Published: September 08, 2008 02:22 pm      

9/7/2008 Letters to the editor

Obama still not the choice



From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United States senator, to the time he announced he was forming a presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That’s how many days the Senate was in session and working.

After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be commander in chief, leader of the free world, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. One hundred and forty three days. I’ve leftovers in my refrigerator that old.

Barack Hussein Obama is an eloquently tailored empty suit. No résumé, no accomplishments, no experience, no original ideas, no understanding of how the economy works, no understanding of how the world works, nothing but abstract empty rhetoric devoid of any real substance. You question his misstatements and outright lies at your own peril for he waves the banner of racism at the hint of an embarrassing question.

Where is the American “free press,” which overturned every stone in the Watergate case? Where are the national reporters who placed every previous presidential candidate under intense scrutiny, the same press that pursued Bush’s “Skull and Bones Club?” Why haven’t the “newsmen” pursued the many blatant lies told by this candidate during the presidential primaries?

Obviously the liberal media and press want this man as the president of the United States, but why?

I received an e-mail the other day about Obama’s trip to Germany but was unable until today to partially authenticate its contents on the Internet. The e-mail contained the story that Obama’s speech in Germany on his trip to Europe was sandwiched in between two rock bands at a free rock concert with free beer and hot dogs, which would help explain why 200,000 Germans turned out for a candidate who speaks no German and for whom they can’t vote. (see Newsmax.org)

I did get to talk to a retired military man who spent a number of years in Germany, and he told me that it is common for the German government to stage large free public concerts, etc. He also stated that there was usually free beer and food. He may not be considered by some to be a quotable source, but I believe him.

Today was one of the most thrilling days of my life. McCain introduced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. I had hoped to live the last few years of my life unbothered by the gun-grabbing Democrats, but with the appearance of Obama and his statements against concealed carry and for an outright ban on semi-automatic weapons along with his belief that while the Second Amendment allowed the possession of weapons by the citizens of America that local municipalities banning their possession was OK perturbed me somewhat.

But now there is a possibility that the Republicans just might win the election. And Sarah is an avid hunter, outdoorswoman and life NRA member. You really should go to Google and type in her name, “Sarah Palin,” hit search and read her biography by Wikipedia. It is about as unbiased a nonpolitical biography as you can find of an extremely intelligent young woman who has five years executive experience behind her running city and state governments compared to Obama’s 143 days of sitting around making deals under the table with Muslim fanatics, American cursing preachers and assorted felons.

Sarah isn’t quite perfect. Who is? She has been described as a “hockey mom with an attitude” and is pro-gun, pro-life and extremely conservative. Hooray! Remember to vote.



W.V. Bonds

Cleburne



All elected officials do the same thing, Mr. Crank



I read with some interest “The Local Crank” column in Sunday’s edition. Patrick Barkman is obviously a diehard supporter of Sen. Barack Obama. That’s OK because that’s one of the good things about living in America, the right to support the candidate of our individual choice.

However, since Barkman was allowed to present such a scathing critique of John McCain, I would like to be allowed a few lines for rebuttal.

First, let me make myself perfectly clear, I have voted a split ticket in every general election in which I have voted (Democrat, Republican and independent). I have always voted for the person I felt was best qualified to hold office and not any particular party, so I’m not a diehard Democrat or Republican. Quite frankly, I am less than impressed with McCain and Obama.

Barkman stated that McCain lied on several occasions. C’mon, does anyone really believe there is an elected official who has not at some point “stretched the truth” to make themselves look good in the public eye? That’s how they stay in office!

Last week I watched Nancy (She who would be Queen) Pelosi’s speech at the DNC in which she stated, “Democrats rebuilt the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.” Sorry, Your Majesty, but I would be willing to bet there were Republicans and independents involved in that effort also.

I also watched as Barack (The Crown Prince) Obama said he would bring back jobs that had been shipped over seas. If I remember correctly, NAFTA was passed on Bill Clinton’s watch. The Obama camp took the first cheap shot at VP nominee Sarah Palin with the ad saying, “Our country is just one heartbeat away from having a president with no experience.”

