Entries for April 2009

I am a lifelong Republican who no longer has a party. I think the Democratic Party philosophy is far from my own, but the Republicans are owned by single-issue segments that I cannot support.

Louise Sherman of ND in response to Washington Whispers:
All Eyes on Possible Specter Copycats

Air Force One Photo Op Outrage

This story makes no sense to me. If you wanted a picture of Air Force One in front of the Statue of Liberty, why not just Photoshop a picture of it ["Air Force One" Flyover Incident an Embarrassment, usnews.com]? Another thing, could you imagine what would have happened and the public reaction would have been if Bush would have been in office when this happened? This whole thing seems fishy to me, like someone is hiding something, and this is just some kind of a cover story. Because really, why would you need fighter jets following and leading Air Force One around? And who was taking the picture? And where are these pictures? I want answers.

Comment by Seth B. of WI

In 100 days, Obama proved that he's hugely competent and a natural leader, which is about all you can hope to accomplish in three months.

Evan Adamson of NY in response to John Aloysius Farrell:
An "A" for Obama's 100 Days

My daughter is a senior at Notre Dame University, and I am embarrassed by the opposition to President Obama's speech and honorary degree ["Notre Dame Critics Tally $8.2 Million in Denied University Donations Over Obama," usnews.com]. I consider him the most "pro-life" president of my lifetime. His domestic and foreign policy agenda and his outreach to all reasonable people in the world are more than inspiring. I suggest that my fellow Catholics remember that fewer abortions were performed during the Clinton years than during the Bush years. Also, please remember that President Obama is not pro-abortion. He is against the government telling a woman what she must do with her own body and future. I would think my anti-government friends would be against this as well. And why is it that Republicans would be the first to scream if their taxes were raised to support unwanted babies? Catholics are supposed to respect life. Show some respect for your president, who is currently trying to save the world from disaster in so many areas.

Comment by Joan Bradley of PA

Hurrah for the alumni and all of those grounded by their principles, and faith, to voice their opposition to this debacle. We can only hope enough "noise" is created to insure the values that have made ND a great Catholic institution continue.

Comment by Jim of OH

We are bipartisan and should be proud of it. I don't think we want a one-party system. That's why we're a democracy, not a dictatorship.

Carole of NY in response to Bonnie Erbe:
Bipartisanship Is Dead, as It Always Was

Does the Geneva Conventions and International Law apply when we are at war with an organization (al Qaeda) that does not recognize either [Mounting Calls for Punishment in Firestorm Over CIA "Torture" Memos, usnews.com]? Does any legal framework to prosecute in fact exist? If the "enhanced interrogation techniques" did yield actionable intelligence and thwarted plans for a September 11 encore, was it worth the cost of the United States giving up its "moral high ground"? Each of these is a difficult question that could, should, and will be debated by legal minds for years. There is little to be accomplished by going on a witch hunt. Comparing this conflict to and using the same prosecution methodology as World War II or any other war between two governments is nonsensical.

Comment by Mike H. of CO

Our government and our people are duty bound, both morally and legally, to investigate and prosecute acts of torture. No person, or position, is above the law. Unless we follow this simple principle, we as a nation are doomed. This nation is being tested. We must make the hard choices and follow the law.

Comment by Florida Sever of AK

A nice article, but to be fair, you failed to mention that the president has "challenged" his cabinet to come up with $100M in savings. Let's see, $19.6B of pork vs. $100M in savings—that should result in a funny named award.

Brad of TX in response to Peter Roff:
"Oink! Pig Book Shows the Pork"

It is most unfortunate that Mary Kate Cary has taken offense at Bill Maher's article about the Republican Party and its "base" ["Bill Maher's Angry Rant Is Wrong About Republicans and Mainstream America," usnews.com]. She claims it is "mean" and "angry" in tone. I, on the other hand, find his comments to be factual, reasonable, and well thought out. The rationality of his argument belies any "angry" intention on his part. Rather, the feelings of "anger" belong to the Republicans and most of their supporters as they breech acceptable levels of discourse in their rants against President Obama, Democrats, knee-jerk liberals, and their ilk. They were apoplectic in their irrational derision of our president even before his inauguration. I can understand Ms. Cary's frustration though, since she was unable to refute the opinions that Bill Maher so ably expressed with rational arguments of her own!

Comment by David Bard of CA

I think ignoring people who just call names and restate stereotypes is the best approach. Otherwise you elevate their debasing talk to the level of a worthy discourse on politics, this country, and the future of both. It is worthwhile to state for the record that you are not a racist when you are called one because if you remain silent, some might take that as an admission of guilt. However, going any further than that is unnecessary and will likely bring you down to Maher's level of discourse, which is hateful, bigoted, and unproductive.

Comment by John Bynum of TX

The public will eventually miss real news, but by that time it will be too late. News is not free; someone has to pay for it or it simply won't exist. And a free country cannot survive without a free press.

Doug of OK in response to Bonnie Erbe:
The Internet is Killing Journalism

I was thrilled to hear Miss California stand up for her beliefs ["Miss California, Carrie Prejean: Finally, a Public Figure for Conservative Christians to Love," usnews.com]. Way to go girl! In today's society, those of us who do have differing opinions are made to feel we are wrong, tainted, or biased. While in fact, we, like the gays and proponents of gay marriage, have opinions and belief systems. It doesn't mean that we can't exist in the same space; it does mean we come from a different belief system—one that is thousands of years old, and one that comes from a higher source than Perez Hilton. I was thrilled to see this beautiful young woman stand firm in her biblical belief and to speak openly about her faith in God and Jesus Christ.

Comment by Olivia Haller of SC