a goal for both candidates — will not address individual taxpayers’ woes without more comprehensive tax relief and economic strategies. Obama showed that he is the candidate best prepared to address the most pressing problems facing the country today.

Catharine Cummer
Chapel Hill

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I have to be totally honest. I am an Obama supporter, and while I wasn’t unhappy with his performance during the debate, I felt pretty strongly that McCain won — at the cost, perhaps, of looking aggressive, dismissive and snarky — but he still won. He scored a lot of direct hits and came across as seasoned, knowledgeable and in command of the facts. He certainly did a lot better than I was expecting, especially considering his stumble-ridden last two weeks.

Then I went to look up some polls, because I’m the kind of person who is interested in them from a scientific point of view, and I was surprised to see that a majority of those polled seem to think Obama won. In fact, it’s not even close — the numbers are something like 52 percent to 36 percent.

An article I read online helped me to understand it. Obama avoided landing punches when openings arose, an unusual tactic. The writer’s contention was that Obama’s lack of counterpunch was intentional. If that is the case, then he really is trying to change politics. He really does want to show himself as a new kind of politician, in a quiet, confident, gentle way that doesn’t flaunt itself.

I also think some of those poll numbers come from the numerous people who have only ever heard Obama’s sound bites and his speech at the convention, and then heard about him from friends and news reports. They knew he could deliver pre-written material well, and that his writers were good, but they had heard things that made them nervous. They might have questioned whether he was experienced, knowledgeable, mature and presidential enough to be president, and he proved that he was all those things during the debate.

I still think McCain looked more knowledgeable, more experienced — though certainly not more mature. And presidential? Well, that’s the whole point here, because it depends on what you want in a president. Do you want an emotional fighter, someone who will attack whenever an opening presents itself, or do you want someone who will choose his barbs with measured care, and not take every available smackdown opportunity, verbal or otherwise?

In a way, the debate made me relate to McCain more and Obama less, from a purely personal point of view. I’m an emotional person, and McCain’s emotional responses felt “right” to me. However, for that same reason, in calm rational moments, I’d rather have Obama as president.

I know what it’s like to have a terrifying temper — and I wouldn’t put me in charge of a country with nuclear weapons either.

Diana Wray
Durham

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What I learned from the first debate: not much!

This debate, not unlike previous ones, didn’t provide any solutions to the many problems our nation faces. Both candidates were able to show their stage presence, style and delivery, but neither consistently answered questions. Both avoided crisp, concise responses, glossing around the questions only providing listeners their scripted replies.

They were vague in their assertions, and no one in the audience was able to challenge facts, figures or anything the candidates offered, as the agreed format did not allow audience participation. (Note: Even the moderator appeared to be frustrated, and often repeated questions)

The candidates offered quips and “gotchas” to catch the other probably designed to provide us with post-debate TV ads between now and election day.

Unfortunately, the debate structure will not improve, not when the Commission of Presidential Debates (CPD), is controlled jointly by both the Democratic and Republican parties .

Additionally, neither of the serious, minor candidates was invited to participate, which meant the partisan political apparatus of the major parties would remain in control of the structure, format, time, moderators, time and topic of the debates.

For your information these candidates are Ralph Nader, who runs most years as an independent candidate, and Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate.

Granted neither has a chance of becoming our next president, but the debates should not be to limited to the two major parties. They should provide a common venue for all serious candidates to debate the issues and offer solutions for all Americans to hear.

Only the American people can improve the quality of the debates, by demanding the CPD become a nonpartisan organization that allows other candidates to participate. If this is not done, the debates will never be more than they currently are, an infomercial for the major parties.

The subject of this commentary, “What I learned from the first debate” will always have the same answer as long as the major parties dictate the rules.

Anthony Bruno
Cary

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After watching the debate, I, as a single thinking somewhat intelligent American think this:

Wouldn’t it be uniquely fantastic, if (all) Americans checked both blocks for president in this election and for the first time in history, we the voters, forced the political system to work together for the betterment of our precious society?

For the next eight years we could send two capable presidents and two capable vice presidents to Congress and the House, to form a second-to- none think tank of unlimited possibilities.

Just think of the good that the money spent on the election four years from now could be used for if we just once put that huge sum of money toward solving America’s inner city problems, and then we’d all truly mean it when we say, “Country First” and that’s change that we all could and will believe in.

Eric Wilkins
Henderson

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I found the first debate lacked any change in John McCain’s rhetoric when it comes to “helping” the American people.

McCain does not have a monopoly on any and all military issues simply because he was in the military. My husband fought in Vietnam, and I have always considered all who lived and died fighting that war heroes.

All Americans support our military, regardless. To support a war based on lies, as McCain has done, is disrespectful to our military and leaves an indelible stain on who we are as a country.

In all the years McCain has been in the Senate (which he consistently points out), why is America in such a mess? We do not need his “experience” nor the same Bush talking points anymore to move America ahead. I don’t know what else the Bushes, the McCains and the rest of this so-called Conservative Party have to or will do to completely destroy our standing in the world, our Constitution, our economy, jobs, trade, etc, before the American people decide to stand up and say no more.

Now we have a major bailout of Wall Street and others of the system that McCain has helped to create and encourage. I hope he sleeps well, regardless of which one of his many homes he decides to live in.

Carole A. Dosch
Raleigh

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Upon reading some of the comments about the debate from various people in the greater Raleigh area, I was scratching my head for the most part. So am I to believe that McCain’s cagey demeanor, his inability to return Obama’s lucid gaze during the entire debate or his inability to answer beyond self-adulation and tired talking points was missed by most of the people of our region?

Somehow the most well-spoken, reasoned and gracious — yes graciously respectful and wise — man to potentially lead our country is seen by so many on equal footing with the wincing and bitter McCain, trying every Rovian tactic in the book during that debate? Am I to believe that people are still being swayed by the old name calling and fear that have pushed our country to the very brink?

C’mon, people. Wake up! It was Kennedy and Nixon all over again, only McCain was angrier than Nixon. Meaner. And judging from his plans for America, he’s living in an era even before that famous debate.

Mark DiGiacomo
Holly Springs

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I listened carefully to the discussions of the debate as well as observed some very telling behaviors from Sen. John McCain.

First of all, his lack of eye contact with Sen. Barack Obama was quite apparent from the beginning. And, as the debate progressed, it became most revealing to me when McCain was adamant in stating that he did not approve sitting directly across the table and talking with Iranian or Russian diplomats, that he was, in fact, giving Obama the very same treatment as he would an adversary who disagrees with him.

To me, this is unacceptable behavior from a U.S.senator (not to mention presidential candidate) who is supposed to be representing our country no matter where he is and or whom he may encounter with diplomacy. It makes me wonder how McCain would act in real life diplomatic situations where a display of rudeness (not making direct eye contact with an official) is considered to be a major insult and his behavior could make or break positive solutions for us all.

In contrast, Obama was cordial, direct and followed the “rules” of a national presidential debate as well as showing just basic good manners. Obama sounded and acted presidential; McCain did not!

Anne Eaton
Greensboro

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My personal impression of the first presidential debate:

I thought that Barack Obama did an excellent job. He was in control of the issues and well-informed on all the topics. The things that I saw and made note of:

Barack Obama

1. Obama presented the kind of judgment and leadership Americans need if we are going to really change our country.

2. Obama clearly stood for change. On everything from tax cuts to foreign policy.

3. He promised to bring our troops home from Iraq and invest our resources in things that will help middle-class families and our communities -- schools, roads, health care, clean energy.

John McCain

1. When a police officer interrogates a subject, one thing he pays close attention to is what the subject does with his eyes when he answers a question. Blinking, looking away and not focusing are considered signs of lying. John McCain did this almost all during the debate.

2. McCain rarely would look at Barack Obama and at most times would look to his right so he could not even see Obama. I took this to mean that he felt that he was much above Obama, in worldly stature, and that Obama should not even be on the same stage with him.

3. McCain said several times that Obama was naive or did not understand, as if to say that a Harvard-educated black man is not capable of understanding foreign affairs and economic affairs.

4. On many occasions, McCain used his usual talking points.

5. McCain continued to misrepresent Obama’s tax plan, health care plan and position on nuclear energy.

6. Obama looked and sounded presidential. John McCain looked ill at ease and unpresidential.

7. McCain stubbornly doubled down on George Bush’s Iraq policy.

Just so you know, I am a 67-year-old white man.

