Mitt’s memory loss

The following letter was published on August 7, 2012 by
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe, NM

A scary thought: Romney pushing the wrong buttons in the White House. It is my notion from reading about the remarks Mitt Romney has made — that London may not have been ready for its Olympic moment — and addressing the Labor Party leader Ed Miliband as Mr. Leader, reveals how detached the presumptive Republican American presidential candidate nominee is.

I have read reports that as governor, Romney did not recognize by name everyday officials he should have known. Not only should American people see more of Romney’s tax returns, we should all be assured that he is not suffering from an early form of dementia. In my opinion, Americans should demand a complete disclosed medical exam from Romney. It is a scary thought that he might be forgetting things and that he ends up in the White House.

Truth about Romney

The following letter was published on July 26, 2012 by
The Austin American-Statesman
Austin, TX

I suspect the Bain Capital fiasco, in the sense of Mitt Romney hiding from the truth, is the first big round delivered by the Democrats against Romney's run for the presidency.

In my reading of The Boston Globe account on Romney's tenure at Bain Capital and watching Romney on TV deny the claims, I, like many others, felt Romney wants to buy and lie his way to the most powerful position in the world.

Could this be a common trait among some of the most twisted, wealthiest people in the world? I would think not.

President Richard Nixon was not considered to be among the people with the greatest wealth, yet he claimed he was not a crook.

Time will tell about Romney's denials, as well. I suspect there are other rounds of discoveries that will make his denials transparent. Knowing what many of us know now, I wonder whether there are any regrets on the part of newspapers that endorsed Romney?

Romney's tactic is buy and lie

The following letter was published on July 25, 2012 by
Times Union
Albany, NY

I suspect the Bain Capital fiasco — in the sense of Mitt Romney hiding from the truth — is the first big round delivered by the Democrats against Romney's run for the presidency.

In my reading of The Boston Globe account on Romney's tenure at Bain Capital, and watching Romney on TV deny the claims, I feel Romney wants to buy and lie his way to the most powerful position in the world.

More to be unearthed from Bain

The following letter was published on July 24, 2012 by
Standard Times – South Coast Today
New Bedford, MA

More to be unearthed from time at Bain

I suspect the Bain Capital fiasco in the sense of Mitt Romney hiding from the truth is the first big round delivered by the Democrats against Romney's run for the presidency. In my reading of the Boston Globe account on Romney's tenure at Bain Capital, and watching Romney on TV deny the claims, I, like many others, feel Romney wants to buy and lie his way to the most powerful position in the world.

Could this be a common trait among some of the most twisted wealthiest people in the world? I would think maybe not; Richard Nixon was not considered to be among the ones with the greatest wealth; yet, he claimed he was not a crook. After much of the evidence surfaced during the Watergate investigation, Nixon was found to be what he claimed not to be.

Time will tell about Romney's denials as well; I suspect there are other rounds of discoveries to make his denials transparent. Knowing what many of us all know now from the evidence presented in the Boston Globe, I wonder whether there are any regrets on the part of newspapers that endorsed Mitt Romney.

Bain fiasco the first big round for Dems

The following letter was published on July 21, 2012 by
The Taunton Daily Gazette
Taunton, MA

I suspect the Bain Capital fiasco in the sense of Mitt Romney hiding from the truth is the first big round delivered by the democrats against Romney’s run for the presidency.

In my reading of the Boston Globe account on Romney’s tenure at Bain Capital, and watching Romney on TV deny the claims, I, like many others, feel Romney wants to buy and lie his way to the most powerful position in the world.

Could this be a common trait among some of the most twisted wealthiest people in the world? I would think maybe not; Richard Nixon was not considered to be among the ones with the greatest wealth; yet, he claimed he was not a crook.

After much of the evidence surfaced during the “Watergate” investigation, Nixon was found to be what he claimed not to be. Time will tell about Romney’s denials as well; I suspect there are other rounds of discoveries to make his denials transparent.

Knowing what many of us all know now from the evidence presented in the Boston Globe, I wonder whether there are any regrets on the part of newspapers that endorsed Mitt Romney?

Alfred Waddell: Nixonian Romney?

The following letter was published on July 16, 2012 by
The Providence Journal
Providence, RI

I suspect that the Bain Capital fiasco in the sense of Mitt Romney hiding from the truth is the first big round delivered by the Democrats against Mitt Romney's run for the presidency.

In my reading of The Boston Globe account on Romney's tenure at Bain Capital, and watching Romney on TV deny the claims, I, like many others, feel Romney wants to buy and lie his way to the most powerful position in the world.

Could this be a common trait among some of the most twisted wealthiest people in the world? I would think maybe not; Richard Nixon was not considered to be among the ones with the greatest wealth; yet, he claimed he was not a crook.

After much of the evidence surfaced during the "Watergate" investigation, Nixon was found to be what he claimed not to be. Time will tell about Romney's denials as well; I suspect there are other rounds of discoveries to make his denials transparent.

Knowing what many of us all know now from the evidence in The Globe, I wonder whether there are any regrets on the part of newspapers that have endorsed Mitt Romney?

Is America on the right track?

The following letter was published on July 10, 2012 by
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, MA

Brown vs. Warren and Obama vs. Romney are battles fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded, and many voters thinking the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table.

It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader. A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney or a Brown event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama or Warren event. America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Candidates' supporters indicate nature of the leader

The following letter was published on July 3, 2012 by
Standard Times - South Coast Today
New Bedford, MA

Is America on track? Brown versus Warren and Obama versus Romney are battles fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded, and many voters thinking the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table. It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader. A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney or a Brown event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama or Warren event. America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Obama gives everyone a place at table

The following letter was published on July 3, 2012 by
The Capital Times
Madison, WI

President Obama vs. Mitt Romney is a battle fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded, and many voters thinking the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table. It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader. A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama event. America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

The company they keep

The following letter was published on July 1, 2012 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

The crowds drawn by a politician reveal his true nature. A diverse crowd is not seen at Mitt Romney events; a diverse crowd is always seen at President Obama’s. America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Diversity of supporters seems missing among GOP

The following letter was published on July 1, 2012 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, MA

Brown vs. Warren and Obama vs. Romney are battles fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded, and many voters thinking the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table.

It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader. A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney or a Brown event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama or Warren event.

America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Crowds on campaign trail speak volumes

The following letter was published on June 29, 2012 by
The Gloucester Daily Times
Gloucester, MA

Brown vs. Warren and Obama vs. Romney are battles fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded — and many voters thinking the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table.

It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader.

A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney or a Brown event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama or Warren event.

America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Little diversity at Romney events

The following letter was published on June 28, 2012 by
The Providence Journal
Providence, RI

Obama vs. Romney is a battle fought, in my opinion, along the lines of many voters thinking too much ground is being conceded, and many voters thinking that the future is reached by everyone having a place at the table.

It is my notion that the crowds drawn by the above politicians reveal the true nature of a leader. A diverse crowd is not seen at a Romney event; a diverse crowd is always seen at an Obama event. America is on track when all Americans have a place at the table.

Dangerous terrain

The following letter was published on April 24, 2012 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

If justice slips away and George Zimmerman is exonerated, every state that has a Stand Your Ground law will experience gun carriers shooting and killing people of color, hiding behind the law and apologizing afterwards — when it is too late.

