ELECTION 2012
Dionne hypocritical in speech critique?
Regarding “Obama offers hope and change — 2.0” (Opinion, Sept. 10), E. J. Dionne Jr. constantly criticizes Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan for stating goals, rather than giving specific policy statements. So it is interesting ( maybe ludicrous) how he treated President Barack Obama’s nomination acceptance speech: “In sketching an itinerary for ‘moving forward,’ Obama spoke more of goals than of policies, highlighting an expansion of manufacturing, energy independence, education and job training, and climate change, an issue that has largely been absent from the public discussion since 2010.” Specific goals are not specific policies. Dionne may be a hypocrite. You be the judge.
BOB DRUKTANIS, SHARPSBURG
CONGRESS
Representatives who work together needed
The presidential choice in the November elections is important, but choosing the right members of Congress is at least equally important.
Will we eventually re-elect a dysfunctional, unproductive Congress, or will we hold Congress accountable for its failures? Our recent congressional choices were disastrous. We chose “representatives” who held their tax pledge to Grover Norquist sacred — while disregarding their sworn oath to faithfully discharge the duties of the office. Making the defeat of President Barack Obama their priority, they refused to cooperate or compromise on critical issues.
We can correct the mistakes we have made. Let’s choose representatives who are willing to work together, rather than continuing to block the progress our nation so urgently needs.
ARNOLD C. MCQUAIDE JR., BERKELEY LAKE
MICHELLE OBAMA
Krauthammer wrong ‘cynical’ speech
Charles Krauthammer writes so consistently like a political stooge that it’s usually not worth taking him seriously enough to respond (“The empathy gap serves as Democrats’ only hope,” Opinion, Sept. 7).
But for him to characterize Michelle Obama’s speech as “cynical” and to characterize her husband as relentlessly demonizing his opponent, you’ve got to commend the guy for his guts.
Either he thinks his audience is dumb as dirt, or he possesses an astonishing lack of self-awareness and irony.
JONATHAN HERMAN, DECATUR
ECONOMY
Majority of women trust the president
When asked about the gender gap in voters for the two presidential candidates, the Republicans’ stock answer is that women care about jobs (and the economy) first. That being true, what does that say about President Barack Obama’s lead among women voters? A majority of women trust Obama to do what is best for themselves and their families — because that is what is best for the economy.
SYBIL THOMAS, WHITESBURG
