Friday, October 31, 2008
Moved by patriotism at a political rally for a Democrat
Letters to the Editor
Recent letters to the editor
- Pick of the day: Passing the buck won't stop abuse
- Letters: Illegal traditions should not be tolerated
- Pick of the day: Teacher's conviction should scare parents
- Letters archive
From the RoundTable blog
Read the latest entries
Moved by patriotism at a political rally for a Democrat
I went to a political rally last week. It opened with a prayer and moved to a magnificent rendition of the national anthem. The crowd, more than 8,000 strong, offered three spontaneous bursts of applause during the performance and a standing ovation at the close.
We remained on our feet and proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance to one of the many American flags suspended in the huge space. One of the warm-up acts was a decorated veteran, also a senator, who spent much of his speech speaking about the strength, courage and skill of our American troops in Iraq and about how we must support and honor them for their sacrifice.
The main candidate arrived onstage to thunderous applause. He spoke on many topics, including supporting American families by reducing personal taxes, protecting American jobs by offering tax breaks to businesses that add jobs in this country rather than ship them overseas, and guaranteeing a college education for young people willing to serve their country. He closed by asking God's blessings for us all.
The candidate was Barack Obama. Can liberal Democrats be church-going, troop-honoring, family-focused, patriots? Yes, we can.
Consider the change we'd be getting
It wasn't a "chicken in every pot" that Christopher Dodd, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, et al., promised -- just cheap loans for everyone, for every house. Liberal birthright, good politics (alas, very good politics).
Now that this unsustainable, unsupervised cow has been milked to rupture, it's the GOP's fault, and we need "change." Yes, we do. Present results from two years of Democratic congressional oversight necessitates as much.
Of all the lies -- gun control, Acorn association, Ayers association, George Soros/John Podesta association, public funding, taxes, social perspective (disguising social engineering as tax fundamentals), on and on -- the greatest lie of all is this "economic collapse" blame.
Please, America, wake up before it's too late. Consider it the lesser of evils if you wish, but let's at least make that choice wisely.
Obama will head down the road to socialism
Communist Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev once said, "We can't expect the American people to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have communism."
Barack Obama will give increasingly larger doses of socialism to a gullible and clueless American public.
Capitalism is certainly not a perfect Utopia. The trouble with capitalism is capitalists, but the trouble with socialism is socialism. It, like its more toxic evil, has failed the hopes and dreams of the people in every country it has subverted.
It promises much achieved with little effort. But it delivers nothing except a decrease in personal liberties and a greater reliance on bureaucratic government to provide the mere basics of a cradle-to-grave welfare state.
Although engaging, neither Obama nor his supporters apparently understand what has made this nation great. Should a witless electorate enthrone Obama, whose scant qualifications are mostly limited to being over 35 and native born, be afraid. Be very afraid.
Obama can bring new hope to the country
Barack Obama offers new hope and inspiration not only for today's depressed economy, but our depressed seniors, people with disabilities, low income and for all those who have lost so much in the depressed stock market.
In my almost 50 years of voting, I have not had this much hope since John F. Kennedy ran for president. I lost all hope with the assassination of his brother Robert. I had the privilege of having had many personal conversations and interactions with Robert during my days of working at Washington National Airport. He was an honorable man of conviction and principles who understood the plight of the poor.
I see so many similar values in Obama. He has the personal conviction, fortitude and drive to lead America and the world toward a new path of working together with people of all races and religions. His 50/50 makeup of color is a real plus that could lead to better and more progressive working relationships with disenfranchised nations around the world. Vote Tuesday for real hope and change for America.
Obama is posing as a moderate
Most Americans consider themselves political moderates, neither far left nor far right. Barack Obama is transforming himself from a far-left radical politician to a mainstream moderate to win votes.
Don't be fooled by his rhetoric. He is a product of the far-left radical Chicago political machine, and the record shows that he is the most liberal senator in Congress. Answer these questions:
1. Should big government supply all my needs? Do I value individual rights and responsibilities?
2. Do higher taxes reduce growth and initiative? Do higher business taxes increase prices for goods and services?
3. Are abortion rights more important than human life?
4. Do I want to sacrifice our national defense by appeasing terrorist nations?
5. Do I want to live in a socialist society where the government redistributes my wealth? Do I want Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Obama managing my money?
6. Do I want a president who has ties to domestic terrorists and radical left-wing organizations?
Wake up, America! Vote for John McCain, the only candidate who has the experience and judgment to lead and protect us in a dangerous world and the only one who has actually fought for you.
Public art in Roanoke celebrates the city
I am delighted with the public art popping up all over the city. Each piece in its own right is beautiful, playful, uplifting or, like "In My Hands," the sculpture in front of the Civic Center, downright awesome!
The totality adds a dynamism to the city that shouts Roanoke is a creative, lively, "happenin'" place to be.
Thanks to the city manager, city council, Susan Jennings, the Percent for Art ordinance and everyone who came together to bring this dream of public art in Roanoke to fruition. 'Tis truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Goode is right for the 5th District
Although I'm a former resident of the 5th Congressional District -- until the Virginia General Assembly redrew the western part of Henry County, where I now reside in the 9th District -- I'm writing on behalf of my good friend and honorary congressman, Virgil Goode.
Goode has done tremendous and honorable service to his district in Washington and put his district and people first. He has that common sense, independent conservative voice that he always espouses and will continue to do so if re-elected.
Goode's opponent, Tom Perriello, is wrong for the 5th District. He'll be in lock step, following the ultra liberal agenda of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
And the people of the 5th District, including my home area of Martinsville-Henry County, will be the ultimate losers if Goode is not re-elected. His presence on the Appropriations Committee will continue bringing home the bacon.
Goode is on the right issues that matter for the 5th District, like stopping our dependence on foreign oil, drilling in this country and stopping illegal immigration. I urge the residents of the 5th District to vote for a "Goode" man on Nov. 4.
