Letters to the Editor for Friday, August 29, 2008

Published: August 28, 2008

Writer: Disagreement doesn’t equal bias
It seem that free speech is not appreciated by all during this election period, including Jean Gregory, author of an Aug. 27 letter to the editor, who apparently will not be satisfied until the entirety of the press gets in-the-tank for Barack Obama.

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It is insufficient to her that all of the broadcast networks, several of the cable news channels, well over half of the daily newspapers, the network/cable late-night and comedy programs and most news magazines all champion the election of Mr. Obama. We are now given to suppose, from her letter, that Ms. Gregory would like us to entertain no other Opinion from The News & Advance, no dissenting viewpoints, no other facts and no other understandings whatsoever about Mr. Obama. I think she is likely to continue to be disappointed. Trying to buffet her opinion, she repeats trite talking points normally used to disparage Obama’s opponent and President Bush.

In much of the world today, media voices that speak out against authorities are soon silenced. Some people in this country, given the opportunity, would do likewise. I suggest the writer remember this is America and a contrasting viewpoint or coming away with a differing take on a speech by a politician does not constitute bias.
RON JOSEPH
Lynchburg

Can’t manage a thing
I thought Jerry Falwell Jr. provided a reasonable response to the many complaints about The Plaza parking issues. I also agree that the Obama folks did little to coordinate the parking.

As I sit here watching the CNN coverage of the Democrats’ convention, I noted that after 9:30 p.m. Monday, there are still registered delegates in the parking lot trying to enter the venue.

Perhaps the Democrats really can’t even manage a parking lot.
BOB HUDGINS
Forest

A transformative event
Barack Obama’s visit to Lynchburg made it clear that change will need to begin in places where one may doubt change is even possible. And change tends to be very slow in Lynchburg.

However, I believe the visit by Sen. Obama shows that there has been a fundamental shift in the prevailing sentiments toward politics and social concerns in Lynchburg. No longer is this region completely dominated by one, single narrow view, based on one group’s archaic interpretation.

Lynchburg has developed into a sturdier bastion of plurality, where diversity across the spectrum is truly being celebrated. It’s being celebrated in a community that once vehemently fought desegregation and civil rights just a generation ago. We had visionaries like Bev Cosby, who took on the segregation and racism in Lynchburg when it was at its worst. Bev believed all people are acceptable to himself, and to the Savior he deeply loved. 

I believe Obama is a torch-bearer, who can better further the cause to celebrate and embrace diversity and open-mindedness than any of the candidates we have to choose from this election year. With his modest beginnings, he relates to so many more of us because so many of us had to earn everything in life through hard work.

Perhaps he may not have as much experience governing as his rivals, but he has the energy and idealism that are the fuel for positive change. Often it requires new, energetic ideas from a younger mind to move past stagnated and antiquated values that no longer resonate with the complex and ever-changing world of today.

So I thank Sen. Obama for believing that Lynchburg is a place that celebrates all the wonderful kinds of people who make America the special place it is and recognizing that Lynchburg is also hungry for the kind of change that is needed to ensure that all Americans, no matter who they are or what they do, have an opportunity to become part of a strong and flourishing society, where peace and tolerance are truly honored.
WHESTLEY SPANGLER
Lynchburg