Theodore Ziolkowski
Kernersville

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I was impressed with John McCain’s ability to debate. He did not seem as silly as he has in sound bites on news shows. I think he really means well and has his country at heart, but he did not convince me he could run a country with any restraint and thoughtfulness.

I want my president smarter than me. Barack Obama has the intelligence and moral conviction for putting American people first. Obama clearly stood for change. On everything from tax cuts to foreign policy, McCain offered the same old Washington politics while Obama stood up for regular Americans.

Sue Boyd
Pittsboro

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At first I was scared to death for the country when I saw John McCain’s choice for a running mate. After seeing the debate, I see what the problem is. He is completely out of touch.

After reflecting on how our government really works, I think we will be fine no matter who gets to be in office. The United States of America is bigger than two people with the checks and balances we have in place.

When it becomes apparent that McCain and Sarah Palin are in over their heads, cooler, more level heads can step in to take care of the country! Right? We might lose Alaska to Russia in the war, but that’s only 10,000 people, right? lol

James Turner
Cary

Race cards and bodyguards

bwheeler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:04:10 -0400

It seems everyone is decrying and denying the use of the “race card” in this year’s presidential election. As an African-American mom blessed with the task of raising a generation of kids that innately see “people” instead of color, I struggle to balance the very real and ugly truths of prejudice with hopes for a better world for them.

This election is about so much more than a popularity contest. It is in part about the answer we give our children when they ask why a Harvard-educated, top of his class attorney, state and U.S. senator is seen as “unqualified” when his opponent graduated second from the bottom of his class. It is about why a two-year governor of a state with a small population is seen as qualified and ready to assume the mantle of commander in chief should the need arise, but the opponent is not.

In fact, with either of their credentials and personal history, Barack Obama could not run for dog catcher as my grandmother would say.

Unfortunately, this election that has ignited the political passions of our youth also illuminates a darker side of the world in which they live. Even today, when my children are told that their friends’ parents would not let them date a black person, I still hope this election will be a referendum on policy, vision and bipartisanship, not prejudice, fear and exclusion. There is so much at stake and, and for the sake of the next generation, I have to hope.

Angela C. Townsend
Raleigh

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I encourage voters to read the book “America Alone” by Mark Steyn — a great piece on demographics and our changing world. Between the events of 9/11 and the insight I gained from this book, I have switched my political stance from staunch Democrat to firm Republican. And it is my hope that John McCain will be our next president.

My former progressive, liberal and idealistic views were admirable and might someday be the way of the future for mankind, but if we try to adopt and implement such impractical views now, we will find that our country will weaken and America will become a has-been. We are living in a bubble here in America and such idealistic views must be tempered by the harsh reality of the greater world. America must maintain its position of strength in the world setting and individual Americans must embrace personal responsibility to keep all aspects of our society strong. We must avoid the temptation to lean on or expect the government to universally take care of us.

If you’re like me, you may already be sensing that America has been slowly losing ground. Let’s try to turn that around.

Steve Erpenbeck
Clayton

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This is just a bipartisan request to readers. There are only 45 days left until we jointly elect new leaders of our country. I’m not telling anyone how to vote or whom to support; but, please consider the following before Nov. 4:

Exercise your right. Vote for sure. Register now if you have not done yet.
Do your homework. The nation’s financial system has virtually clogged. Who is responsible for this? Many lost jobs. Many lost their homes. And many lost their savings. Some executives received millions of dollars as bonuses even their companies failed; and the bottom 95 percent are bailing them out.

The cost of driving has almost doubled. Oil company profit have skyrocketed.
Over 4,100 Americans have lost their lives in Iraq, for what? Thousands are still suffering with injuries and are not having proper care they deserve. Their loved ones are also suffering with them. Defense contractors made fortune in this unfair war. Taxpayers paid billions.

Please use your judgment when you enter the voting booth. Do you feel more comfortable today than eight years ago when we elected the current leaders?

Arup Mallik
Fuquay-Varina

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John McCain has a long and strong military history of which he is justifiably proud. He knows it has never been military strategy to rely on a weak link as back-up. In fact, a good commander promotes officers whose proven abilities and insights enhance and inspire understanding, consistency and success. A good commander also ensures that there are excellent contingency plans should anything unforeseen occur. Recognizing the importance of staff is acknowledging that not one person could nor should make all decisions.

By choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his second in command in order to win an election by pandering to the fundamentalist base, McCain is going against his military training and his advertised and oft-touted integrity. Evident is self-promotion. Not evident is country first.

Claire Jentsch

Durham

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Over the last few days, both presidential campaigns have run ads attempting to show that the other side’s “advisers” are somehow responsible for the financial crisis. Both campaigns have gone over the line!

When anything bad happens in America it seems someone has to be blamed and it seems always to be said that it is due to greed, stupidity, incompetence, hate or corruption. And in a political race the opposing parties try to use the event to their advantage even if they have to lie about it.

The recent negative ads are despicable. They are overreaching and so loosely based on the truth as to be blatantly misleading. This has got to stop!

Both candidates claim they don’t want to run a negative campaign, yet both are doing it. Who is in charge of these campaigns anyway? I am voting for McCain because he is our best bet to keep us safe and cut runaway spending, but I am fed up with both parties and the huge ad campaigns that muddy the water and mislead voters.

Walt Brittle
Chapel Hill

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Carla Fiorina, a strong McCain supporter and former CEO of Hewlett-Packard was asked whether Sarah Palin could run HP. Her answer was no.

One might wonder how McCain’s VP running mate, should she become president, could handle the affairs of our country.

Looking back, of the 42 individuals who have served as president, nine were first vice presidents who arrived in the Oval Office upon the death or resignation of the president. Do we want to run a risk of over 20 percent that Palin would replace McCain during his term of office when he would be between 72 and 76 years of age.

Finally, it is impossible to understand why John McCain, with claims of patriotism and love of country, would pick a VP with no international or fiscal experience to possibly take over the leadership of our country. The answer is: Simply to get elected.

John Morse
Raleigh

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I am confused and distressed by John McCain’s reaction to recent economic and political events. The war hero I admired has become a confused, incoherent red-faced screamer. The devout deregulator claims now to be a reformed re-regulator. He demands that government, which was the problem, now fix the problem, and proposes yet another new government agency to do it. So much for downsizing government.

His repeated strong fundamentals of the economy are now really the skilled American labor force, something he never, in truth, defined as such until it became a false and mindless slogan. Moreover, 600,000 “fundamentals” are out of work so far this year alone. The only strong thing about it is the foul smell of the crass insult if he expects me to believe him.

Most troubling is his railing against the corrupt and greedy CEOs who cheated those fundamental economic workers. These are the guys he still wants to give permanent tax breaks to.

McCain has personally deregulated an ancient admonition that says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” This is not the standard of leadership I learned when I volunteered for naval service aboard his father’s flagship years ago. He has lost his moral compass and it makes me very, very sad.

Irwin Rovner
Raleigh

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For decades we have heard about deficits, or yearly federal debt. Kay Hagan’s latest ads mention $9 trillion, referring to the national debt. The United States has had some debt for most of its existence, but the total debt never exceeded $1 trillion until 1982. Presidents Reagan, Bush and Bush added to that debt each year. Clinton actually left a surplus.

Each American owes over $31,000 of the national debt. A family of five owes over $150,000. Who is going to pay this debt, your great grandchildren? We need don’t need more of the same in Washington.

Hank Macknee
Durham

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Now that we are getting into the real presidential campaign it is time to say what seems to be considered “politically incorrect”: John McCain is too old to be president. I think I can speak with some authority on this since he is only a few months younger than me.

There is no way that I have the stamina and strength to be president and I have had a much easier life than him but I can remember how many houses I own.

The common reply to this is that Ronald Reagan was this old, but that actually proves my point It is now common knowledge that Reagan was showing signs of early Alzheimer’s during his second term.

Dan DiPerna
Raleigh

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Identifying a successor is a critical task for a CEO. In our political system, presidents name their successors before they are even elected, by selecting a running mate.

It is interesting to look at how John McCain went about this process, which is even more important for him (Actuarial tables show that a 72 year old has about a one in five chance of dying in the next four years).

An extremely important attribute for the president of the United States is experience in foreign policy. However, McCain selected someone with absolutely no national or international experience but with views that the religious right is comfortable with (e.g. evolution is only a theory, humans have nothing to do with global warming, etc.).