Clearly racist

The following letter was published on April 23, 2012 by
The Seattle Times
Seattle, WA

In my opinion, George Zimmerman acted as if he had thrown a baseball through a window of Trayvon Martin’s parents with his apology to them for the killing of their son, Trayvon Martin. [“Zimmerman apologizes, granted bond,” News, April 21.]

Like many in America and many other parts of the world, my heart goes out to Martin’s parents for the pursuit of justice in an area of the country where it could slip away. It is my notion that many laws are developed and legislated for the sake of modifying, controlling and preventing criminal behavior.

In the Zimmerman case in Sanford, Fla., a colorblind justice in America is on trial. A 17-year-old African American minding his own business was followed and killed by a man with no authority to pursue him.

Zimmerman was told not to follow Martin by the dispatcher when he made the 911 call to report that Martin was in the area; Zimmerman ignored the dispatcher, followed Martin; whether, Martin turned to defend himself or chose to run, he was unarmed and killed by Zimmerman.

If justice slips away and Zimmerman is exonerated in Sanford, all cities that have the “stand your ground” law will experience some gun-carriers shooting and killing people of color, hiding behind the law and apologizing later.

Color-blind justice is on trial along with George Zimmerman

The following letter was published on April 22, 2012 by
The Boston Globe
Boston, Massachusetts

In my opinion, George Zimmerman acted as if he had thrown a baseball through a window of the home of Trayvon Martin’s parents with his apology to them for the killing of their son (“Fla. shooter apologizes; bail set at $150,000,” Page A1, April 21). Like many in America and around the world, my heart goes out to Martin’s parents in their pursuit of justice in an area of the country where it could slip away.

Many laws are developed and legislated for the sake of modifying, controlling, and preventing criminal behavior. In Zimmerman’s case in Sanford, Fla., color-blind justice in America is on trial.

As I see it, a 17-year-old African-American minding his own business was followed and killed by a man with no authority to pursue him. When Zimmerman made a 911 call to report that Martin was in the area, the dispatcher told Zimmerman not to follow Martin; Zimmerman followed Martin anyway; whether Martin turned to defend himself or chose to run, he was unarmed.

If justice slips away, and Zimmerman is exonerated in Florida, all communities that have “stand your ground” laws will experience some gun carriers shooting and killing people of color, hiding behind the law, and apologizing later.

Obama-Republicans, a new trend?

The following letter was published on February 15, 2012 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Looking at the remaining GOP candidates running for president, it is my opinion that they reflect some of the hatred expressed by conservative radio talk show hosts.

I strongly believe that the turnout among Republican voters is low because many of them have purged themselves from listening to hate radio. The choice of GOP candidates reflect a deep division in the Republican party.

In my lifetime, I have witnessed this type of division and in-fighting in the Democratic party when Jimmy Carter was running for a second term. As a result, many Democrats became Reagan-Democrats.

With the great successes accomplished by the Obama administration ( "Obama­care," the killing of Osama bin Laden, the shutting-down of the Iraq war, the smart-fought war in Libya, the new tone set to work with the U.N., and a presidency without slander), it is my notion that many of the moderate-minded Republicans can be, or already have, swayed to vote for Barack Obama.

If the economy continues to improve, Republicans from many walks of life will become Obama-Republicans.

They don’t get it

The following letter was published on January 13, 2012 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

It seems to me all of the Republican candidates are out of touch with the real urgency facing the nation. In my opinion, America is at a crossroads. It amazes me that not one Republican candidate has acknowledged that the middle class in America is disappearing; too many who were once considered to be among the middle class are now among the have-nots.

How soon they forget

The following letter was published on November 28, 2011 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

The Republican candidates for President forget that Bill Clinton left the country with a surplus, and that the following President left us with deep debt, a recession and wars that should not be blamed on President Obama. How many other voters are suffering the same amnesia?

GOP candidates' amnesia seems shared by voters

The following letter was published on November 26, 2011 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

I must concede Newt Gingrich surprised me in the Nov. 22 Republican debate with his show of compassion toward illegal immigrants found to be in the U.S. for 25 years.

I can see why he has found himself ahead of the other candidates.

I was also impressed with that part of Ron Paul's performance in the words that liberty should not be given up for security.

I was disappointed in Jon Huntsman; I expected to see more substance. In earlier debates, I found myself impressed with him. It seems in the Nov. 22 debate, he showed the same amnesia seen in all the Republican candidates.

Bill Clinton left the country with a surplus when he left the White House; the following president left deep debt, a recession and a war. Voters like me are wondering how many other voters are suffering from the same amnesia seen among the Republican candidates.

Disappointing GOP debate left out mention of Iraq

The following letter was published on October 19, 2011 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The Oct. 11 Republican debate on the economy gave me a measurement of substance on each candidate. Among the full field, only three caught my attention in my narrowing-down process.

It seems to me former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has the potential to start a trade war if he is elected president. His remarks and possible actions concerning the trade deficit with China may play well with his base; however, the world may view him as the coming of another George Bush, craving to make an enemy.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman impressed me with his relaxed analytical side; it seems to me he quietly put forth an effort to make the other candidates transparent.

As for former pizza company executive Herman Cain, in my opinion, he is pretty much full of himself with his 9-9-9 tax; the middle class and the poor would lose out while the rich would continue to get richer.

At the end of the debate, I found myself disappointed that not one Republican candidate mentioned that the war in Iraq is a contributing factor to our ailing economy; in my opinion, this oversight makes them all appear disingenuous.

Up the dose

The following letter was published on July 20, 2011 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

Let's compare raising the debt ceiling to raising the dosage on a person's medications. If a person is experiencing a shortage of breath, then the dosage in his or her breathing apparatus should be increased. The country is short of breath and the debt ceiling needs to be raised; should lawmakers hold hostage the dosage?

The debt ceiling should be raised immediatel​y.

In order to understand the urgency needed by lawmakers to settle on the “debt ceiling” matter, let’s look at the US as a person needing additional medications to function in the modern times. Let’s say the ingredients in the meds represent tax and spending. Let’s say the person needing those meds will fall apart if the meds were taken away or a radical change in dosage occurred.

Through-out decades lawmakers have made deals and passed legislation that have benefited the poor, middle class, the rich and the super rich; this was all part of maintaining a civil society. That civil society is maintained by spending, raising and lowing taxes when needed.

Let’s compare raising the “debt ceiling” to raising the dosage on a person’s meds. Let’s say for the moment that person is experiencing a short of breath and the dosage of meds in his breathing apparatus should be increased. The country is short of breath and the “debt ceiling” needs to be raised; should lawmakers hold hostage the dosage?

A particular generation advances the need for a democracy

The Age of Technology and Information coupled with a wiser generation is dogging leaders in the Middle East that have put off and delayed a process toward democracy. Hosni Mubarak step-down from being the president of Egypt should be a wake-up call to all dictators and leaders of the free world that are against a progressive government. There are countries that are waiting on a democracy to be born and there are countries that are waiting on their democracy to mature. It is my belief that a particular generation for a moment gives birth to a democracy or pushes forward a certain maturity needed in a developing democracy. Some stages of a developing democracy in the US can be seen in the works of Susan Brownell Anthony, Dr. Martin Luther King, and now Barack Obama. It is my hope for all democracies being born or developing to move toward progressive polices that will serve all people rather than a chosen few.

