Black voters can think for themselves Re: “Vote for Obama because he’s black?” Oct 20
I do not know why Cal Thomas is so scared about comments made by high-profile black supporters of President Obama’s re-election.
Everyone is entitled to freedom of speech, and no one should censor people’s comments as long as they do not break the law. The electorate is astute and quite capable of voting for whom it wants.
Thomas seems to be reliving 2007, when then presidential candidate Barack Obama’s pastor made some racial comments. Now in 2011 he says how racist it is when black supporters comment in relation to the president’s reelection.
Voters cannot be influenced by remarks made by members of the media.
They will collectively decide which party can improve black people’s circumstances.
Cargill Kelly
Manassas
Perry’s split of GOP will help reelect Obama
Re: “Slugfest in Vegas,” Beltway Confidential, Oct. 18
The Oct. 18 Republican debate showed why the GOP nominee’s road to the White House will be tougher than expected. Like many, I was excited when Rick Perry joined the race. The tough-talking Texan represented an alternative to President Obama with his conservative positions on lower taxes, decreased regulations, repeal of Dodd-Frank and Obamacare, etc..
However, it is now clear that Perry is not ready for the presidency in 2012. He does not have the in-depth political knowledge of candidates such as Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney, and will fall flat in the general election against “the great orator”. The media knows this, which is why they will keep Perry in the headlines. Perry has the cash and attitude to bring down Romney, but he will ultimately split the Republican field.
The latest Rasmussen poll has President Obama’s approval rating at 45 percent, but if the Republican candidates continue their tiresome generic talking points and lackluster ?he said, she said? onstage battles that mirror the bickering Congress America is coming to resent, they will better Obama’s reelection chances.
Make no mistake, President Obama was the victor of the October 18 debate and the loser was Reagan’s 11th commandment and the Republican field.
George A. Hatcher III
Washington
Gadhafi’s death should trigger reflection, not celebration
The death of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi should not be a cause for rejoicing. Rather, his brutal assassination should be an occasion for us all to analyze our own weaknesses and prejudices. There can be no world peace unless there is soul peace.
Gadhafi was guilty of sowing seeds of division and for promoting hatred and violence. But how often do we do the same — even to the extent of murdering our own flesh and blood through abortion — in the name of personal selfishness and greed?
Fear that Gadhafi’s harsh and brutal regime will be replaced by yet another, as is often the case with violent revolutions, is of immediate concern. Hopefully the international community will help Libya’s new government to quickly open up a rebuilding phase based on a spirit of inclusion and social justice.
Paul Kokoski
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