By way of contrast, Barack Obama selected someone with whom he had sparred in the primaries, but who has unparalled expertise in foreign policy. The selection of the vice presidential candidate is the only window we have into the kind of selection decisions that the presidential candidate will make. It certainly appears that McCain will continue President Bush’s policy of appointing ideologues to important posts rather than trying to find the most competent people.

Philip Manhardt
Sanford

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Remember when Jesse Helms warned Bill Clinton to “bring a bodyguard” if he came to North Carolina? Remember how outraged the liberal media and the left was?

While nobody on the left or in the media appreciated Helms’ warning against Clinton, they can’t help but fall all over themselves with giddy appreciation of the way one of their own “jokes” about Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin.

Recently, the alleged comedienne Sandra Bernhard had some stern warnings herself for Palin, and The Washington Post raved over it, saying, “After Bernhard declares in the D.C. Jewish Community Center that if Palin were to step onto her Manhattan turf, ‘I’ll tear her apart like a Wise natural kosher chicken,’ the explosive laugh derives as much from the sneering vehemence of her delivery as the idea of the evangelical Christian candidate as kosher poultry.”

Bernhard also told Palin not to come into Manhattan “lest she get gang-raped by some of Sandra’s big black brothers”.

Mightn’t we call this the “audacity of hypocrisy”?

Chris Kling
Vanceboro

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Sen. John McCain of the Straight Talk Express would have us believe that he tells the truth when in fact he distorts it (“Fiction becomes fact on the road to White House,” news story, Sept. 15).

One of the most egregious distortions is McCain’s claim that Barack Obama supported a bill in the Illinois Senate to teach comprehensive sex education to kindergartners. Obama voted for a bill that revised the state’s standards on sex education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill was written to protect young children from sexual predators. Obama believes in sex education that is age-appropriate.

McCain plays loose with the facts about Gov. Sarah Palin as well. He says that Palin would help him put an end to pork barrel projects known as earmarks. Yet in February, Palin requested $198 million in earmarks.

In talking about Palin’s foreign policy experience, McCain cited a trip to Iraq and a visit to Ireland. The visit to Ireland was a refueling stop and the visit to Iraq was to the Kuwait-Iraq border crossing.

For eight years we’ve had a president who distorted and withheld facts to disastrous effects. Do we need yet another?

Louise Lockwood-Zorowski

Cary

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Regarding your Sept. 14 article “In office, Palin hired friends, crushed critics”:
It is both fascinating and disheartening to observe the extreme effort to sabotage the candidacy of Sarah Palin and, therefore, John McCain. Now that it appears that middle America is considering electing McCain over their anointed one, the elitists cannot contain their disdain for those things that make McCain/Palin appealing.

Unapologetic patriotism, reverence for our military, religious faith and distrust of government as a solution to the average person’s problems make their skin crawl. How can we average Americans not understand that we would be better off if we just quit making our own dumb decisions about how to strengthen our families and let the elitists take the reins for us?

As the brother of a man who fought for America and for democracy in Iraq and is now doing the same in Afghanistan and as a faithful Catholic husband and father, I can relate to McCain/Palin.

And so when the Washington elites and the media glare down their noses at Palin and McCain, middle America begins to feel the weight of that same disdainful glare and we want out from under.

William Lalor
Durham

Bumper stickers and lobster bibs

bwheeler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:55:37 -0400

My father was in the Philippines in WWII. His generation provided the United States with the luxuries of American life. Recently, as a Barack Obama supporter, I have received numerous personal insults at random with no provocation on my part other than my T-shirt or bumper sticker.

Well, I am frustrated, too, my friends: I am 52, have diabetes and am unable to secure individual health or life insurance. Like you, what little I have saved for retirement has dwindled. I have the same fears regarding national security as you and place great value on the patience, tolerance and love demonstrated by Christ.

I am a data-driven guy: I examine the facts, question their source, dispense with the rhetoric and form a judgment based on my evaluation. I have done these things to choose my candidate and would like to engage in a fact-driven debate with any person who is honestly considering the McCain-Palin option. Bring your campaign-authorized policy statements and let’s compare bullet points. Perhaps you can change my mind.

To honor the sacrifices of our grand-parents, our children’s future and America we have an obligation to turn off our televisions and talk.

Jeffrey Harris
Raleigh

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Many of my friends are registered Republicans, and they’re good people. Most agree that under the rule of vicious Republican politicians, our well-being, economy and civil liberties have been run into the ground.

George Bush, Dick Cheney and their cronies steadily pushed a great agenda for big corporations and themselves, while injuring everyone except the very rich. The Iraq war is killing our soldiers and economy and enabling the Taliban and al-Qaida resurgence in Afghanistan while Bin Laden freely roams.

This election might be our last chance to stop the madness and turn things around. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and John McCain loyally supported Bush’s destructive agenda of the rich — siding with him on over 90 percent of their votes. These are verifiable facts. In my mind, heart and soul, I know we can’t give them another chance, regardless of their brand new awakening and promises they’re making today. They’ve already been failing us over the past eight years so don’t fall for their empty promises again.

I hope all good people think about their situation and consider whether they’re better off today.

Mike Testa
Raleigh

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I apparently fall into several of the categories that the GOP/Karl Rove political machine is trying to pander to by selection of Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate: I am female, Christian, a mother and former “working Mom,” and I really would like to see a qualified woman serve our country in the highest position in government — but be real, people! Palin might make a great “Mrs. America” (I’m expecting McCain to break out into song, Bert Parks-style every time I catch a glimpse of him on TV with Palin at his side), but she is in no way even remotely qualified to serve in a position that puts her next in line for the U.S. presidency.

Frankly, I can’t even see how many real “working Moms” can identify with her lifestyle as governor of Alaska. I find it highly offensive if the Republicans really think women who have supported and respected Hillary Clinton will jump at the chance to vote for just any woman, especially one who is so obviously on the GOP ticket as eye candy to take attention away from the real issues this election should be addressing.

I fervently agree with Hillary: “No way, no how, no McCain-Palin.”

Theresa Moore
Raleigh

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With the absurdity of even the international media covering Barack Obama exercising his Jesse Helms-given right to slander his opponent, I think we as Americans have completely missed the relevant issues. The issue that affects nearly everyone is that going to work costs more each day. President Bush has made fewer decisions that affect your cost of going to work than Rex Tillerson, Jeroen van der Veer, Tony Hayward, and James Mulva, the CEOs of Exxon, Shell, BP and Conoco Phillips. You probably voted for or against President Bush; you did not for or against those CEOs.

We, as a country, are in a pot of water on a stove. Everyone explicitly named in this letter is wearing a lobster bib. Too bad we’re too busy arguing to notice.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the polls Nov. 4.

Chris Dukes
Wake Forest

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We’re now less than two months from our next presidential election. It seems there is endless debate about the worthiness of candidates running for office at local, state and national levels.

Do you vote your professed values? Do you choose politicians who promise you things that might reward you financially or who promise to make your life easier at the expense of others? Do you vote for the person who tells you it is OK to terminate the life of an unborn baby for the convenience of the mother? Do you vote for candidates merely because of their race, gender or party affiliation?

I would argue that each of us votes his or her true values. What we genuinely value and cherish guides the selections we make when we enter the voting booth. In the aggregate, this country votes its values as well. In short, we get what we demand (and what we deserve).

According to recent polling data, less than 20 percent of America is satisfied with the performance of the U.S. Congress. If you’re among the vast majority not happy with the values being championed by our elected officials in Raleigh and Washington, then take a close look at those representatives seeking re-election. Perhaps it’s time for a change. And if you’re wavering on whom to choose for our next president and vice president, simply look at the values each team espouses. An honest appraisal of their respective values (and their records) should make your choice much easier.

James Womack
Sanford

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I am the mother of two elementary school children and am constantly reminded of the need for quality education for all of the children in North Carolina. In this area we consistently struggle with school reassignments, overcrowding and a lack of resources. While I have the ability to ensure that my children receive the education that they need, most North Carolinians are not that fortunate. It is shameful that almost 30 percent of North Carolina students still never graduate from high school, and almost half of our 1.4 million students attend under-funded schools.

It is obvious to all parents that the educational system in North Carolina and throughout the nation has gotten worse under the leadership of President Bush. Barack Obama will make education a priority and will reform and strengthen our public school system.

He is committed to enhancing early childhood education, afterschool programs, and teacher quality. His American Opportunity Tax Credit will provide the first $4,000 of a college education for most students. What family wouldn't benefit from that plan?

