Personal debt not a disqualification for public office
Re: “Oh no, Mr. Gray!” Oct. 18
I always look forward to reading Jonetta Barras’ commentaries as she seems never to shy away from controversial subjects. While her conclusions about Reuben Charles may be appropriate, the financial evidence against him was a bit lacking.
I am currently on the November ballot as a candidate for ANC 6B02 commissioner, a very local race in the District. However, I currently owe a bank $405,000 (my house mortgage), and last fall I owed a plumber $9,000 (to have my heating system replaced). Fortunately, I have no judgments against me.
Do these financial issues mean that I should drop out of the race?
Vernon Mallu
Washington
Our greatest challenge: Disrespect toward life
Re: “Stem cell debate trickles toward horror,” Oct. 13
In his Thursday article on the stem cell debate, Cal Thomas identified a defining theme of our age: There is no greater challenge to humanity than disrespect for innocent human life since its inception.
It is also absolutely true, as Thomas underlines, that the greatest horrors in history have not been sudden events but the result of the accumulation of individual sins, whether of commission or indifference.
Thanks to Thomas for a cogent reflection on a momentous theme. Bravo!
Drs. Maurizio & Grazia Ragazzi
Washington
Rep. Connolly is out of touch with reality
I recently read that Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., was bragging about his voting record in the current Congress, calling it the pantheon of all Congresses. I am not sure how anyone in this country — be they liberal, conservative, independent or just breathing — could make such an outlandish statement unless they were completely out of touch with reality, which is my point. For any elected official to be proud of the mess that our current collection of public servants in Congress has created, irrespective of party affiliation, is inconceivable.
Connolly has been solid and unwavering in his total support of the Pelosi agenda, including his support for $3 trillion in new spending, over $600 billion in tax increases, the failed stimulus, the health-care takeover, cap-and-trade and $500 billion in cuts to Medicare. Incredibly, he thinks the 111th Congress is one of the most successful in history.
It’s time to retire this career politician and replace him with someone like Republican Keith Fimian, who will put people back to work, balance budgets and make government better and more efficient instead of bigger.
Thomas G. Bognanno
Springfield
