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Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

Indecisive

Is President Obama an indecisive commander in chief?

— Don Sweat

Macon

Look in the mirror

Usually, I read the Viewpoints section with an open mind in the belief there should be a forum for your readers to express divergent opinions. I may disagree with their views and their arguments may be specious, but they are entitled to rant, rave and ramble if they choose to do so.

However, after reading the Your Say column entitled “Face the facts: It is about race” in the Nov. 5 Telegraph, my tolerance toward inane, ignorant and profoundly ill-informed individuals has reached its nadir. In my opinion, the writer has managed to surpass all previous participants in the “I am really stupid” Olympics.

Specifically, very few, if any, white Americans oppose a legitimate attempt to reform those portions of our health-care system that require immediate attention or long-term refurbishment. The concern on the part of many Americans — no matter what color, religion or income — is that the current congressional approach to health-care reform is too massive, too expensive and will not actually address the real problems of access, affordability, portability and variable quality. The pushback is not directed at a black man named Barack Obama but at President Obama’s lack of true leadership in a rational health-care reform endeavor.

With Democrats in firm control of the House of Representatives, Senate and the White House, there is absolutely no incentive to include the opposition in any discussions or debate. Therefore, it is completely irrational to blame Republicans for lack of progress on health-care reform.

I definitely agree with the writer’s closing statement: “We are losing and dying as a so-called land of liberty because of blind ignorance, greed, hypocrisy and rotten ideas about race.” Unfortunately, the vitriol displayed in his Your Say column suggests the writer is the embodiment of the very character flaws he blames for our country’s imminent demise. Rather than write another letter, I suggest he stand in front of a mirror.

— Kathryn S. Cunningham

Macon

Which Erickson?

I would like to congratulate The Telegraph for the fortitude to print Eugene Robinson criticism of Erick Erickson in Friday’s paper. The editor has bent over backwards to allow every right-wing criticism of the Obama administration and Erickson to write an occasional column. The Erickson we see as a Macon councilman, columnist and occassional television political analyst is nowhere near the Erickson of www.redstate.com.

Robinson suggested he might have a problem counting after his bravado about conservative victories on Nov. 3. Erickson also is fixated with defeating Florida governor Charlie Crist’s U.S. Senate bid. Robinson describes the Erickson of Red State.com as a “Palinite.” The “Palinites” oppose mainstream Republican candidates. How exactly do “Palinites” or “tea-baggers” think they are going to win an election? Maybe a version of Erickson can explain that to all of us.

— Daniel Schlafer

Byron

Each his own day

In response to the letter written by Ken Brown of Byron on Friday, Nov. 6, please do not confuse personal military efforts with heroism on the field. While Brown served our country in the time of need and deserves the “war medals” he has stored in his closet, mine are framed in shadow boxes and hanging on my wall. This is a reminder that I did return home to my loved ones and gave what time I was asked to serve.

Yes, some did not make it home and are honored on their day and their day alone, which is Memorial Day. Congress has set aside two national holidays to honor those who “gave all” and those who served. Veterans Day is for Brown, myself and the other brave young men and women who went when asked to protect our freedom. I am very proud that I served in the Marine Corps and would like to ask that Brown not take away the day, our Veterans Day, for every man and woman who served this country. For all who served, “thank you.” Enjoy your day Wednesday and be glad you are here to honor those who gave their all on Memorial Day.

— Roy Anderson

Hazlehurst

It’s your day, too

Ken Brown of Byron states, “Veterans Day is not about me, the living, but about the millions who arent here because they gave their all ...”

Brown, like so many others, are confused about the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Veteran’s Day was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 as Armistice Day, and Congress amended this act Nov. 8, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with Veterans. The significance of this day is to honor the 24.9 million living military veterans in the United States.

However, Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

Mr. Brown, this is your day as it is mine. Celebrate it with all living veterans. There will be a Veterans Day Ceremony at City Hall in Warner Robins at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Be proud of your service to your country. Then, on Memorial Day, remember those you served with who are no longer with us.

— Karin Winward

Warner Robins

Drive

If you’re going to drive, then drive. If you’ve got something else to do, pull over to the side of the road and do it before you kill someone.

— Lee Martin

Macon

Heroes regardless

I read Ken Brown’s letter with interest and was taken back by his statement that, “all of my heroes are deceased.” I think I can understand how he must feel. All of the men and women on active duty now and in the past are heroes whether they are living or deceased.

When Veterans Day arrives, get out and honor the veterans who are deceased and celebrate with the ones who are still with us.

— Steve Weigandt

Hawkinsville

Prayer for today

Oh Lord, we come to give you the praises and the glory. Oh Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have surrendered for now and those yet to come.You so loved the world that you gave your only begotten son. Father, we thank you for granting healing and spiritual growth. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

— Submitted by Carrie B. Jones Barnesville

Readers — ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and laypersons alike — are invited to contribute prayers for this daily feature.

Send them to “Prayer,” The Macon Telegraph, P.O. Box 4167, Macon, GA 31213; or by facsimile to 744-4663; or online to letters@macon.com.