Radio hate-mongering partly to blame in Ariz.

The following letter was published on January, 11, 2011 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

When I think of the 22-year-old shooter in Tucson, Ariz., I think of the influences that may have driven him to such a cowardly, heinous crime.

How many other young and old unstable minds are listening to the likes of hard-core conservative radio talk show hosts and other parts of the media that are giving people the impression that their government has been taken over by a man with a fake birth certificate? In my opinion, Sarah Palin, the group that follows her, and many politicians certainly have a large share in peddling anger that may have contributed to the tragedy in Tucson.

The proof in the pudding is in the new numbers on one side of Congress and the Senate.

Jeff Perry has become transparent

When I hear politicians expressing their sympathy for the victim of the strip-search Jeff Perry was involved in, and in the same breath condemning democrats for the coming- forward of the victim, reveals to me that they are talking out of both sides of their mouths. Getting at the truth after the white-washing by Jeff Perry and those that support him that are in denial of his misdeeds is a challenge. Thanks to one of the victims for coming forward, Jeff Perry is becoming more transparent. Even though, he may be able to impress a few angry voters with his hard line approach on illegal immigration, many of us believe there are extenuating circumstances that should be taken under consideration with some illegal immigrants. This understanding evolves around showing some compassion. How can Jeff Perry understand compassion, when he didn’t respond to the screaming of a teenage female being sexually assaulted by an officer he was suppose to be supervising?

A vote for Sheila Lyons

I’m a newcomer to the understanding that the local political races are connected to the national political races. Like so many other voters that are fully awakened when a national run for office captures our attention, I now realize that being part of a political party is like being part of an army of ideas. Those ideas can only expand when political ground is taken. In my opinion, the battle for political ground starts in the local races. As voters we all look for common ground that can connect us with certain politicians that act as recruiters for our votes. Let me tell you about the common ground I feel I share with Sheila Lyons. In all the national and some local races, I have voted in, I have looked for real empathy in the candidates I have cast my votes for. I can proudly say, I found that type of empathy when I cast a vote for the late Senator Ted Kennedy. He was an embodiment of what I look for in other politicians. I’m impressed with the 20 years Sheila Lyons has worked as a geriatric social worker because I know that position is a position for a person that cares for others. I don’t vote for a candidate just because he or she accumulated wealth or succeeded in a business. My vote is given to the candidate that proves he or she cares for others. Join me in voting for that candidate for State Senate, Sheila Lyons on September 14, 2010.

Robert O'Leary's politics in line with his character

The following letter was published on September 01, 2010 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Unlike many who have accused the Cape Cod Times of leaning to the left or to the right, I view the Times as somewhat of an instigator when it comes to airing a political fight.

For example, I'm amused with the for-and-against comments concerning state Sen. Jeffrey Perry; it seems to be nonstop. I believe the spotlight that shines on and targets his past as a police officer was turned on by members and powerful opponents of his own party when Perry decided to run as a candidate for the state's 10th Congressional District.

The bachelor's degree that was not a degree, the delayed action after witnessing a strip-search by another officer, the alleged tampering with stoplights, and that cover-up after driving over a radar gun might be viewed by some as a typical developing young Jeffrey Perry making some mistakes along the way. If it were not for his politics and party affiliation, I would take that view as well.

However, I'll be voting on the Democratic side for state Sen. Robert A. O'Leary, because his politics is in line with his character. He will, with no doubt, be a great congressman.

Should I become a tea party member?

Tea party members on Cape Cod, take a good look at some of your other members, especially those that support the billboard that was put up in North Iowa with Obama’s image in the middle of two fascists, Nazi leader Hitler and communist leader Lenin. Most of us are very selective when it comes to attending or joining any party that reflects our core values we can live with and be able to look in the mirror and be satisfied. Let’s be honest, don’t you think some of your members are out on a ledge? In my opinion, the tea party members seems to be like a dysfunctional family that lives on in denial day to day convincing themselves that there is nothing wrong. Tea party members, please take a good look at some of your other members and ask yourselves, is this the party you want to be part of?

Joe Barton

On 6/17/2010 BP chief executive Tony Hayward being questioned by Congress received a strange suck-up from Texas Representative Joe Barton; he stuck his foot in his mouth when he referred to the president’s securing of 20 billion dollars damage fund for damages accrued by the oil spill as a “shake down.” In his attempt to attack the president, it left many of us asking which side he is on; the American people or BP’s side? In my opinion, Representative Joe Barton is a disgrace to the Republican Party. He is the epitome of a bitter out of touch republican.

Bring those responsible for spill to justice

The following letter was published on June 5, 2010 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

I suspect at some point the oil gushing from the ocean bed through the busted well will eventually be stopped. In the meantime, a helplessness seems to be gripping the U.S. by the many failed attempts on the part of BP to stop the spill.

It is clear the U.S. government does not have the expertise to stop such a spill as in the Gulf; and it is also clear BP did not have a real backup plan to handle such an emergency.

When the spill is stopped and criminal negligence is found, civil suits will flood the courts, and BP will likely pay a large settlement. This would certainly help the human equation in this manmade disaster; however, the only closure for the suffering and death of marine life and other creatures is when those responsible for the spillage are brought to justice.

What's behind the tea party anger?

Many times, my grandmother quoted the words “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck.” Let’s take a look at the tea party on the surface. Some of its members, whether or not all of its members are willing to own up to it or not are dreadful racists; out of anger, they spit on and made race and gender filled derogatory remarks against Congressmen. When you look out into the crowds around the country when tea party members gather to hear speakers, it is noticeable that they are all lily white; does this mean that other races are not concern about higher taxes? I don’t think so. It means many racists are disguising themselves as tea party members while hate radio and the silence in the Republican Party reinforces and enables them.

Why is GOP so dead set on sabotaging health reform?

The following letter was published on March 20, 2010 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Because of misinformation, I know personally that some people are under the impression that health insurance companies will be the winners if health care reform is passed. Also, there are those under the impression that their tax dollars will go to those with less means.

Think of a football and a goal with a health insurer having the power to move the goal when the football is thrown. Think of a client trying to throw a football at a moving goal, and a clear picture will surface as to why health care reform is desperately needed.

For the life of me, I can't understand why leaders in the other party are dead set on sabotaging the gains acquired on health care reform by the Democrats. However, it is crystal clear to me that their united request that the present form of the bill be sacked and started over is simply a political wish and ploy to destroy the cause.

Where is the real courage among the Republicans in the House and Senate?

Like many that have followed the efforts by the Democrats on ’health care reform’, I’m impressed with the leader of the party. Even though it has been a long drawn out process with pitfalls, President Obama never wavered. Because of misinformation, I know personally that some people are under the impression that health insurance companies will be the winners if ‘health care reform’ is passed. Also, there are those that are under the impression that their tax dollars will go to those with less means. Think of a football and a goal with a health insurer having the power to move the goal when the football is thrown, think of a client trying to throw a football at a moving goal , and, a clear picture will surface why ‘health care reform’ is desperately needed. For the life of me, I can’t understand why leaders in the other party are dead set on sabotaging the gains acquired on ‘health care reform’ by the Democrats. However, it is crystal clear to me that their united request that the present form of the bill be sacked and started over is simply a political wish and ploy to destroy the cause. It is sad that not one Republican in the Senate and the House has the courage to take a stand against a political wind that’s not in the best interest of the people’s business. In my opinion, starting with Scott Brown in the Senate, a copy of ‘Profile and Courage’ by John F. Kennedy, should be sent to every Republican in the Senate and House.