This is why I support Barack Obama for president!

Jenny Bryan
Chapel Hill

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Sarah Palin makes me, along with countless other women, proud to be a conservative. Her values, strengths and integrity inspire us to be more than we are right now. Her experience in raising a family, running businesses, serving on a city council, being a successful mayor and governor is certainly more soothing than the Obama-Biden team’s background.

It is troubling to see the nasty liberal backlash against her obvious wholesomeness. She backs her talk with follow-through actions, from not obtaining a convenient abortion to getting rid of luxury governor perks like an airplane and a private cook.

I could not think of a better team than McCain-Palin to guide us through the current world struggles. Those who think otherwise need to study history. Start with the history before WWII and the economic history of the USSR. Options offered by Obama and Biden have failed miserably all over the world in many ages. Strength and free market capitalism win far better lives for more people when compared to “everybody-likes-us” popularity and socialism fanned by envy and bitterness.

Furthermore, the growing entitlement thinking shrinks the human spirit and its potential.

Patrice Cooke
Raleigh

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I am sick and tired of people comparing Sarah Palin to Barack Obama. He beat the only woman, in my opinion, who could qualify to be the president of this United States, and Palin couldn’t measure up to Hillary Clinton’s little finger. The people chose him over her, knowing Clinton’s experience versus Obama’s, so how anyone can continue to compare Palin to Barack is beyond me.

Sadder still is her lack of knowledge of the “Bush Doctrine.” She should be angry at her campaign for putting her in such a position to be made to look so incompetent as to not prep her on the “Bush Doctrine.” Then again, things not well put together eventually fall apart.

Scarier still if, God forbid, she did step in for McCain, would some of these be the same people giving her advice? She did not “even blink” when asked to be V.P? A woman with a baby with Down syndrome and a pregnant 17-year-old daughter didn’t even for a moment count the cost and consequences of going for such an important, public position?

I’d have more belief and respect for Palin had she said, “Well, of course, I had to think about it, discuss it with my family and consider how it would impact my family and my life, much less my country.”

Didn’t even blink an eye? Unbelievable — and horrifying.

Adrianne Powell
Garner

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So it’s really true that as Adlai Stevenson once said, “Anyone can become president. That’s one of the risks you take.”

We really do live in dangerous times. If that phone in the White House should ring at 3 a.m. sometime next year, I certainly hope the president who answers it is a lot smarter than I am. I want him to be well enough informed and a clear enough thinker that any decision made will be made with from a background of extensive knowledge and with a comprehension of the implications for national security of any course of action he orders. I certainly don’t want him to come to some ill-considered decision “without blinking.” I want him to know what he’s getting us into.

I want to minimize the risk of just anyone becoming president. That’s why I’m going to put an Obama-Biden sticker on my car.

Roger Bullard
Wilson

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I am 80 years old. I say, in all sincerity, that most people don’t immediately believe it, for I don’t look it, nor do I act as the stereotyped 80-year-old is expected to act. I have stated this because John McCain will be, after serving two terms, no older than I am now. I have reason to feel that he will be lacking in neither judgement nor capability, as well as profound experience.

John knows that this is his last chance to contribute his great ambition and potential as president of the United States. I think that it is quite possible that he decided it was time to place his chips on the line, to shake up the presidential race with a new and imaginative approach. The gauntlet had been thrown. He knew that he was facing a novel challenge in the Democrat candidate. For his own reasons, he therefore picked a vigorous, capable, experienced and attractive female running mate.

Women make up at least half of the voting population, yet they have almost never been given a realistic opportunity to share executive power at the national level. He has opened that opportunity, and time will shortly tell whether thoughtful, capable and proud women will vote to keep that gate open, and to assert their right to have a role in the national action.

Not all women agree with Sarah Palin, of course, no more than all men agree with McCain. It is obvious, however, that John McCain, even if he is never given opportunity to do anything more, has established a precedent for women in government almost as important as was the women’s suffrage movement itself. Those who do not vote with him, as well as those who do, should acknowledge their gratitude for his action.

That’s why I feel that he made the right choice.

Quentin C. Haning
Raleigh

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Well, you’ve got to hand it to Sarah Palin. She’s been able to do something no one’s done since Bill Clinton and Bob Packwood were chasing women around Washington — expose the rank hypocrisy of the left when it comes to feminism.

It’s not a breakthrough victory for Sarah Palin to come from humble beginnings, have a career while raising a family and rise to potentially history making heights in her field. This woman has the nerve to do all that as a conservative with traditional values! The unmitigated gall. What is she thinking? She needs to get on back to Alaska and take care of those younguns.

But these despicable attacks bring a consolation.With every snarky swipe, her popularity rises and with it her chances of being elected VP. The liberals’ answer to Brer Rabbit.

Make no mistake, this woman poses as great a threat to the left’s definition of feminism as there has ever been. The stakes are high, and we will see a full assault on this candidacy. They will stop at nothing to prevent this validation of traditional values along with high feminist achievement. And with every salvo, the hypocrisy will reveal that the real battle has been ideological and political all along.

John Thomas
Cary

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You might have heard that Sarah Palin said, “Our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God.” Charlie Gibson pulled that out on her in her interview on ABC TV, asking her, “Are we fighting a Holy War?” They edited out her objection that she didn’t believe that was her exact quote.

In reality, she had been speaking in her church to her congregation and was not asserting that our national leaders are sending U.S. soldiers on a task that is from God; she was asking her congregation to pray that that be the case. Her exact words were:

“Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders are sending them out on a task that is from God. That’s what we have to make sure that were praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God’s plan.”

No wonder so many people have lost faith in the reliability of news media.

Harold McFarland
Chapel Hill

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Just how stupid does the McCain campaign think we North Carolinians are?

I just saw a new commercial approved by John McCain under the title of the “New Mavericks” in which it is claimed that Sarah Palin “stopped” the Bridge to Nowhere. Anyone who has paid any attention to the news should know that is an outright lie. By repeating, it they want to make us believe it.

Not only was Palin for the project before the ground shifted against her in Congress, but as governor she took the money any way even though the project was not to be built.

I have been voting for more than half a century, but this Republican campaign is the dirtiest in my memory.

Gerald Gura
Chapel Hill

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From what I’m reading in The N&O and elsewhere, it appears that Sarah Palin has many of the same characteristics as George W. Bush. For example, she highly values loyalty. That’s evidenced by her wholesale firing of staff in the Alaska governor’s office when she was elected and replacing them with old friends. Also, she wants to keep the workings of her administration secret, again evidenced in her administration in Alaska. She is overconfident, which is evident in how easily she takes extremist positions and forcefully defends them, not to mention the tone of her speech in general.

Notice that the McCain-Palin campaign is claiming that Obama supports sex education for kindergartners, whereas what he actually supported was “age- and developmentally appropriate education.”

There is more, but the general issue is whether we should again elect a president and vice president who surround themselves with cronies and “yes men” who won’t confuse them by offering alternative information or opinion, so secretive, and so willing to lie in order to get what they want.

We’ve been down that road for eight years, and it has cost us our reputation worldwide, thousands of human lives, hundreds of billions of dollars, and our own self-esteem as an honest, humanitarian, and knowledgeable society.

Robert P. Hawkins, Ph.D.
Cary

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As an older white Southern woman, casting the most important vote of my lifetime, I look at Barack Obama and I see:

1. A young black man growing up with a single white mom and hard-working Kansas grandparents, overcoming obvious odds, committing his life to the one nation indivisible for which we Americans still strive.

2. A college graduate driving a beat-up car into neighborhoods of poor and jobless whites, blacks and Latinos, listening to them, taking action, recruiting local churches to help in his mission of public service.
3. A public servant whose striking leadership qualities move to Washington, supporting the needed change of direction there, developing fresh ideas to fix a failing economy and healthcare and energy plans.

4. A leader who grasps the big picture in the many crises we face, just as he did in opposing the Iraq war from the beginning. A leader respected by our allies and other world leaders. A smart, tough guy who is willing to listen to and work with them before plunging headlong into another morally wrong and disastrous war.

I see him as the candidate most ready to follow Jesus’s command to love one another.

Barbara Bates Smith
Clyde

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Up until July, Phil Gramm was a co-chairman of John McCain’s election campaign. McCain depended heavily on Gramm’s advice on economic matters and suggested that Gramm would be a good candidate for Treasury secretary in a McCain administration.

