Sound Off!: September 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

Dean Was the Best Actor of His Generation

Subject: Rock On, James Dean

On your recent article on James Dean, I disagree with you one point. James Dean was not "a very good actor" who has proven to be a bigger icon. Dean was the best actor of his generation. In his three films and 28 appearances on television (and I've seen them all...), he proved to be so far ahead of his time, so immersed in each and every role and projecting such allure, as well as so totally in command and different to everyone before, or after him, that he has no peer, period. And that is true, even today.

That "above everyone else" quality, as an actor, does not translate on how big an icon he has become. In other words, for some reason that escapes me, he's an icon, I mean a true icon, to a relative minority both in America and to an even greater extent, elewhere in the world.

-- Guillermo

Friday, September 26, 2008

For Anti-Spam Laws

Subject: Rule by Thieves

I'm all for anti-spam laws. If you can't put your name to it, don't send it out. I'm a newspaper editor and I do not print anonymous letters to the editor.

--Sheila B.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Presidential Power

We are at war, albeit lacking a declaration of war, at least on our part, as an enemy has declared war on us. The failure to establish a declaration of war has caused America to enter into a new state that has no definition, and in which the conduct of war comes into question while an enemy with no rules, either ethical or legal, are imposed upon them. That is the dilemma we are facing. At the same time, Congress itself is trusted less by the people than the president. Congress has proven again and again that it does not operate with the good of America in mind, but in it´s own political interests, especially when the president is from the “other” party, making them part of the problem and hardly the solution. Term limits for Congressmen is becoming more palatable to many Americans, and the degree of power held by senior members of Congress also needs to be checked in view of the amount of influence they are able to impose on the entire body. Cutting off debate, pigeon holing bills not desired by one faction, committees that hold back, from the floor, legislation not attractive to their party, the excessive use of riders (now called earmarks) are just a few of the absurdities that are making the Mafia look tame by comparison. Much of what has been blamed on George Bush are actually products of Congressional actions or inactions, right up to the fuel crisis we are in now, and the failure on Wallstreet. It looks like it´s time to clean house and start with a new Congress as much as checking presidential powers. I personally trust President Bush more than all of Congress.

Don G

Monday, September 15, 2008

"Voice" Vote

Subject: The Constitution Is the Issue

The Executive Branch with its Executive Orders and its regulations for bureaucrats has been abused. The Congress with their questionable procedures have enacted legislation without debate and without committee oversight and with a mere "voice" vote which was no recorded vote at all has taken away vital freedoms. The Supreme Court has become a super legislature legislating from the bench. All three branches of government are OUT OF ORDER, John. What Bush has meant for good in fighting the war on terror will be abused by a future president and used against American citizens who don't want to succumb to and become a part of a one world government. Obama has already said we should forget about our moral convictions as Americans and become global citizens.

Walter L.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Lining Up to Drink the Kool-Aid

Subject: Why the Christian Right Loves Sarah Palin

Thank you for this most excellent commentary. I have been very, very discouraged at the number of Christians who are now seemingly excited about voting for McCain. They are lining up to drink the kool-aid and haven't learned much from the past 8 years. We are voting for Chuck Baldwin.

Nancy from Iowa

Shame On You

Subject: Why the Christian Right Loves Sarah Palin

At this moment I wish I were a skilled debater. Unfortunately I’m not. I am so taken aback by your article that I’m tempted to just cancel all affiliation with you. I’ve been a supporter for years. How can you sum up a whole group of faith as you have just done?? You have used such loaded terms as “pro war” “strident” and even claimed that fundamentalist Christians (what ‘s the definition of that anyway ?) “long for the end of the world and all the violence and bloodshed that comes with it...” I’m speechless. That is so far afield. No one desires bloodshed. What is your philosophy on protecting your family from inherent danger? If you lock your door or defend your wife against an attacker, are you “pro war”? I’m an extremely diplomatic person who would run a mile to not have to offend someone. I guess that at this moment I’m not willing to invest anymore frustration in even writing this. I’m sickened inside that one of my champions of fairness and rights has chosen the prejudicial cliches of the “far left??” to write off this 54 year old mom and wife, former teacher, Christian, nurturing friend because I don’t feel like walking away from our political system and giving it over to those other extremist groups who decide to stay and fight. I know that my salvation and hope are not in my government. But does that mean I pull out? Shame on you.

Roberta E.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Things Have Gone Too Far

Subject: Why Neither Obama Nor McCain Will Save Us

I want to tell you, it is good to know someone else realizes the problems we all face, & I am in total agreement with your ideas, but you & I both know that things have gone too far in the wrong dirrection, I doubt things will ever be straightened out at this point, people have changed them too much, & one man, rather it be Obama or McCain can't do much, not without alot of backing, & that would take alot of time should they get their points across. People have gone their own way too long & aren't going to give up their life style now, not many care to be concerned about their communities, only their personal enjoyments. But I just wanted to thank you for making me realize I am not the only one who feels & shares your opinion.

Judy L .

Right On Target

Subject: Why Neither Obama Nor McCain Will Save Us

Your essay entitled 'Why Neither Obama or McCain Can Save Us' appeared in the Washington County paper last week. I am not certain of your politics but that doesn't matter. I thought the piece was right on target. I continue to be amazed at what people don't know about their own country, state, city, neighborhood, and even in their own homes. Sometimes I feel that on every ballot there should be two questions at the top and if not answered correctly, the vote should not count. They would be Who is the President of the United States? and Name one of your state's U.S. Senators. Of course I'm just a silly old retired forester who values the freedoms we have in this country and worry about what we are leaving for our children. Thanks.

Dave M.

Pitch Perfect

Subject: Why Neither Obama Nor McCain Will Save Us

Well said and pitch perfect. I've been chanting this msg for the past several yrs and am generally regarded as a boor, cynic or pill.
Refreshing to read about someone else (who's educated, articulate and with credentials) who sees the problem for what it is. If history has taught us anything, however, its that things won't get better til they get much worse. "the people get the gov't they deserve". (Adlai Stevenson)

George W.