State of the union address and the neo-cons‏

During the State of the Union address by the President, like many others in Massachusetts, I kept rifting back to the Scott Brown campaign, for the rest of the late Senator Ted Kennedy’s term in the Senate; I’m still in shock that the symbolic seat for the voiceless and disenfranchised went to a republican that used the late President John Kennedy’s image to connect with those that had resentment for Senator Ted Kennedy; this was shameful; and, especially since Ted’s family and friends were still in phases of mourning his death. Returning back to the speech hearing the President speak about creating needed jobs, he was feisty as predicted; with style and substance, his message was concise, uplifting, humble and honest; he disserved the many applauses. My mind drifted back this time to the democrats, republicans and independents in Massachusetts that decided to vote for Scott Brown rather than Martha Coakly. Little do they Know, the man that claimed he was fighting against a machine connected himself with a machine; he echoed the Tea Party movement, conservative radio talk show hosts and generally the neo-cons in the Republican Party. Where was Scott Brown, the Tea Party movement, and all the neo-cons in the Republican Party when Iraq was invaded? They were all lined up behind the Bush administration for that expensive adventure. This is what the President is up against in his efforts to reform Health Care; the neo-cons, in a very sleazy way have been planting seeds of confusion to sneak their way back into the hearts of some Americans; they succeeded in Massachusetts.

An up-side down seat and State

On the eve of the decision that will be made on whether Coakley or Brown will fill the rest of Senator Kennedy’s term, like many citizens in Massachusetts that are like minded, I’m concerned that Massachusetts will not be the State I love if Brown becomes the victor. When I look at the non-diverse crowd he draws, it reminds me of an era south of the Mason Dixon line when many others were ignored and didn’t have a voice. In my opinion, Senator Kennedy’s seat was a voice for the voiceless and a constant drumbeat to right wrongs against the disenfranchised; he and others like him steered this country in a better place. If I wake up Wednesday morning and Brown is the victor, his main constituents, Tea Party members, which I feel, are disingenuous, will be victors as well. In my opinion, that would put Senator Kennedy’s seat and Massachusetts in an upside- down position; the state that led the way in righting many wrongs will become a state headed back in the wrong direction.

Vote Coakley to prevent any comeback of the GOP

The following letter was published on January 16, 2010 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

After the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, I had decided I would sit out the election that will fill the rest of his term.

Even though I think Martha Coakley will win easily, Scott Brown has certainly gotten my attention. It seems to me Scott Brown is a hope for those forces that were voted out of power in 2006 and 2008. John McCain, the candidate who picked Sarah Palin for a VP running mate, snapped me out of my sitting-this-election-out mood when he endorsed Scott Brown; the forces that gave the Bush administration a blank check are trying to make a comeback.

My vote for Martha Coakley will be a vote with a dual purpose; like many other votes, it will help her win big, and maintain that show of respect for Sen. Kennedy's seat and legacy.

The Afghanistan war does not have a clear cause.

Like most Americans, I understand how difficult it is for President Obama to find an end-game strategy for the war in Afghanistan. Like the war in Iraq, he inherited the mistakes of the Bush Administration.

It appears a lot has changed in the volume on the talk of a real democracy in Afghanistan; it has been turned down under the cloud of corruption in the Hamid Karzai's Government. In my opinion, as of yet, Karzai has not made any real overtures toward his country and the world that he is willing to disperse with any member of his government seen as corrupt.

It is not clear to me and many other Americans how much of the belief system of the Taliban is shared among the Afghan men and the government. I don't think Afghan people and the government can have one foot in the Taliban world and the other foot in a hope for a democracy; this dilemma blurs the cause for American and Allied forces in Afghanistan.

Originally, American and Allied forces topped the Taliban Government because that government would not surrender Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda responsible for 9-11. In my opinion, the job went unfinished when the Bush Administration became obsessed with invading Iraq and hastily transferred power to a propped-up government in Afghanistan.

Like many other Americans, I think Osama bin Laden along with many more Al Qaeda members, would have been killed or apprehended if the Bush Administration had stayed focused on the war in Afghanistan.

In my opinion, the belief system of the Taliban is the same as Al Qaeda; neither will deny the other. If the Afghan people and the government can't see the Taliban as their number one enemy, how can American and Allied forces justify building up and training Afghan forces?

The Taliban can be defeated if separated from the innocent citizens of Afghanistan.

I agree with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates that the Taliban is linked to Al Qaeda. I understand President Obama’s commander, General Mc Crystal’s request for 40000 more troops to be sent to Afghanistan. From a military standpoint, ground needs to be re-gained, gaps need to be closed and the Afghan citizens need security. From a reality check, the focus and cause seems to be lost in the war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan president, Hamid Karzai does not have the support from his people and he is talking about making peace with the Taliban. Where is the focus in the Afghan war for Americans and where is the cause? In my opinion, the only way we can continue to justify the sacrifices of our American soldiers and resources spent in Afghanistan is to have Hamid Karzai relinquish his power to the American and Allied forces. At this moment in time, absolute control by the American and Allied forces is needed to have a clear focus and a clear cause. The Taliban is gaining ground because they are willing to hide among innocent citizens and control them with oppression and fear. If the fathers of Afghanistan can accept the cruelty and oppression placed on their daughters and wives under the control of the Taliban, it is time for American soldiers and Allied forces to leave Afghanistan. The American and Allied forces should only stay in Afghanistan if a clear focus and cause is in the desire of the Afghan people to have a voice in their government and the will to separate from the ways of the Taliban. The Taliban can be defeated. A safe haven, unarmed tent city can separate the innocent citizens of Afghanistan and unmask the Taliban for the American and Allied forces.

Will's no Cronkite

The following letter was published on September 9, 2009 by
The Boston Herald
Boston, Massachusetts

Many are making claims that George Will's new positions on both wars, Afghanistan and Iraq, is a Walter Cronkite moment ("Afghanistan's a losing cause," Sept. 2 and "Our work in Iraq is through," Sept. 4).

Cronkite did not have a long paper trail following him in support of the Vietnam War when he spoke out against it. I find it is disingenuous for a conservative intellectual like Will to now experience a breakthrough with thoughtfulness of pulling out of both wars. Where was that thoughtfulness in the last eight years? Will he reverse himself and come out in support of the public option in the health care reform bill eight years from now?

A crossroad with two choices

To witness and hear that side that stood behind Obama’s predecessor, accuse him of faking his birth certificate along with painting him as an imperialist, is like watching a dragon with sharp claws spewing out slimy venom. For those of you that are confused and concern about the ‘health care debate’ moving too fast, try to see the broader picture; A lot of loose ends should be sewed-up as we move forward to a nonstop progressive future. In my opinion, many influential critics of the Obama administration are from that world of darkness that believes in attacking just to be on the attack; they simply want the Obama administration to fail. Like many, I look at these critics as dark forces. They will not be able to stop the passing of a ‘health care bill’ and the path toward a ‘greener future.’ As a nation with unlimited talent, we cannot afford to lag behind and drag out feet; with compassion, we must walk into the future and pass on to future generations the many possibilities that will sustain not only our nation, but the world. At this moment in America, we have come upon a crossroad with two choices: We can fall prey to those inward-thinking, can’t-do, Bush worshiping doomsayers; or, we can become an army of helpers to join in with progressive thinkers.