Gramm, now an executive for the giant Swiss bank UBS, then let slip some remarks suggesting that Americans were “whiners” regarding the current economic problems and financial market turmoil. To many the remarks reflected a disdain for the financial hardships suffered by Americans. Gramm soon thereafter left the McCain campaign.

During his long career as a U.S. representative and senator, Gramm was Mr. Deregulation. Get rid of the old financial safeguards and protection laws. Get the government off our backs and let the “free markets” work. To some people it sounded great. But now untold billions of dollars are lost, huge companies have gone belly-up, taxpayers are on the hook for bailouts and credit markets have practically stopped operating. I think I see where that vaunted deregulation gets us.

Selecting Gramm as a key adviser revealed John McCain’s basic philosophy of the economy. Now that the results of this policy are becoming clear, I’m betting that McCain will change his stripes very soon.

Tom Marchner
Durham

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It is ludicrous to me that John McCain and Sarah Palin are claiming they will bring change to Washington. Not only does McCain admit to supporting Bush’s policies 90 percent of the time, but Palin is already continuing the secrecy and denial we’ve endured from the Bush administration for eight years.

Palin reportedly has used her office to reward and punish people for their opinions, and she is now fighting subpoenas to get to the bottom of her influence in the firing of her sister’s ex-husband. Further, she and her aides regularly used personal e-mail accounts for government business for the sole purpose of circumventing future subpoenas of the governor’s e-mail exchanges! This is not change; this is exactly what Bush and his people have done throughout their administration.

Also, why hasn’t Palin been asked about her church’s teachings the way Obama was? Does she speak in tongues? Does she believe all non-Christians will burn in hell?

Investigating these issues is necessary and legitimate. Her reluctance to cooperate should be a giant red flag to us all.

George Johnson
Clayton

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John McCain’s claim that he will end the “reckless conduct, corruption and unbridled greed” that caused this financial crisis would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. He is among those most responsible for this mess. He has called himself “fundamentally a deregulator”; he helped abolish the Depression-era rules designed to protect Americans from the “unbridled greed” of special interests on Wall Street by vigorously supporting both the Commodity Futures Modernization Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

Chief sponsor of both bills was Phil “Enron Loophole” Gramm, the man McCain picked to co-chair his campaign and who insisted there was no real crisis, only a “mental recession,” and that hard-working and anxious Americans were “whiners.” McCain is now attempting to deceive us into thinking he will “reform” the very system he put in place. Don’t believe it. Republicans have always subscribed to the notion that “We need to let business alone and let business figure it out.” Well, we let business alone at Gramm and McCain’s urging and now the taxpayers are forced to provide a safety net for billionaires.

Enough is enough. Common sense tells us that some regulation is vital if we are to prevent such meltdowns. Barack Obama will work to streamline the regulatory framework and to crack down on manipulation of financial security markets.

In November, we have what may be a last chance to free ourselves from the clutches of those like McCain who for decades have enabled reckless conduct, corruption and “unbridled greed.” It’s time to give them their pink slips, call security while they clean out their desks and show them the door.

Christina Askounis
Lecturer, Department of English
Duke University
Durham

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America is seeing the second major “surge” of this Republican administration, the dumping of hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars into Wall street. Not surprisingly this financial bailout has much in common with the “surge” in Iraq. Both actions were required after capricious failures of leadership.

In both cases the Republicans failed to make good decisions. They failed to regulate Wall Street in this most recent surge. We were lied into the Iraq war to begin with, then we have been saddled with terrible prosecution of the war/ Finally an “all in” strategy that has taken our military to the breaking point has helped give some relief.

The Republicans, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina in particular, are calling the surge a “victory.” Sen. Graham conveniently forgets how bad President Bush let it get in Iraq in the first place and fails to explain what happens next for out troops and our treasure in this boondoggle. How much more will this lie cost us?

Running a government by boom and bust followed by a surge has become the hallmark of the Republicans. This country needs tax increases, not for Democratic spending, but to cover for the disastrous mistakes of the Republicans.

John Long
New Bern

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Both candidates are flying the “change” banner. As with any broadly worded slogan, it’s unclear what that means. Here’s what I want to see changed:

Energy: the debate over sources of nonrenewable fuels misses the major point — the hurricanes are payback for our energy policy (www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-17-voa43.cfm). Stop the “drill, drill, drill” mantra and invest only in renewal sources.

Foreign policy: Iraq will require a firm hand on restoring sovereignty. We must then restore our standing as a good world citizen renouncing preemptive invasion and torture — for a start.

Finance: Level with the citizens that we have financed our overspending with foreign-owned Treasury bonds. Explain what that means to us. Stop pandering to the greed of the few with high-end tax cuts. Restore our sense of common purpose in fixing the imbalances.

Leadership: We have had years of being hostage to fear. Do what needs to be done for national safety quietly. Our new leader must inspire us with a better vision and instill us with the hope that we will achieve worthy national goals.

The last item enables the other two, and many, many more. It’s clear to me that Barack Obama already meets that inspiring leadership requirement. He has my vote.

Craig Nygard
Cary

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Homeschoolers in North Carolina increased by 4 percent last year, and there are currently over 71,500 homeschool students in North Carolina. As parents, we take our children’s education seriously. It is a right that we have, and we should support those elected officials that support this right.

Sen. Elizabeth Dole supports homeschoolers and deserves your support for re-election. Just one example of this is when she sponsored a bill (S. Res 572) that says that homeschooling is a “fundamental and constitutional right of parents.” It also states, “...the modern homeschool movement in the United States demonstrates that homeschooled children are a vital component of the United States education system ... homeschool graduates act responsibly as parents and as students in colleges and universities, are valuable in the workplace, and are productive citizens in society at large ... many studies confirm that children who are educated at home score considerably above the national average on nationally-normed achievement tests, and above the average on both the SAT and ACT college entrance exams.”

Dole strongly supports a parent’s rights to homeschool. I urge you to support her and vote for her this November!

Jeff Farnham
Kernersville

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I am writing in response to the recent focus on Veterans Affairs in the U.S. Senate race. I attended the forum with state Sen. Kay Hagan and former Sen. Max Cleland at the VFW in Raleigh. I did not realize that Hagan has so many family ties to the military. Her father, brother, father-in-law, husband and two nephews have all either served or are currently serving some capacity. Because of these intimate ties, Hagan has been an ardent supporter of our veterans.

North Carolina needs a representative in Washington who knows the struggles and the needs of such a huge population in North Carolina. I think we all agree that despite our feelings about this war, all of our veterans should be cared for. Kay Hagan is this voice for North Carolina.

Jonathan Lucas
Raleigh

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Everyone needs to do a reality check when it comes to listening to the Democratic Party media ads pertaining to our state. Listening to Kay Hagen and Bev Perdue you’d think they and the Democrats had done tremendous deeds over the past 10 years, but I strongly disagree. Let’s look around the state

A. As you ride down our state highways, the grass is 3 to 4 feet high because our Transportation Department hasn’t mowed. Instead I notice that they’re preparing and planting flower beds at intersections with tall grass all around. Mismanagement?

B. Bev Perdue is supposedly for our public school teachers and state education, but the state only provided partial bonuses that were promised the state teachers.

C. State school funding for the counties across the state is insufficient, so much so that they sneak a vote on a controversial lottery program that was suppose to solve all funding problems. Yeah, right! The school systems are still only partially funded leaving counties in a bind to make up the difference.

D. Our state commercial fisheries have been reduced to nothing, thanks to lack of action by our Democratic controlled state government. Bev Perdue can take credit for this situation because some 10 years ago, she was the main voice in forcing the then director of N.C. Fisheries, Dr. Bill Ho-garth, to leave his position. She and her cronies thought his ideas for conservation and restrictions were too radical.

So do we want another tenure of Democratic controlled state government? I know not! Pat McCrory is a seven- term mayor of Charlotte, the largest city in the state. He has faced the issues of schools, utilities, etc. for that exploding population and has succeeded in directing a Democratic local government in getting the job done.

Open your eyes, people!

Ken Smith
Greenville

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Kudos to the Beverly Perdue campaign for its recognition of the potential role that mental health courts can play in repairing our broken mental health system. As a psychiatrist and attorney, I am afforded daily reminders that our prisons are becoming the new “safety net” for those not served by community resources.

