Mainstream Americans reject views of Bachmann, Perry Re: “A new wave of liberal bigotry,” Aug. 18
Cal Thomas should receive a chutzpah award for his piece charging “the left” with religious bigotry simply because they are exposing the scary records and statements of Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. Anyone who studies these two candidates will find a long list of examples of religious and anti-gay bigotry, particularly in the case of Bachmann, whose long-held religious belief in the views of the radical theologian Francis Schaeffer make her the most extreme major party presidential candidate in generations.
Millions of Republicans, independents and libertarians are deeply worried about the records of these two candidates. They are not being attacked simply for having religious faith, as Thomas states. They are being attacked because their beliefs and statements are so extreme that most Americans will repudiate them at the polls if the country is unfortunate enough to have either one of them as the Republican presidential candidate.
If that happens, the many virtues of divided government will become readily apparent.
David Lampo
Alexandria
Exiting Iraq, Afghanistan will shrink Pentagon budget
Re: “Panetta warns bigger defense cuts would ‘weaken’ security,” Aug. 17
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta stated that any cuts to the defense budget over what has already been agreed upon will severely harm U.S. national security. This may be true within the context of current commitments and deployments. However, Panetta and President Obama should realize that there is one way to rapidly shrink the Pentagon’s budget, and that is to exit Afghanistan and Iraq.
Something like 70 percent of Americans, including many Republicans, want us out. We need a more rapid scale-down of troops, and at the same time a ramp-up in intelligence and special operations to help with the transition.
My message to the Pentagon and the president: Listen to the people. Nation-building efforts in Afghanistan are an unqualified disaster. We are not getting support from the host country or our allies. The payment of what are essentially bribes to corrupt parties is also unconscionable and must end immediately.
Yes, our national security is at risk — but the real risk is from the debt crisis, caused at least in part by these unfunded wars.
Bob Hugman
Woodbridge
Public tired of being told Ron Paul can’t win
Re: “Iowa’s evangelicals and the 2012 nomination,” Aug. 15
Hugh Hewitt insults Iowa voters and Examiner readers by stating that Ron Paul in incapable of winning the Republican nomination. Didn’t he notice that Michele Bachmann bought 4,000 votes, Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race, and Rick Santorum proved he was a dinosaur?
We are tired of being told who the winner or loser is. We can see for ourselves what’s going on. We’ve been lied to enough by commentators who toe a party line just to maintain the status quo and keep voters blind.
Every day for the past 10 years, Ron Paul has proved he can win. He is one of fewer than five true statesmen on the Hill — and we need plenty more like him in Washington.
And please, Mr. Hewitt, do not try to get on the Paul train when it becomes popular or you will never be trusted again.
Scott Reed
Fairfax
