Entries for November 2009

[Jesse Jackson] was the very best at commanding an audience and was a terrific spokesman for black America. Time has passed him by, though. Barack Obama is the new wave—a living demonstration of what can be done by being an example instead of a rabble rouser.

Ron W. Smith of UT in response to Doug Heye:
It's Not About Race, Jesse

I think it is sensationalism to say that the errors on recovery.gov were a fraud or a sham ["Uncovering Obama's Stimulus Sham," usnews.com]. You have individuals reporting their congressional districts, and most just don't know them. So [Vice President] Biden is right to say, "Fix it." That is the best part of government transparency. When there is an error, everyone knows, and they can fix it. These issues exist in the private sector as well as the public sector. And the more we take issues like this and sensationalize them, the less government (right or left wing) is going to want to provide that visibility. So let's fix the data issues, and let's focus on the real problems. Individual projects not on budget or seemingly wasteful? That's a news story, and even a liberal like me wants that fixed. But we aren't fixing those problems when we're busy cooking up a story where there isn't one.

Comment by Adam Neary of NY

The fact of the matter is that [people] are scared of her [Sarah Palin] because she doesn't fit the "profile" of your average politician.

Don of VA in response to Washington Whispers:
Palin to Hannity: Profile Terrorism Suspects

I am a Christian and never, ever would I think of doing anything even close to what Carrie has done ["Poll: Should Conservative Christians Renounce Carrie Prejean's Lewd Pursuits?" usnews.com]. She is not a model Christian—she is a hypocrite that is using Christianity as facade. Yes, Christians aren't perfect however she does not even take fault for her mistakes so how can she be forgiven? She continues to lie, and I don't want to be associated with someone like her.

Comment by Sandra of AL

[Sarah Palin] will run [in 2012]—what else is there for her to do? The question is who will run alongside her…no one wants to hold the grenade in their hands, especially when everyone else is running for cover.

A. Rodriguez of FL in response to Public Opinion:
Palin for President in 2012?

Conservatives are calling this "treasonous," and nothing could be more absurd ["Outrage Over Obama's Bow to Japanese Emperor Is Silly," usnews.com]. First of all, the Emperor of Japan is just a figurehead; he isn't a foreign head of state. By bowing low President Obama is showing his humility and respect for the entire nation of Japan, not for a particular government. Second of all, Japan is not the enemy of the United States, and it does no harm whatsoever for us to show respect to this long-time faithful ally. We have a well-deserved reputation for arrogance throughout the world and Obama's act of humility can only help us. The nationalists in this country need to stop being so insecure. Obama is mending fences, not showing weakness.

Comment by Bob of NE

Liberals simply don't get it. These people are war criminals and have absolutely no legal right to be in our court system.

Thomas of FL in response to Julie Piscitelli:
Gitmo Trial in NYC Is Best

For those who believe that Palin's brand of patriotism, or politics, or homespun world view represents some remarkably fresh approach to governing, I've got some bad news for you ["Sarah Palin's Crass Patriotism," usnews.com]. Palin is much less interested in substantive, meaningful change than she is in glib self-promotion and monetary enrichment. This "movement" isn't rogue, or maverick, or any other type of quasi-transformative neo-patriotism. It's narcissistic opportunism, pure and simple. And that's nothing new in this country. There is great wisdom to be found outside of the beltway and away from the East or West coasts of America. There is some fine wisdom in Ohio where I live. But Palin has already proven herself to be unworthy of middle America's support or trustfulness, even if she does proclaim herself to be the greatest proponent of changing the status quo. The problem is she is the status quo: an ego-driven political opportunist sucking up to the American populism money trough, ready to trade her 15 seconds of fame for a few dollars and then 15 more seconds. For those really looking for homespun American wisdom, I say good luck, and keep searching.

Comment by Chris Barr of OH

I hate the fact that all these politicians think that the U.S. is so high and mighty that its leader can't show respect to another leader! Those are the politicians who should be canned.

Josh Stuart of VA in response to Doug Heye:
Obama, the Emperor, and Bowing to Silliness

The big question for me is whether the dampening numbers are the result of too much Democratic success, or too little ["Giddy Republicans Foresee Bigger House Gains in 2010 Than in 1994," usnews.com]. Let's say Democrats succeed in passing health care reform, cap and trade, and a new unemployment-targeted stimulus package. Let's say the GDP continues to grow and that unemployment declines. Will this hurt Democratic chances in moderate districts (due to fears of the Democratic agenda), or will it improve their chances by showing that Democrats have what it takes to get important legislation passed? I have no idea. But I do know this. I will be exceedingly grateful if Democrats stay the course and get the job done.

Comment by Mark H. Moulton of CA