There are dozens of such courts across the nation as well as a pilot program here in Orange County. The premise is simple: nonviolent offenders are given the option of having their cases adjudicated on a separate docket by a judge who has training and familiarity with mental health issues; voluntary entry into this multi-disciplinary effort can result in eventual dismissal of charges should the offender successfully adhere to a therapeutic plan. The offender benefits from a less-restrictive environment, treatment and supervision; our prisons avoid unnecessary incarcerations; and society gains a monitored and cost effective alternative to imprisonment.

The difficulty in establishing this regimen will stem from an absence of a functional mental health clinic network — you can’t divert a mentally ill person from prison unless there is somewhere to divert them! At present, gaping holes in community services would hobble the effective implementation of any such plan.

I am nevertheless heartened by the Perdue campaign’s interest in exploring this avenue, and I await the day when all North Carolina citizens can enjoy the full spectrum of services now lacking.

John Carbone, M.D.
Cary

Readers fired up about the election

bwheeler — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:12:17 -0400

Is a VP nominee who is absent from the Sunday political talk shows just days after the close of the Republican National Convention ready to be second in command in our country? Barack Obama, Joe Biden and John McCain managed to stop by at the major networks to field questions. It’ll be interesting to see how Sarah Palin fares after a crash course in foreign and economic (non-Alaskan oil related) affairs from her handlers — Joe Lieberman and the like.

Shrewd teleprompter-reading pit bulls may make headlines, but what we need to solve this nation’s problems are nimble progressive thinkers who don’t suggest “community organizer” is a pejorative term and are well-versed in the complexities of our economy and global community.

Jana Mundy
Durham

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After the final curtain had closed on the recent political conventions, I found myself up late with my sick 18-month-old son. As his head rested on my chest, I made a commitment that instead of casting my own vote this November, I would cast my vote on his behalf.

The decision was surprisingly easy. I could vote for a candidate who will increase the national deficit (leaving it to my son’s generation to pay back), who won’t pursue all possible ways to secure America’s energy independence, who will advocate a tax policy guaranteed to increase unemployment and who will only put a temporary patch on Social Security (again leaving it to the next generation to deal with).

The other candidate is committed to balancing the budget, will use any available means to cure our addiction to Middle Eastern oil (which will also create millions of jobs that will still be there when my son enters the workforce), will push a permanent solution to Social Security and has the expertise necessary to keep my son secure in an increasingly dangerous world.

Thus, for the sake of my son, I am voting for John McCain.

Doug Hansen
Durham

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Does the maverick Sen. John McCain believe in anything? Every cause he has believed in, as a maverick, has now changed to a diametrically opposite position in order to get elected as president of this great country. He contradicts himself on every issue that he had championed.

We were told that Sarah Palin was selected for her experience and conservative belief. Can she even be compared with two-term governor and pastor Mike Huckabee with his beliefs and his experiences as governor? McCain is using Palin in an attempt to gain women’s votes — nothing more and nothing less.

It is no different from when a company hires a minority for the effect of showcasing. He is insulting women. He neither believes the conservative ideology nor does he believe in women’s representation. He will sell any cause for his own political ambition.

To him, getting elected is more important than confronting any issue facing this country. If he gets elected as president, I will not be surprised if he becomes Sen. Joe Lieberman’s voice shedding this conservative mantle. If elected, McCain will not hesitate to betray the confidence of the voters who believed in him. He has the track record.

Apan Basu
Durham

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Both of the presidential candidates of the “two major parties” say that they will bring change. Really? The Republican Party has helped rule this country for over 100 years. The Democratic Party has helped rule our country for over 200 years. But now they are ready for change.

No matter which candidate is chosen by the Electoral College, the government will still grow bigger every year. The government debt will still continue to grow. Pork barrel spending will continue. Congress will still receive automatic pay raises, and we will still have a foreign policy full of double standards. Lobbyists will still subsidize the two-parties, and help write legislation.

The two-party system isn’t about change. Democrats and Republicans are the status quo. If John McCain and Barack Obama really believed in change then they would suggest that the government allow “none of the above” and write-in lines as choices on the presidential ballot.

If they really believed in change then they would allow the other presidential candidates (Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, etc.) to participate in the presidential debates.

Chuck Mann
Greensboro

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Over the next few weeks, our country will be assaulted with more hyperbole than most of us care to hear from both the Democrats and the Republicans. For the most part, the president has little power in this country. It is ridiculous to listen to the details of their health care plans or how they are going to fix the economy. If the president cannot work with Congress, he might as well throw in the towel right now unless, of course, we look at the one power he has that does not require him to work with Congress: Commander-in-Chief.

It is not that the economy or health care is not important to me. As a teacher in North Carolina, I am not raking in the bucks, gas is killing me as well as health care premiums. All of these issues pale in the face of seeing a loved one off to war again, again, and again.

Perhaps by the time Election Day gets here, I will have managed to sift through the hyperbole and figure out who will best take care of the skin I have in the game.

Mary Ward
Durham

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If you need any evidence that John McCain has been hijacked by the far-right agenda of his own party, it’s this:

Back in 2002, John McCain authored a bill with John Kerry proposing a 50 percent increase in fuel economy standards by 2016, going against the Big Oil interests in the Bush administration. He also vigorously opposed off-shore drilling.

Now in 2008, he has said he would vote against his own bill if it were on the table today and now makes off-shore drilling the centerpiece of his energy policy. He has sat out several key votes in the Senate to extend tax credits for wind and solar power production. If that’s not flip-flopping, then I don’t know what is.

And he has now chosen a running mate who makes McCain look like a tree hugger: Sarah Palin has sued the Bush administration for putting the polar bear on the endangered species list because it gets in the way of oil exploration, has proposed opening up the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge for drilling and denies the humans are responsible for global warming.

But never mind all that. She hunts moose!

Brannon Ingram
Carrboro

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The political pundits have missed the point of the value of Sarah Palin. Sen. John McCain, despite his heroism and Washington experience, is boring. Obama is exciting, new and fresh, and Joe Biden is many things, but boring is not one of them.

Sarah Palin accomplishes the much-needed ingredient for the Republican ticket: She is interesting. Whether intended or not, Palin infused a much-needed component of excitement to the otherwise gray, drab McCain ticket. Great move, Sen. McCain!

Robert D. Mintz, M.D.
Cary

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The best I can figure is that Sen. John McCain cannot make up his mind about anything. Just about all of the positions he has taken in the past he now takes the opposite of. I remember his remark, “We went to Washington to change Washington and Washington changed us.” “Us” is all inclusive. What has he changed to now? A vote for him seems to me to be a vote for a pig in a poke.

The ad he runs in our state blaming the Democrats for the deficit is an insult to the intelligence. Our current Republican president is responsible for more deficit than all of the other presidents combined. The last Democratic president reduced the deficit.

It appears to me that John McCain is a clone of G.W. Bush. Neither man can be trusted. The voters placed their trust in Bush. They were betrayed. Enough is enough!

LaMotte Akin
Chapel Hill

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I am of Cuban extraction, have resided in this great nation for over 50 years and served my country and state as a law enforcement officer. I have felt and observed the impact of socialism and communism, and by consequence the downgrade of a nation. I am mostly scared at the policies that Sen. Barack Obama is adhering to in reference to energy, taxes and his appeasement approach to outside governments, such as Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and most important, Iran. I know firsthand how a government slowly and methodically rips away freedom from its people, makes the government the only ruler of social services and empowers itself to run the lives of the population by legislating and dictating.

John McCain is not only a hero who fought and suffered for the country; he is also this type of man with an undisputed record of honesty, the person who does not need to prove himself, nor gain any more recognition, speaks what he does and does what he speaks.

McCain is a straight shooter, we have known him for many, many years, and have we stopped to think: How well do we know Sen. Obama?

With the exception of his “friendships” with the like of individuals who express themselves as anti-Semites, anti-American and racist as well as others who have a past of terrorism and anti-establishment history without repenting of their action.

As an ex-law enforcement officer, I strongly believe in: “Tell me your associates and I’ll tell you who you are.”

Manuel F. Reyes
Holly Springs

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On Aug. 6, Sen. Barack Obama took exception to Sen. John McCain’s suggesting he would bring change to Washington. This in spite of the fact that McCain has a long history of pursuing reforms even when his party and/or popular opinion is against him. For years, he has fought against earmarks. He went up against big tobacco companies when his party did not. He has worked across party lines on issues such as campaign finance and immigration reform. He took the heat from some POW/MIA activists when he worked to normalize relations with Vietnam even though he suffered as a POW in the Vietnam War for five and a half years. He pushed for the surge in Iraq when it was political poison to do so.