We can't let 'beer summit' eclipse analysis of event

The following letter was published on August 2, 2009 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

I'm afraid the beer summit hosted by President Barack Obama might smother out what Americans need to know about those moments at professor Henry Louis Gates' house when Sgt. James Crowley arrived to investigate a house break-in.

The confrontational moments between the both should be analyzed and revisited in the separate versions told by each. In my opinion, our nation can benefit from a careful examination of each of those versions.

A man was arrested and may have been humiliated. Did his behavior warrant the arrest, or was he a product of an officer's arrogance?

At some point all falsehoods will be laid to rest

Al Qaeda, Conservative Talk Radio, Fox News, Glen Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Osama bin Laden, all, in my opinion, would like to turn the clock of time back. Even though their goals are not within a common interest, they are all part of that ground where extremism grows. Many of us see that ground ploughed with degrees of hate.

Within the above mix, there are those that dream of taking the world back to the 13th century, and there are those that dream of taking a country back to the Reagan era. Modernization through the progression of time is an enemy to all in the mix; it can not be stopped, it can only be slowed down.

Inevitably, what has to go forward will go beyond those few that have twisted Islamic beliefs, along with those that twisted the meaning of being an American. All involved in both missions will one day melt away in that part of history where falsehoods are laid to rest.

Judge ourselves honestly, and the world will follow

The following letter was published on June 11, 2009 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

In my opinion, President Obama's June 4 speech in Cairo was crafted to engage, not offend.

Many conservative radio talk-show hosts and others are concentrating on toxic negatives they think should have been in Obama's speech.

Idiosyncrasies exist in many governments, if not all; it shows a lack of character in a government when it is quick to judge others and not itself. When Obama referred to the Iraq war as a "war of choice," he received applause from his Cairo audience.

Were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to admit that the settlement construction in the West Bank was misguided, and if President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran were to admit he was wrong about his Holocaust denial, that part of the world that wants peace would applaud them both.

Reflections on Affirmative Action

In my opinion, in spite of some gains, the affirmative action ladder is not ready to be pulled up. For too long, blacks were forced to live in a bland, hopeless existence, passing on from one generation to another a damaged spirit. Blacks that have been able to merge and blend in with the times, through education and exposure, serve as role models; however, when they look at some of their family members, even they can see that the damage done from slavery, segregation and oppression have a lasting effect. That damage seen in many disenfranchised blacks in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina will not magically go away in this generation or the succeeding ones.

Liberty and Alcatraz‏

I think anyone that is paying attention to the present moment of political events, should ask this question: What would I do if I occupied the oval office as president for one month? My personal answer to this question would revolve around two issues; how would I address three wars; and where would I suggest placing detainees when the prison Guantanamo Bay is closed? On the first issue I would address the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan with the following message: It is time for the US to cut its losses. If you love liberty, you should fight for it to the death; The US military cannot unify your countries by refereeing or taking sides in your political and culture conflicts. On the second issue, I would announce that Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay will be renovated to house detainees transferred from the prison Guantanamo Bay.

Should we look the other way on torture?

Under an unstable leadership in denial, right and wrong can be blurred to satisfy a dark moment. That dark moment, like other questionable moments in the Bush administration, was to justify and downplay types of torture. Should the ones involved in contriving and okaying methods of torture be prosecuted?

If some of the countries of Asia, South America, all the European countries, and the sane part of the US asked for closure concerning the disregard for provisions set forth by the Geneva Conventions in the treatment of war criminals, the answer would be yes. In spite of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s attempt to justify torture because of the type of enemy we face, America is not about joining in and escalating the madness in the world; America needs to be that mature democracy governing by example. The outing of Valerie Plane, the preemptive attack on Iraq, and the torture of prisoners are all part of a pattern practiced by the Bush administration that put itself above the law. If we look the other way and not prosecute the guilty parties involved in the torture, we will leave the door open for another administration in the future to practice the same.

Shrinking your enemies’ possibilities

When you're making friends with the rest of the world you’re shrinking your enemies’ possibilities.

'Tea party' protesters protest the wrong thing

The following letter was published on April 20, 2009 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

In response to the recent tax protests, I asked myself, where were they when George Bush lied the U.S. into a $10 billion-a-month war? I asked myself, where were they when the U.S. suffered losses under Halliburton? A person like myself cannot help but suspect the participants of the "tea party" are somewhat misguided and disingenuous.

If it were not for a Bush administration, there would not be an Obama presidency

Each one of my letters to the editor was a snapshot of a moment on the trail passing through the Bush administration. Many of those letters were written out of outrage against the Bush administration’s policies. This type of mood grew into a movement in the US, which paved a new trail; that trail led to an Obama administration. In my opinion, If it were not for a Bush administration, there would not be an Obama presidency. My letters walk you through those moments of betrayal; that eerie silence in the media, voices of reason that were smothered out by a false sense of patriotism, hypocrisy, and arrogance. In one of my early letters to the editor, March 7, 2003, “A War That Should Not Be,” I mentioned that a core-democrat was needed. Because he put the country in such a mess and caused divisions in his own party, the inarticulate George Bush helped America get over the long phase of cowboy politics. A fresh, articulate, intelligent, core-democrat, Barack Obama, seized the moment.

As a nation, will we fall, or pick ourselves up and do what's right?‏

The misdeeds of Madoff, and the bonuses given out to past and present employees of the insurer American International Group are obscene forms of betrayal and greed. In the eyes of the world, the land of freedom has become the land of greed. In the months and years to come let's hope the new leader of the free world will help get back some of the trust we once had. A country losing trust is like a sinking ship running out of patches.

Encouraged by Obama's address to Congress

The following letter was published on March 1, 2009 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

I felt President Obama's speech to the joint session of Congress Feb. 24 projected a leader in charge with a hands-on approach.

His vision was of substance and direction. His repair package for the recession (the stimulus package), in my opinion, could very well revive the economy and spur confidence. Unlike the Republican response from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, President Obama's speech represented a change from the same old approach we have witnessed in the past eight years.

Closet Bigots on conservative radio talk shows are outing themselves

As I listen to many of the hosts of conservative radio talk shows, it amuses me and scares me to hear such an anti Obama and democrat tone;it is really bad and disrespectful. They sound like bigot sour grapes coming out of the closet. Let's never forget these seem to be surrogates of the neo-cons along with other parts of the conservative media helped promote the Bush administration's lie to invade Iraq; yes, they steered the country wrong and they will do it again. It is my hope that newly un-informed listeners of conservative radio talk shows will go back and review tapes of many of the hosts during the lead up to the invasion of Iraq; a fair minded individual would see a lack of or no credibility among them all. It is my belief that bigotry exists in many patches of circles around the country; fair mindedness is lacking among these circles and they charge their batteries with top bigots on the air.

