Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Published: September 2, 2008

For inspired leadership, vote Obama
In a recent letter to the editor, a writer asks about Barack Obama, “He can inspire, but can he lead?” I think the author has it backwards. The better question is, “can the candidate for office inspire?” Can the candidate inspire us to act to our better natures instead of playing to our fears? Can the candidate inspire us to do the hard things that will preserve the freedoms we cherish so greatly instead of allowing the winds of opinion to sway the agenda?

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The News & Advance gave the conservative Christian views of John McCain’s vice-presidential pick headlines. Yet, the only qualifications stated for Sarah Palin were her opposition to abortion and her support for the traditional family. It is a sad day in America when the only qualification for the second highest office in the land is to make public statements opposing abortion as a legal option and opposing recognition of homosexual unions.

The right-wing radicals will question the leadership of a man who is inspiring many to go beyond disagreements and find room where we can work together. After all, in a politics as usual, controversy is used to create fear, radical organizations can then ask for money, and lobbyists can keep their cushy jobs. We need inspiration. We need inspired leadership. America needs Obama.
BRIAN JABLONSKI
Lynchburg

Don’t forget Barr
I’m fed up with the onslaught of negative television ads that have been polluting the airways of the past few days. I expect we will see even more between now and Nov. 4.  Why can’t the politicians just tell us what they are going to do for us, and more importantly, how?

Both John McCain and Barack Obama are slinging mud like there is no tomorrow. Neither is focusing on solutions to the problems we face. Thankfully, there is a choice. Former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr, Libertarian party candidate, is also on the ballot in Virginia and he’s won my support. Barr has a record of integrity and accomplishment and his campaign is running on the issues.  Bob tells us in great detail of his plans for dealing with our nation’s energy needs, the war in Iraq, our economy and so many, many more. 

A few examples. Barr has a plan to increase domestic energy production. He supports the building of new refineries and expansion of the use of clean coal and nuclear resources, both of which would be a source of jobs and income to Virginians, and a boost to local economies. Barr is 100 percent pro-gun and he deserves 100 percent of the votes of gun owners and hunters everywhere. He has been a champion of gun ownership rights and was elected to the board of directors of the National Rifle Association. And lastly, he is a bright man who has the courage to stand up against the powerful special interests in Washington, with the experience of being a former congressman. He will fight to shrink government spending and lower our taxes. And these are only a few of the examples of his plans for a Barr presidency.

I just can’t bring myself to vote, with integrity, for the lesser of two evils. The lesser of two evils is still evil.
DANA HALE
Appomattox