Now Obama says the surge “has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.” The list goes on and on — just read what former Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman has to say:

“Both of the presidential candidates this year talk about changing the culture of Washington, about breaking through the partisan gridlock and the special interests that are poisoning our politics. But, my friends, only one of them has actually done it.”

So what has Barack Obama done? According to The Washington Post, in 2007 he has either not voted or voted with his party over 97 percent of the time. A change in party is one thing; however, bringing meaningful change to Washington will require a champion of reform that crosses party lines. John McCain’s record shows he is that man.

Bryan Fricke
Raleigh

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Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice-presidential running mate is, as they say, “a piece of work.”
Evidently, her concern for the right to life doesn’t extend to the myriad animal lives whose environment she is so happily destroying as she displays her preference for oil drilling on Alaska’s pristine lands, or to the many beautiful animals she so lovingly shoots.

Miriam H. Prichard
Cary

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When we buy things at a store, it is considered common practice and good business manners that the vendor not discuss other vendors or bad-mouth their products. This is a courtesy we have come to expect, and it makes the shopping experience more business-like, more pleasant. It focuses attention where it belongs, on the worth of the products.

Why can’t we establish the same ground rules in politics? The candidates would be permitted to present only their own platforms, present only their own wares. They would not be permitted to discuss the other candidates or anything about the other candidates’ platforms. We can leave the muck-raking chore to the commentators and talking heads in the media. I think the whole process would become far more civil and voters could more easily concentrate on the issues.

Benjamin Franklin, writing “Remarks Concerning The Savages of North-America,” 1784, offered us a very helpful view of the American Indian and their understanding of proper discourse. The full text is readily available online. I highly recommend it.

Adrian Brancato
Raleigh

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I think the Republican ticket picked up steam from the vice presidential candidate. It’s too bad it took this long to get us excited though. Too bad the Moveon.org crowd is so vocal. They are the ones twisting and spinning the issues.
Most of us out here really don’t like paying high taxes, and the Democrats just want to tax us more and more, maintaining control of everything they can get their hands on.
I look forward to another Republican administration because I will be safer than if Obama gets in. He is the one with no experience and no plan.

What I really wonder is how Obama has no opinion on abortion. This is troubling for us God-fearing, neighbor-loving and, yes, gun-toting Southerners. There is no way to excuse the intentional murder of innocent, unborn life. And marriage is between one man and one woman, thank you. We may not be politically correct, but then again neither was Jesus.

T. Vincent
Jamestown

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I watched Sarah Palin’s speech. Very well done. I like Sarah Palin — her beautiful children, her sweet baby, her spunk and her presentation. She’s like us.

However, do we really want someone like us to be a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States of America? Don’t we want someone smarter, more experienced and more educated than us to run our country?

Sarah Palin has a B.A. degree in journalism. She was involved with her local PTA. She has been a mayor of a small town in Alaska. She has been governor of a small, rural and remote state for less than two years.

Do we really want a PTA president to run our country? Do we want her making decisions that will affect the future of our economy, our national security, our environment, the very future of our country?

These are perilous times, and America is in trouble. We must look beyond the glitz, the glamour and the rhetoric and make this decision with our heads and not with our hearts.

Diane Vaught
Durham

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The writer of Sept. 6 letter “Bible roles” has certainly defined the Obama campaign; he is the Messiah, he is the one (Obama’s words) who will push back the oceans’ rise and stop climate change. And then Gov. Sarah Palin is defined as the executioner Pilate.

Being for abortion rights, including partial birth abortion, and voting three times to kill a bill that would have required life-saving medical treatment for babies who survived an abortion fits the definition of infanticide and is not supported anywhere in the Bible. The Bible does mention cultures that sacrificed babies by throwing them into a fire, but they weren’t Jewish or Christian.

Palin believes in protecting the unborn, she is for life. She refused to abort her special needs baby, and that definitely was a baby she and her family lovingly cradled at the convention. Now that is biblical and Christian.

Dave Campbell
Raleigh

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Duped again, America and the media. You have a vice presidential candidate equate herself to a pit bull with lipstick, and it’s received and reported positively. When have acting on animalistic instinct and with a killer tendency become a plus? Pit bulls are outlawed in many communities. They kill other dogs, kill children, and even turn on their masters. Hockey moms ought to be horrified at this comparison. Is that the way they want their children to think? Win at all costs; crush the opponent; who cares about the rules?

John McCain was right. History has passed us by. What we don’t need in this world today is leadership that is based on fear, that is based on brute force and that is based on macho bluster. Cavemen and frontiersmen are from a bygone era. American bullies come in all races and gender. Leadership in this new international world requires social skills, empathy, diplomatic finesse and vision.

Obama was also right. America, we just don’t get it.

Christopher Dawson
Raleigh

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When is enough, enough? For me it was Sept. 7 when a small article appeared in The N&O indicating that GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin’s church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. Enough.

When do we stand up and say I refuse to go quietly by letting the evangelical right frame the policies and direction of this country for another four years? This “pray away the gay” movement is hurtful, and as we have seen in the past dangerous for us and our country. This “pray away” mindset constructs an attitude of judgment and empowerment. That I can judge you to be good or bad, in or out, right or wrong — you are either with me or against me. And I can thereby discount and belittle you or marginalize your needs.

This is not the teaching, doctrine or policy of John McCain’s tradition —the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church invites all to God’s table — not as sinners in the hands of an angry God but living members of God’s love and compassion. Not a church of elimination or exclusion but of welcoming and inclusion.

We all know why McCain tapped Sarah Palin as his running mate — to capture the GOP electorate that was so lukewarm to him and his candidacy. But does that mean John McCain has embraced his soul mate’s church’s teaching? Where is John McCain on the important social justice issue of equal rights for our gay and lesbian citizens and friends? We do not need any wider chasms to separate us but stronger bridges to connect us.

Deb Smith
Raleigh

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It is early September, and Sarah Palin has just swept the nation off its feet in a surprising Republican strategy. Democrats were stepping out of bounds and all over themselves to talk smack. It is backfiring. They will compose themselves, and this will become the most interesting presidential campaign in American history. The layers of intrigue are countless.

Before the Republican National Convention, victory was practically assured for the Democrats — after populous disapproval of President Bush it was simply time for the pendulum to swing to the other side.

McCain knocked a few million pairs of socks off with his choice of Sarah Palin — and suddenly the Democratic platform of change is the platform of both parties.

The field is seldom narrowed to a maverick nonconforming Republican ticket. Who will this attract and is it enough to clear the air after Bush?

Have we ever seen a level of charisma and likability that mirrors Barack Obama’s? Possibly Reagan. Possibly Clinton. And they won.

It is hard to find a page on the Internet where Obama doesn’t have an ad. This strategy for soliciting awareness, campaign finance and young voter support is uncharted, and time will tell what it yields.

Historically, as a strategy, dependence on young voters has been a challenge. While large numbers of voters ages 18 to 25 are registering, getting them to the polls has always been a different story. (I can relate. In 1992, I took my first political communications course in college in the midst of the Clinton vs. Bush race. I have seldom been more riveted by a subject and I cared deeply about the outcome of that election. I didn’t vote.)

Party affiliation aside, there is absolutely no telling how the African-American, liberal and Democratic factor will play against the empowered female, hockey mom and nonconforming Republican factor.

Encourage your children to observe history in the making. There are many firsts in the 2008 presidential election. With your help, they will be able to remember them.

Tracy Rehberg
Raleigh

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We just love John McCain and Sarah Palin! We are so excited about their nomination and recent polls. They are so genuine — the Real Deal — and we believe they will shake up Washington.

Sarah Palin brings energy and excitement like a blast of fresh air. And John McCain is clearly the best man to lead this country.

David and Sandra Pollock
Efland

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John McCain chose an unknown, inexperienced Alaskan governor as his running mate, but it’s possible that he will allow Sarah Palin to have only one interview with a non-Fox News reporter until the election in November.

Palin is a candidate known outside Alaska solely through Republican talking points, Internet sources and one speech written by Bush speechwriters and delivered to an entirely Republican, receptive audience. McCain says Palin will speak to the media directly only when the media promise to be respectful and deferential. In other words, the media will not be able to ask difficult, legitimate questions.

