The true fault lies with the “full loafers” of our nation who stayed at home in the 2008 and 2012 elections because the candidate of their party was not 100 percent “pure” in personifying their “ideal” standard bearer.
It is not Obama’s fault. He said he would fundamentally transform the United States of America and spread the wealth around and he has proceeded to do just that. He said what he meant and meant what he said. (OK, except perhaps for that “If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan — period” bit.)
Now that the 2013 election cycle is behind us, much attention is being focused in the direction of Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey as the early “front-runner” for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. His policies and positions on various issues are coming under attack from all sides — along with jokes, comments and cartoons that seem more concerned with his girth than his worth.
The moderate, conservative and tea party elements of the Republican Party need to cease and desist from their internecine squabbling and reacquaint themselves with the old adage that "half a loaf is better than none" — if they have any hope of regaining the White House in 2016 in a campaign against Hillary ("At this point, what difference does it make?") Clinton. KEVIN GERAGHTY, KETTERING
‘We become pawns in political game’
Re “Budget cuts may ground fleets,” Nov. 12: I am appalled by how our government believes the sequestration cuts are good for the American economy. Sure, it has been reported that money was saved, but at whose expense?
It is easy to say this has worked when our congressional representatives have not missed a paycheck. Some have said they would take the reduction in pay as a show of solidarity with the government workers. That would be laughable if it weren’t so sad.
Most of our congressional representatives could well afford it. Now we know they have Leadership PAC money to spend at their own discretion — with no rules governing how those corporate and private donations are spent. Instead of taking care of the people they serve, they take care of themselves first, but that is another subject all together.
Most government workers are middle-class folks raising children and paying bills. Middle-class Americans have no way to protect themselves with special privileges, perks and Leadership PAC funds. We pay plenty of taxes at all levels and most of us don't mind paying our fair share; but when salaries are cut and we become pawns in a political game, it is a big problem. We deserve to have a government that can compromise and solve problems together. I, for one, am tired of the hate mongers and extremists trying to be our leaders. … SALLIE FERGUSON, FAIRBORN
Speak Up
Re "Conspiracy covered up for 50 years," Nov. 19: I must disagree with the letter writer's opinion on the Kennedy assassination. We don't know and may never know if there was a conspiracy behind Lee Harvey Oswald's actions that day. But, as a Marine, I can definitely disagree with his opinion about Oswald's ability to hit his target. Any Marine could take that rifle and hit a slow-moving target less than 150 feet away.
Has this Rob Ford of Toronto had his 15 minutes of fame yet? Please?
Re "Zimmerman in hot water again," Nov. 20: Yes, my opinion of George Zimmerman has changed. He seems to be a bully with a gun. I'm just waiting for his next tragedy involving his weapon.
I truly thought justice was served during the Trayvon Martin trial, but Zimmerman's behavior since then makes me wonder. Pardon the pun, but he really is a loaded gun that could go off just about any time. I don't think he should be permitted to carry a firearm.
I have always thought that George Zimmerman was guilty of murdering Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman is now a threat to society; I hope the jury and court system is happy. Martin was minding his own business. If I were walking at night and someone was following me, I would be on the defensive also. I hope Zimmerman ends up in prison where he belongs.
The stock market is at record highs, unemployment is down and the economy is picking up. It's time for Republicans to defund something, create a new artificial debt ceiling or create some crisis that puts the fear back into business owners — so that this economic recovery slows down.
I want to publicly thank the anonymous person who bought dinner for me and seven of my friends at a local restaurant recently. We were celebrating my birthday. Imagine our surprise when the waiter informed us that the entire check had been taken care of by a generous benefactor. This event proves that there are many kind and generous people in our world today. Again, thank you, whoever you are. The rest of us should take this as a suggestion to "pay it forward."
Re "Can Obama regain his credibility?," Nov. 19: In my opinion, there is no way that President Obama can regain his credibility. He has lied to the American people and the government shut down. Need I say more? This great country is in a mess. I truly feel sorry for the next president.
To ask if President Obama can regain credibility implies that he has, in fact, been credible with the American people during his presidency. The debacle of the unfolding failure of the Obamacare launch has given the public a new window into the win-at-any cost, say-anything-even-if-not-true legacy that this president has forged. How can one regain something that indeed they never had?
Facts continue to emerge on various topics, including Obamacare, that show the Obama administration as the most secretive and dishonest administration our country has seen since the Nixon years.
Just think if President Obama had the common sense and insight to keep his promise and let people with existing health insurance keep their plans, which he has finally been pressured to do … he would have averted a government shutdown.
With all of the emphasis placed on enforcing seat belt laws to reduce injuries from automobile accidents, why are there no similar laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets?
Re "Some cops allowed to work after drinking," Nov. 17: There are some areas that do not test their policemen for marijuana when given a drug test. Again, a double standard and very dangerous.
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