Metaphorically speaking, in Obama’s case, our country could be just one vote away from having a president with no experience.

Speaking of experience, Mr. Barkman, please enlighten us as to what Obama has actually done since being elected (legislation he has sponsored or initiated, etc.) other than prepare to run for president along with whatever better qualifies him over McCain.

Not all of us regular Americans are caught up in the Obama wave, but I have noticed that he is now wearing a U.S. flag pin, although his earlier refusal to wear the pin and not show respect at the playing of the national anthem by saying that a song like, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” would be more appropriate of such respect (For those of you who might not remember, that song was written for a Coca Cola commercial some years back).

I’m not the smartest person around, but to be honest Mr. Barkman, I don’t want a man who has associated with known radicals who have bombed federal buildings (people who stated they wished they’d bombed more), who only quit going to a racist anti-American church (I’ve been to their Web site) after the fallout from his pastor’s anti-American ravings became so detrimental to his campaign that it left him no choice, whose wife stated publicly that for the first time in her life she was proud of her country (this from someone who was privileged to go to an Ivy League college) and who would rather see the Coca Cola song as our national anthem, for my president.



Rikky D. Perkins

Cleburne



An open letter to the city of Keene



Editor’s note: This is an open letter to Keene Mayor Roy Robinson and the Keene city Council.



Dear Mayor Robinson and members of the city council,



In response to the article in the Cleburne Times-Review of Aug. 18, regarding Keene’s need to raise water rates, I would like to request that the city consider offering its citizens something positive — to include curbside pickup of recyclables as part of the twice a week service we have now.

I have spoken recently with someone at Trinity, which services our city for garbage pickup, and they said it should not cost much more, if any to add curbside pickup of recyclables. The city of Burleson is now offering recycling curbside pickup, and all trucks deliver to a site in Duncanville. They use a small plastic bin, but I highly recommend the blue bags for convenience to the citizens.

The positive benefits would include less tonnage (longer cost to the city) as well as a positive benefit for your citizens.

I moved to Keene in spring 2005. As a “trained recyclist,” I have continued to save all items in the blue bags I used previously for 15 years in Richardson and take them there whenever I have reason to go. This is a source of contention, needless to say, with my husband who is learning, although not easily, that many items do not have to be buried forever in the landfills and can be reused or recycled.

Rather than “storing” the blue bags on our back porch until I can drive them 67 miles back to Richardson, it would make much more sense to be able to put them out for pickup at the curb in Keene one day a week.

I tried taking aluminum to the metals place in Cleburne. I had to return home to separate out the cat food cans from the drink cans which took at least an hour; then I received about $2 for the two sacks of aluminum. Needless to say, I didn’t do that again.

I would greatly appreciate your consideration to at least talk with Trinity about this possibility to see if it might be affordable, and possibly even save the city some money.

Sincerely,



Carole L. Wilmoth Freeland

Keene



Letter about unions untrue



I am writing in answer to our “local know-it-all” W.V. Bonds on his description of organized labor. I have stood with and fought for organized labor for 50 years. I was president of Local 1145, at Minneapolis’ Honeywell, in Minnesota during the 1950s, also president of Local 317 at Bell Helicopter in Hurst in the 1970s.

Mr. Bonds, did you forget the hospital insurance, dental, hearing and eye insurance plus a decent living wage, equal pay that unions fought for and obtained for our American workers?

For your information, Mr. Bonds, the doctors have their AMA, lawyers have the ABA, while working folks have only organized labor. All union dues are accounted for by auditors. No union dues can be spent on political races for Democrats or Republicans. Union PACs can only give $5,000 to any one candidate.

The statement on incompetent workers and competent workers, of course, Mr. Bonds is an expert on all subjects but in this case he is an outright liar. He should ask or speak to all Santa Fe retired, union employees living in Cleburne, who are enjoying retirement.

Mr. Bonds also said that unions are losing members. Of course they are, because jobs are being exported to China, India or anywhere there is cheap child or underpaid labor.