Our troubled economy is a very mixed picture

It felt good to see again a news conference that was not so staged and artificial like many of us have witnessed for the past eight years. I’m not sure I can buy into with complete confidence the stimulus package President Obama is selling. However, I get the feeling from his demeanor that there is an urgency far beyond the understanding of his critics. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger 3rd, the pilot that eased his plane down in the Hudson Bay saving 155 people, knew he needed to fall back on his training and skills the moment he discovered both engines failed after take off. I believe Economists advising President Obama exist in Mr. Sullenberger’s moment of urgency. Apparently they feel, their training, skills, and understanding of the economy, dictate an immediate action. Some of us, like some of the passengers on that US Airways A320, don’t really see and understand all the options; it is a mixed complicated picture. The President’s news conference left me with this thought: The passengers on the US Airways A320 only option when both engines failed was to put their faith in the skills and training of the pilot. Americans like myself, only option, is to hope that our leaders are listening to the right people and will make the right moves.

A response to Cecchi's letter

In response to the letter written by Mr. Guy M. Cecchi, on 2/4/09, “Don’t let this euphoria keep us from real change,” We all live in our on bubble of understanding of what makes this country great. It seems Mr. Cecchi is one of those victims used by the Bush administration to divide the country. Wedge issues such as abortion, gay marriage and the threat of terrorism provided an illusion that propped up a dangerous administration. I hope that voters like Mr. Cecchi are forever low in numbers. When America recovers from the mess left behind by the Bush administration, I hope safe guards will be put into place to prevent the nation from ever electing such a destructive individual such as George Bush. This country can become great again with real change when we are forgiven by the world for voting George Bush in for eight years.

Living history

The following letter was published on January 22, 2009 by
The New York Daily News
New York, NY

Jan. 20, 2009, was a great day to be alive. It was like a page in a book that ignited an interest to a reader to get involved in a beautiful story. The hope of the Obama administration is in the hunger to hear his words; that is seen in the crowds he draws. It is like taking a plane ride for the first time. He electrifies and excites us with his universal appeal and his very presence. He has the potential to unify; consequently, the world may become a better place.

History to record Jan. 20 as a great day to be alive

The following letter was published on January 22, 2009 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

So many on Jan. 20 will remember it as a great time to be alive. It is like a page in a book that ignited an interest to a reader to get involved in a beautiful story to come.

The hope in the Obama administration is in the hunger to hear his words; that is seen in the crowds he draws. It is like taking a plane ride for the first time. He electrifies and excites us with his universal appeal and his very presence. He has the potential to unify our Gods; consequently, the world may become a better place.

Killing innocent people is wrong

Like many of the brave souls that took a stand in print against the actions of the Bush administration, I feel proud that I joined them and was not among the ones that looked the other way, or painted a false rosy picture. For the pass seven years I have witnessed a lack of empathy from a leader that called himself a “War time President.” Some of us understand the symbolism behind the tossed shoes by a journalist that obviously had a lot of empathy for the misery he witnessed caused by a leader with little or no conscience. No one can really understand oppression like the ones that are living it. Bombs dropped on families killing innocent love ones will never achieve an end to terrorism. Terrorism fought with terrorism is insanity. A country is lacking in humanity when it loses it’s will to hold on to what is right. No matter how you slice it, killing innocent people is wrong.

Following behind bloody hands

In just a few days the Bush administration will come to an end. Like so many other Americans that are disappointed in the lack of outrage for no accountability against a president that lied the American people into a war of choice, I would gladly join any choir group to cheer at him with disdain as he leaves the White House. As of result of the Bush administration, harm and death came to thousands of innocent people. In the eyes of the world, the Bush administration walked on the rule of international law. They falsely accused and attacked a sovereign nation. With all the blood on the hands of the Bush administration, the president elect Barack Obama’s greatest challenge is to influence a change of the mindset of our nation while seeking peace out of wisdom with our enemies.

America can find its way back

As we all metaphorically walk into the door of 2009, we carry with us the thought that the world has changed and our country is different. Looking back and looking forward is in the thought that an unpopular president will be moving out of the White house and a popular president elect will be moving in. The common interest that so many of us all hope and share is in a wish that somehow what was lost in America will be restored by the incoming administration. If we can get back that confidence that once led the way for other parts of the world, we will once again have faith in the future for our children and grandchildren. Like a crew on a ship with no compass and no technology, we as Americans have found ourselves in uncharted waters with uncertain tomorrows. Let us all step into the new year with that familiar American spirit, to find direction and gain back that respect from the world we once had. Let’s say, we can find our way back and gain respect from the world, with a “Happy New Year” to everyone.

House Negros were followers not leaders

Osama Bin Laden’s top Al Qaeda deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, was reported to have called the President-elect Barack Obama a “house Negro.” Without followers, Osama Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahri would be lost in their medieval ideology that comes from that part of that distance past that ruled and governed the masses through fear, a self interpreted theocracy, and violence. The orator skills of Barack Obama and the respect he received from many in the muslin world for becoming the President-elect might trickle down to followers of Osama Bin Laden. I’m one to believe Al Qaeda can be defeated with words and truth. Obama has demonstrated when he speaks the world listens and likes what he says; he can unmask and put the spot light on the idiosyncrasies existing in the Al Qaeda’s belief system. In my opinion, this is Obama’s greatest potential at this moment in time. House Negros were silent, obedient and well programmed to serve their masters; these types are similar to the followers of Osama Bin Laden. Barack Obama is not a follower; he is a leader. It is my belief his words will free the followers of Osama Bin Laden.

Reality and a page turned

For those Americans that are feeling bitter and down about the election results and the many comments concerning the inadequacies existing in the Bush administration, try having a reality check. When you are done, try not to be so disappointed in those Americans that criticized George Bush’s policies. If a sane person witnessed someone driving off a cliff, that person would scream and try to stop him; he would not willfully and joyfully join him. With no apology, many of us criticized George Bush’s policies and arrogance because we were concerned about the path he was taking the country on. Furthermore, many of us feel he should have been impeached. Having said all of this, many of us and others in other parts of the world can turn the page on the Bush administration. We have hope that the president elect, Barack Obama, will restore much of what was lost.

McCain claims a share of pride in our nation

The following letter was published on November 7, 2008 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Like many, I was so proud to see the first African-American become president-elect in the U.S.; equally, I was proud of John McCain's concession speech. It was the John McCain we once knew.

Optimism is spreading

Yes, optimism is in the air. It is exciting to think about an Obama presidency. At a moment in time when the volume of optimism is turned up not only in America but in other parts of the world, it gives so many of us a relief and satisfaction to see eight years of arrogance being shown the door. On November 4th , the nation will turn the page on cowboy politics. We all have hope that the nation’s economical, domestic, and foreign policies will evolve around fairness, inclusiveness and transparency. We look for an Obama administration not to pick fights with certain parts of the world, but bring a common interest and understanding to the planet that we all need each other.