Meanwhile, Biden, Obama and McCain have been questioned in multiple one-on-one interviews with the media. As recently as Sept. 4, Obama gave an in-depth interview with none other than Bill O’Reilly — a hostile interview that Obama handled with exceptional diplomacy and intelligence. He actually persuaded O’Reilly to agree on a few points.

What messages does McCain send by not having Palin answer questions? The Bush administration has made a living out of stonewalling the purportedly hostile and allegedly liberal media. This tactic seems like more of the same from McCain and undermines the democratic process.

If Palin can’t handle hostile media interviews, it’s unlikely she’ll be able to bring any real change to Washington. And if she’s elevated to the presidency because of the death or incapacity of McCain, Palin will face a world that will not likely be deferential. Will she not answer any tough questions then?

This run-and-hide approach reveals McCain’s disdain for the democratic process and the voting public. McCain and his party desperately want to avoid scrutiny and answer legitimate questions. To borrow from Harry Truman, maybe Palin can’t take the heat and should just stay out of the kitchen.

Chris Cox
Raleigh

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This is a year of significant firsts by women in politics: Hillary Clinton’s hard-fought race and Sarah Palin’s nomination. And we ought to feel honored to have a trail-blazer as our own Sen. Elizabeth Dole.

In her work under Democratic and Republican administrations, in her successful modernization of the Red Cross, in her inspiring attempt at the GOP presidential nomination and, most importantly, in her effective work on behalf of the people of North Carolina, Elizabeth Dole has shown herself to be a strong leader and a ready servant of the American people.

As a dad of three young daughters, I am thankful to hold her up as a role model, and I hope more people will recognized the treasure she is to NC.

Shane Anderson
Durham

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Regarding the Sept. 9 story “Candidates dig into rivals’ claims,” there are many claims about each of the presidential campaigns flip-flopping.

Americans should remember above all that the Republicans have owned the executive for eight years and have literally been in complete control for over six of those eight years. Any laws they thought they should pass, they could have. Any laws they wanted to repeal, they could have. Any examples or trends they might have wanted to set, they could have.

McCain was a major part of that Republican domination, a senior senator with over 20 years of tenure — he could have spoken up or diverged from Bush during any of this time. He seldom did.

Sarah Palin’s parroting speeches by Bush speech writers didn’t change that. You may want to hear what you want to hear and have selective memory regarding the GOP domination over the last eight years, but the facts are that our country is a mess, and the GOP was in complete control during most of this period. They built this house.

Our federal deficit will be $407 billion — the largest in U.S. history. I thought the GOP was the party of small government.

Roberto Morales
Raleigh

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Ten reasons to vote for McCain-Palin:
1. You earn $250,000 or more a year.
2. You are financially better off now than eight years ago.
3. You believe global warming is a hoax.
4. You believe the war in Iraq is about spreading democracy, not gaining control of a country with the world’s third largest oil reserves.
5. You support the censorship of books in schools and libraries.
6. You think “abstinence only” education will prevent teen pregnancies.
7. You do not support a woman's right to choose, even in the event of rape and/or incest.
8. You own an Uzi or an AK-47 and don’t want to see your Second Amendment rights trampled.
9. You agree that armed force, not diplomacy, is the best way to deal with other nations.
10. You, too, believe George Bush has been right 90 percent of the time.

Helene Daniels
Raleigh

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I am a fairly traditional Democratic voter, but have admired John McCain’s integrity and bipartisan efforts to strengthen our country. My primary political satisfaction earlier this summer was the thought that regardless of who won the November election, George Bush would soon be history and our country would have the opportunity to go in a new direction. I was looking forward to hearing real discussions about domestic and foreign policies.

Although I was leaning toward Obama, I was keeping an open mind about McCain. However, about a month ago, I noted that McCain’s political commercials became negative and saw several stories noting the role of former Bush campaign officials within the McCain campaign. Next came the two conventions. I watched parts of both and thought their tones were reasonable until Wednesday night of the Republican convention.

Watching Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin that night made me cringe at the possibility that 2008 was turning into a rerun of the mean-spirited attacks that characterized the past two presidential elections. McCain’s speech Thursday night calling for unity was stirring, but that was apparently a fleeting thought rather than an honest desire.

Since then, the McCain campaign appears to have abandoned all interest in substance, truth and national unity. The final straws are hearing Palin repeatedly claim that she stopped the bridge to nowhere (despite ample evidence to the contrary, reminding me of George Bush’s stubborn and repeated assertions about WMD that didn’t exist) and McCain trying to claim that Obama was making sexist comments when he called Republican policy a pig with lipstick.

They are doing it again — dragging American voters through the same divisive, counter-productive stuff that we have experienced since the 2000 election. Let’s get real! Our country has major problems that warrant legitimate debate. I am tired of cute little sound bites. I hope we are not headed for four more years that remind me of the past

David White
Durham

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When I dream about the best possible outcomes of this election, I look at my own children and imagine a world where their schools are able to fully focus on the needs of learners, not on bureaucratic and political pressures. I picture a world where public schools come first — where teachers are given the support and resources needed to teach and engage all of the children in any classroom. I see a world where no child is left behind because that child matters and means far more than the score on his or her standardized test.

When I hope for the best possible outcome of this election, I envision Barack Obama as the leader of this country. Barack Obama has proven throughout his career that he has the vision, skills and know-how needed to strengthen our failing schools and provide educational opportunities for all.

In my dreams, no child is left without the schools, teachers, resources needed to learn and grow — in my dreams this country is led by Barack Obama, a competent, education-focused leader
Betsy Polk Joseph
Chapel Hill

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When voters pull the lever in November, I want them to close their eyes and imagine the world they will be creating. Imagine boarding a plane with a high-powered rifle and shooting wolves so tourists can have “access to resources.” Imagine a growing number of teenaged unwanted pregnancies because they didn’t have access to the proper educational tools. Imagine libraries all over the country removing certain books. Imagine public policy being decided by extreme ideology that’s waiting for the sky to open up and swallow all our problems.

I hope when people get their heads out of the clouds they get a strong dose of reality and make the right choice!

Bob Vasile
Durham

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I am fortunate to have many friends: Some are Republicans, some are Democrats. Yet rarely is it that a civil discussion occurs among these friends regarding the State of the Union because politics make people uncomfortable — people don’t like to have their opinions challenged, only their opinions shared and validated, most often through blogs, Web sites and 24-hour news programs.

In this election, however, the media have become a third candidate, one who claims to be providing “facts and information” but is always subject to political spin. Whether as an escape from reality or the naughty appeal of a scandal, people no longer form their own opinions — they adopt ones from media sources that make them feel “comfortable.”

In this election year, 2008, major issues for America such as the Iraq war, security, the climate, mortgage and health care crises are taking a back seat to lipstick on pitbulls and pigs, arugula and numbers of personal properties. Why? Because people don’t want to feel “uncomfortable” with the real issues at stake, and it takes too much energy and time to listen to the actual words of the candidates running for office.

It may be fun to chat at the water fountain or e-mail a joke about the latest ridiculous headline, but should we really be so casual and nonchalant about what we, as voters, are supposed to be doing? While entertaining, are these really the issues that are going to determine who we elect as Leader of the Free World? The leader who will likely nominate three or four Supreme Court justices during his presidency? The leader who will have to prove to America and the world that he is above the riff-raff and won’t succumb to pressures of the American public to be “just like them” but better?

If so, shame on us. Shame on us for not thinking for ourselves, for feeding on the media frenzy and ignoring the mess we are in. “Ignorance is bliss,” but it will catch up to us if we don’t start paying attention to what really matters in a president: integrity, honesty, intelligence, diplomacy and fairness.

We will get just what we seek when picking up a tabloid: scandal and embarrassment. But it won’t be an escape from reality — it will BE reality.

Tracey O’Connell, M.D
Durham

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I want to plead with the candidates of each party to talk issues to us, the voters. We can take it! We want to hear real issues that affect us everyday and how you will tackle them if we choose to send you to Raleigh or Washington, D.C. We want to hear about how you will impact the economy.

I am one of the 6.7 percent of North Carolinians who have lost their jobs. How will you grow our economy? I want to hear about health care. What will you, as an elected official, do to improve our health care system? Don’t scare me because a plan proposed may not let me choose my own doctor. I don’t have health insurance to see a doctor. I wouldn’t mind one being picked for me. Please save the horse race for the Derby. This is too important for snide comments, red herring campaigns and faux issues.

So, please candidates, issues. I promise we can handle it.

Elizabeth Ferguson
Durham