United

By: JournalNow Staff | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: September 22, 2008

At one point in life, I'm sure I've wanted equality as a woman, but I've never wanted favoritism. I'm disappointed by people who vote for candidates because of race or gender; that our diligence as a united people has led us to the point that we have put issues on the backburner.

I've heard from people that they will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama because he is black or voting for Gov. Sarah Palin because she is a woman. Neither statement qualifies them for much more than being human. While I can appreciate Obama and Palin for accomplishments in their lives, I cannot decide the fate of this country based on gender or race. Am I naive in believing that we should move forward as a united country? Am I naive in believing we are all created equally by God?

I hope that Americans will break barriers of race, gender and politics. We all have to feed our families and keep a roof over our heads. Everyone is struggling, and the only thing that will get us out of it is unity. My prayer is that we will find a way to be a United States.

KIMBERLY P. LEDBETTER

Clemmons

Salvation and Charm

On Sept. 5, a column about Gov. Sarah Palin, "Palin shows us how it's done," appeared in London's newspaper The Sun. The writer, Fergus Shanahan, clearly admired her in contrast to Britain's own crop of uninspiring politicians.

I offer that the salvation of our national interests isn't to be found via charm. In my opinion, a clean break from the disastrous policies of President Bush is vital. Bush has squandered the nation's treasury while neglecting matters at home like health care, education, the economy and jobs. One must only pause to witness the human suffering and misery throughout the United States. In my lifetime, he is the most ill-prepared and incompetent excuse for a president. Embarrassing on the world stage, he has spawned much anti-American sentiment, especially in the Middle East. The selection of Bush by the Republican Party does not inspire confidence. The American people must awaken to martial the resources to pull out of a downward spiral.

When a Democrat is elected to office, the Republicans will have a chance to reflect and learn from their mistakes. The American people deserve nothing less than the collective best efforts of enlightened leadership, whether it be Republican or Democrat.

ROBERT H. MACK

Lexington

Legitimate Regulation

On May 23, 2007, the 5th District Republican's congresswoman, Rep. Virginia Foxx, voted to block passage of bipartisan bill HR 1252, the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2007. On June 24, 2008, she again voted to block passage of bipartisan bill HR 6346, the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2008.

On Sept. 12, 2008, a number of 5th District gas stations raised the price of a gallon of regular to as much as $5.35 or more, apparently hoping to fleece the public during a run on gasoline prompted by fears of the effects of Hurricane Ike.

The 5th District deserves a representative who supports legitimate regulation of the private sector when it acts against the public interest, in the tradition of the monopoly-busting reforms led by Republican President Theodore Roosevelt.

Thank goodness we have an option this year: Wilkes County Democrat Roy Carter, a retired teacher, coach, Christmas tree farmer and all-around good, honest guy. Vote for Roy Carter.

JOHN K. MOTSINGER SR.

Walkertown

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