When the election is over we will come together as one country

On November 4th, Tuesday, some will use their votes to go down with the ship and others will cast their votes on that miracle ship under the banner called change. Both ships have come a long way and experienced windy, stormy waters. Even though my vote along with many others will be cast on the miracle ship, we respect the ship that lost its way. When the ships are translated into candidates Senator Obama does stand out as the miracle ship and Senator McCain stands out as the ship that lost its way. In this election a candidate’s demeanor, judgment, calmness and steadiness outweighs the other candidate’s experience. For many in the media to tap dance around the fact that Senator McCain acted impulsively when he picked Governor Sarah Palin for his running mate, it shows an all around respect for the man in spite of his blunder. Lets hope on Tuesday when all the votes are cast, all Americans will pull together, put bitterness aside, and help steer this country to a better place.

The pendulum is swinging to the left in Obama's era

In the history of politics, in my life time and many others, there has never been such a fierce battle between the “Us And Them,” with the large number of participants witnessed in this election year. Both sides are hoping that there are more of “Us” than “Them” to set the tone and agenda in all three branches of the government: executive, judicial, and legislative. Former President Ronald Reagan convinced many democrats that he was best for the moment he lead. Those democrats are referred to as “Reagan Democrats.” It seems in 2008, Obama is convincing some republicans to become “Obama Republicans.” That means on the “Us And Them” scale, the pendulum is swinging to the left and the neo-cons are on the run. This thought along gives so many of us great pleasure that we are living in a moment in time when the right side will conquer the wrong side.

Wishing another would follow the path of Powell‏

Like many, I was delighted to hear that Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama, even though many of us wished he had had the courage to resign the Bush administration during the run up to the Iraq war. That would have made a difference in the eyes of the country and the world. Even though I agree with Colin Powell that McCain’s VP pick, Sarah Palin, pushed the Republican Party too far to the right, I’m not convinced that this reason alone is why Powell endorsed Obama. In my opinion, the endorsement of Obama is a way for Powell to redeem himself before the eyes of the Bush administration, the country, and the world. Mainly, I believe, this is his way of separating himself from the denials of the wrongs perpetrated by the Bush administration. Like many, I can only hope that some day Condoleeza Rice will make her break from the Bush administration’s pretense world that laced with so many denials. She is too talented to hold herself hostage to such an out of touch, lost, corrupted administration.

We need McCain back in the Senate

The last debate between Senator McCain and Senator Obama, in my opinion, was easily won by Senator Obama. He was steady, calm, relaxed and confident while Senator McCain was anxious, shaky and a little bit scary. Senator McCain is a good man with good intentions, however it was obvious that Senator Obama would make a better president and maybe it would be best for Senator McCain to go back and do his good work in the Senate. When the election is over we need his toughness to help shape an immigration policy that everyone can live with.

Gov. Palin was a bad gamble

Senator McCain is known for his gambling side as well as the Maverick. Many of us know now that Governor Sarah Palin was not a well thought out pick for the VP on the republican ticket. The sad state of the economy may be a contributing factor to Senator Obama’s rise in the polls; however, many of us think Gov. Palin contributes to that as well. Looking at the type of crowds she attracts might be why McCain is losing steam. There is certainly some truth to the old saying “A person is known by the company he keeps.” I believe most Americans are concerned with restoring the direction of the country rather than the type of politics we have had in the past eight years. In my opinion, Gov. Palin and the crowds she attracts is a reminder of the tactics of the Bush administration. Those tactics have lost their usefulness for many that are looking for the country to be steered in a new direction. Let’s be honest, Senator McCain could be doing better in the polls if he had picked a more qualified running mate. The Maverick made a bad gamble.

A bright light

The second debate between Senator McCain and Senator Obama was like looking at the past closing out to the future. Both put forward strong efforts; however it was clear that America needs a forward looking candidate with a real vision; not a vision on past experiences but a vision on real change. Senator Obama shined like a bright light on a hill leading the way for the future.

Unseasoned Palin gets kid-glove treatment

The following letter was published on October 4, 2008 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

It is so peculiar that some in the media and many of the commentators after the debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin put kid gloves on when criticizing Palin's performance.

She totally avoided answering many questions and the only area she actually showed some knowledge in was energy. In my opinion Palin is lacking depth and appeared to be far out of her league debating Biden.

Having said all of this, I and many others somewhat appreciate the kid-glove treatment; Sarah Palin is a likable person. However, it is scary to think she could be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

America's choices: twentieth century or the twenty first century‏

In the 9/26/08 debate between Obama and McCain, Obama was clever to say, “Ten days ago, John said that the fundamentals of the economy are sound.” Like many, I feel, that John McCain that suffered as a prisoner of war in the Vietnam war, was a special soldier with a strong spirit. The John McCain today looks like a man clinging to the ways of the twentieth century. The challenges in the twenty first century can not be met with the resistance demonstrated in the past eight years. It is time to restore and move ahead. If you have been ignoring the disappearing middle class, if you are part of that group that has a deaf ear to the needy in America, if you believe ten billion dollars a month that goes to the Iraqi cause is a worthy cause, vote for four more years of holding on to the twentieth century with McCain and Palin.

A dissenting view on wars with false causes

The RNC confirmed for many of us that many in the Republican Party believe that God has a hand in the Iraq war. The Americans that are willing to stand up and say that they want their sons and daughters that are taught to fight to be put in the right fights and the right causes rings hallow with many that believe the Bush administration was right to invade Iraq.

For those of us that believe our country is going down the wrong path, we have to stand up and not march behind those that are willing to fool themselves. In Vietnam and Iraq, we didn’t buy into the overstated greatness of those causes that many of us looked at as trumped up illusions.

Because of our dissent, the other side wants to paint us as unpatriotic. We love this country, and we love our sons and daughters. We don’t want them coming back in body bags, missing limbs and damaged minds, for leaders driven by a false ideology.

We can hear the dream of MLK through Barack

For many of us that watched the DNC on 8/28/08, our minds were flooded with awe that Barack Obama has come so far reflecting many themes and values that brought tears of joy to our hearts and souls. You could feel and hear the rusty hinges on that door of forgotten hope crackling as it opened showing us all through Barack, that promise in the dream of Dr. Martin L. King.

Time to beat those drums

Now that Joe Biden is the VP pick for Obama it is time to go after the hearts of those 18 million voters that stood firmly behind Hillary Clinton.

Loud drumbeats echoing the following themes should be done and repeated on a daily basis:

Drumbeat 1- Do we want a continuation of a bunch of advanced aged men stuck in a cowboy time bubble, pretending to be tough while wasting our resources in a war of choice benefiting Iran?

Drumbeat 2- Do we want a bunch advanced aged rich out of touch men in the pocket of religious extremists tampering with women rights to choose?

Drumbeat 3- Do we want four more years of losing the middle class while the rich is getting richer?

Drumbeat 4- Do we want that trust back we once had that we and the world were proud of?

Drumbeat 5- Lets merge together and take this country back.

A war of choice that benefited Iran

The whole business of using force to settle disputes, I believe borders around men’s immaturity. With all that we know in these modern times, men still have not risen above killing each other over territory, religion and resources.

Just because so many of us can see the invasion of Georgia by Russia is pale in comparison to the Iraq invasion, this does not mean we are apologists for Russia’s behavior.

Our patriotism is in our hope that one day men as a whole will grow up and some of the behavior of men kind will somehow experience a breakthrough. That’s not going to happen in a McCain administration; we will only have four more Bush years of old men claiming to be stewards of pro-life in one breath, and in another, they won’t hesitate to send young humans beings to die in a war of choice.