No union dues are taken forcefully. No employee is forced to join the union. The “right to work” law is as phony as you are Mr. Bonds! No one has to join the union, but the union has to protect the scabs the same as any due-paying member.

As far as secret ballots, the unions have had no secret ballots that I am aware of.

I believe if you are going to write a letter, tell the truth and write something you know about.

Mr. Bonds, if I could buy you for what you are worth and sell you for what you think you’re worth, that would be real inflation.

Sincerely,



Earl G. Pierce

Cleburne



Stiff shirts need to relax



Maryjane Brady, lady wake up and get a life and a sense of humor. I was raised a Baptist is rural North Carolina where “Smoke on the Mountain” takes place. On Sunday morning Baptists put on their best and go to church to worship the Lord in whatever way their life and education allowed. Back in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s we laughed, cried, loved and sang at the top of our lungs and knew the Lord was right there with us.

The Plaza actors did a wonderful job of telling the story the way it was, and still is — in a lot of mountain churches. I praise them for a good job.

You stiff-shirted city people need to quit patting yourselves on the back for all you send overseas and see what needs to be done right here in the U.S.

Thank you Plaza for a great show and for helping me remember the love, laughter and hugging, of the poor Baptists who I grew up with. The Lord I know want us to be happy, caring and hugging people who have a good time and care about others.

Mrs. Brady, I feel sorry for you. Next time, give the price of your ticket to the hungry.

I encourage every one to see the love and fun in “Smoke on the Mountain.”

Sincerely,



Ann Armstrong

Cleburne



Plaza’s “Smoke on the Mountain” is a comedy



I am tired of perusing my Sunday edition of the Times-Review and finding the same individuals published in the letters to the editor week after week. I am so tired that I felt compelled to take the time myself to write and express my disdain.

W.V Bonds, Maryjane Brady and a few others evidently think they are full-time columnists. I am certainly an advocate for the right to voice one’s opinions but every darn week is a bit much don’t you think? Perhaps they could have their own column to bash each other. This would allow me to simply skip over it like I do The Local Crank.”

While I am on a roll, I would like to mention that my wife and I attended Plaza Theatre for the first time this week. We attended the Saturday evening performance of “Smoke On The Mountain.” Unlike Ms. Brady, we thought the performance was outstanding. So good in fact that we purchased season tickets for the remainder of the year. The “sign language girl” character was terrific. The young actress playing this part had everyone in stitches and, in my opinion, was the funniest of all.

Considering the response from the standing room-only crowd, I believe this was the consensus. My wife and I have seen numerous shows on Broadway and elsewhere. We should feel fortunate to have productions of this caliber in a city of this size. It was a comedy, Ms. Brady, loosen up your girdle.

Thank you,



Gregory Way

Cleburne



Another check mark for Plaza



I, among others, enjoyed “Smoke on the Mountain” at the Plaza Theatre. Then, as an added treat, enjoyed Maryjane Brady’s letter of “discouragement” the next day in the paper.

What a hoot. The only thing that could top the entertainment her letter provided would be to see her performance as “church lady” in the same play. Her character as “church lady” would be sure to correct the “blasphemous,” “raucous,” “merciless mocking” her letter spoke of.

I am a thin-skinned Christian, raised in the Baptist faith.



Karen Payne

Cleburne



Thanks from Davis family



A few weeks ago our lives were turned upside down in a matter of a few minutes. We lost our home and our belongings on Chase Street due to an electrical fire and had no insurance.

We would like to say thanks to our family, friends, churches and complete strangers for all of your thoughts, prayers and gifts. Also to the Red Cross of Cleburne and Seventh-day Adventist Community Service of Keene for their services.

Last but not least, thanks to the brave firefighters and CareFlite on the east side for working hard to try and save our home and helping my husband with the burns he sustained. And to Roxie, our 1-year-old blue heeler for being smart enough to wake my husband up after the house was engulfed in flames. She is our hero.

Thank you and God bless you all.



Allen, Ronda and Roxie Davis

Cleburne