Is our patriotism in question just because we don’t buy into the dream that a stable democracy will be left behind in Iraq after the Iraqi government succeeds in negotiating the complete withdrawal of American troops?

Perhaps by then George Bush and John McCain will realize that this war of choice that have drained on our resources and has shed so much blood has strengthened the hand of Iran.

A maverick no more

The following letter was published on August 19, 2008 by
The Star Tribune
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota

I've always had a great deal of respect for the young John McCain as an American hero who suffered as a prisoner of war. No one can ever take that chapter in his life away from him.

But, in 2008, McCain is making comments about his opponent that are out of sync for a war hero. It seems out of a desperate attempt to score political points.

Obama's attraction is all about the inspiration of trust that is lost in the Bush administration that deceived the country and the world. Sadly, this McCain clings to many of the policies of the Bush administration.

Look who's preaching of long-term consequences

The following letter was published on August 16, 2008 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

These are unbelievable quotes from a nominee of the Republican Party and the president concerning Russia's military offensive in Georgia:

"Russian leaders must understand the severe long term negative consequences of their actions." — John McCain.

"Russia has invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in the twenty first century." — George H. Bush.

The nominee of the Republican Party and the president didn't mention that the fighting started when Georgia, a former Soviet republic, decided to invade the province of South Ossetia. You don't see large crowds protesting around the world against Russia's war, like we saw before and after Iraq was invaded.

Over 100,000 Iraqis have been killed, and over 4,000 US troops have died in a conflict that was preventable. Can the nominee of the Republican Party, who has always supported the war in Iraq, and the president, say the U.S. does not have long term consequences for invading Iraq? Can they also say the US actions were acceptable in the 21st century? In my opinion, because they represent the epitome of hypocrisy and denial, the answers would probably be in the affirmative.

Shooting: a sad moment for everyone

The following letter was published on August 7, 2008 by
The Register
Yarmouthport, Massachusetts

It's very hard for so many of us to rise above looking at another human being from another country here in America illegally as one of us. It is as difficult for many in Brazil to accept the unfortunate death of Andre Luiz de Castro Martins. Not only does my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased, I understand this moment of sorrow for the officer who was given a set of circumstances and dynamics that required a response. According to what was reported if valid, when Mr. Martins turned his car around in that yard on 41 Baxter Avenue striking Christopher Van Ness's cruiser, options were reduced and Van Ness' training kicked in on the use of deadly force.

I don't think any sane officer on Cape Cod would relish in the thought of being put in that moment when Van Ness pulled his weapon and used it. At that moment Mr. Martins may have been thinking about being deported and away from his family. It is sad to think that his mind may have been flooded only with the thoughts of staying with his family at a moment when clarity was needed to protect his life. His decision, as reported, to continue to run after striking the cruiser reduced officer Van Ness's window of timing on responding in a moment when his training dictated his response.

Estadao, a newspaper dated 7/30/08 in Sao Paulo, Brazil reported the many violations Mr. Martins committed in America, and revealed that Mr. Martins' father, Luiz Carlos de Castro Martins is a retired military police. It is a very sad thought that Martins' father may be more familiar with officer Van Ness' window of timing on responding in that moment his son was shot than any other member of his family.

In retrospect, I believe everyone involved wishes that moment and the speeding vehicle never happened.

Human element on Cape

The following letter was published on August 4, 2008 by
The Boston Herald
Boston, Massachusetts

It's hard for so many to look at another human being here in America illegally as one of us (“Illegal actions, not status, got Cape immigrant killed,” July 30). It is as difficult for many in Brazil to accept the unfortunate death of Andre Luiz de Castro Martins. Not only does my heart go out to the family, I understand this moment of sorrow for the police officer who was given a set of circumstances that required a response.

When Martins turned his car around, striking Christopher Van Ness’ cruiser, the officer’s training kicked in on the use of deadly force. I don’t think any sane officer would relish being put in that moment. And it’s sad to think that Martins’ mind may have been flooded only with the thoughts of staying with his family.

The Sao Paulo newspaper Estadao reported the many violations Martins committed in America and revealed that Martins’ father is a retired military police officer. It’s sad that the father may be more familiar with Van Ness’ window of timing on responding in that moment his son was shot then any other member of his family. In retrospect, I believe everyone involved wishes that moment and the speeding vehicle never happened.

McCain / Obama

Like many, I've always had a great deal of respect for the young John McCain as an American hero that suffered as a prisoner of war. No one can ever take that chapter in his life away from him; he really showed bravery while in the hands of his captors.

In 2008, the nominee of his party for the president of the US, John is making comments about his opponent that are out of sync for a war hero that showed true grit against his captors. It seems out of a desperate attempt to score political points McCain has been trying to blur the goodwill Barack Obama shows in his orator skills. He is claiming Obama lacks substance.

Many voters like myself know Obama's attraction is all about the inspiration of trust that is lost in the Bush administration that deceived the country and the world. Sadly, the McCain we all thought we once knew clings to many of the policies of the Bush administration which is in direct contrast with an Obama ticket.

A McCain ticket is about a continuation of distrust and out of touch. An Obama ticket is about hope, change, and trust. We can pick a ticket that clings to an administration lacking credibility in the world or we can pick a ticket that might some day restore what America lost.

Back to basics for Obama

The following letter was published on July 30, 2008 by
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, California

Re "In Berlin, Obama calls for unity with Europe," July 25

Barack Obama's speech before 215,000 Germans shows that glimmer of hope so many of us can see coming if he is elected president of the United States.

The lack of global respect for the U.S. can be traced to the disrespect for the international community President Bush showed when his administration decided to ignore so many during the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq.

I believe those 215,000 people who showed up to hear Obama in Germany share what many Americans and others around the world feel right now. Maybe the America we all once knew will come back thanks to Obama's leadership.

Denial of a brewing civil war

That feeling that the Bush administration may have over played its hand when no WMD were found is echoed in John McCain’s claims that the surge is working and the US is winning. Are we really winning, and can we call refereeing winning? “Bomb Attacks in Baghdad and Kirkuk Leave Dozens Dead,” reported 7/28/08 by Richard A Opper Jr. and Sabrina Tavernise in the New York Times, left me with the feeling that our troops in Iraq are delaying the inevitable; a civil war is coming like a forecasted storm with all the signs.

Glimmering hope

The following letter was published on July 26, 2008 by
The Houston Chronicle
Houston, Texas

That speech in Germany before 200,000 people by Barack Obama shows that glimmer of hope so many of us can see coming if he is elected president of the United States. The respect lacking around the globe for the United States might be traced to the disrespect for the international community the Bush administration showed when it decided to ignore so many during the lead up to the invasion of Iraq.

I believe those 200,000 people showed up to hear Obama in Germany to share what many Americans and others around the world feel at this moment in time: Maybe the America we all once knew will revive through his leadership.

Global warming waits for no man - The energy crunch

The following letter was published on July 26, 2008 by
The Boston Globe
Boston, Massachusetts

Like many, my admiration for Al Gore for his work in bringing to the world stage the effects of global warming puts him among my greatest heroes.

Looking at the larger picture, global warming and wars are like two related cancers; both feed off greed.

We are running out of time. The next administration must put forth an effort toward steering the world in the direction of using our resources to stop wars with the same vigor Gore is using to get the world's attention on global warming.