Now
Fair
29°
High
32°
Low
16°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Opinion > Letters
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Letters, 8/28: Time to sit back, McCain

Comments 31 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

Thursday, Aug 28, 2008 - 01:09:21 am CDT

John McCain is a good man and a war hero who has served this nation well in the military and as a U.S. senator. At an age when most men would be ready to retire to an easier life, he has taken on the challenge of running for one of the most difficult jobs in the world, the presidency of the United States.

As a retiree who is older than John McCain, and as an enlisted man veteran of the Korean War, I feel somewhat unworthy to offer advice to one who has attained such political power, but I will anyway.

Sen. McCain should have a happy retirement and forget the challenges of the political life. He deserves it. Let someone else take on the challenges of power.

As much as I admire him for his patriotism and service, I will not vote for him.

His voting record and campaign statements have indicated that he has supported the failed policies of the Bush/Cheney administration a majority of the time and will continue if elected to carry out those policies.

I believe the country needs a new direction to recover from the disastrous results of the Bush/Cheney administration. McCain’s opponent has given us hope for the future of American policy in the world. This country needs new leadership to undo the consequences of past policies, not more of the same.

Whatever happens in the election, I wish Sen. McCain and his family a good life.

Robert D. Thomson, Lincoln

Help the homeowners

The rationale for helping a few individuals buy a home to improve the rest of the economy for the city is curious, at the least. This proposed program appears singularly to help the local real estate market. Of all the businesses in Lincoln that may be in a slump, why subsidize real estate? That market has solutions to its own problems, and the $600,000 can be used in other ways to benefit far more people.

Not too long ago, council members were involved in a discussion about conflicts of interest. My first suggestion is that the council members take another look at that topic, because each member of the council appears to be directly or indirectly involved in the real estate business.

Secondly, the real estate market is no worse off than other businesses. Also, I have always heard that a house does not sell or is slow to sell because of one or all of three reasons: location, condition or price. If you can’t change your location, the next best thing is to improve where you are. Therefore, the best stimulus for all businesses, including real estate, is to fix up the house, improve the neighborhood, or lower the price. Thus, my suggestion of an urban improvement stimulus program.

First, however, we need to realize that the stimulus that would benefit every individual, business and our economy is to lower the real estate taxes. Those savings would readily flow into our economy. However, if not that, then the next best solution is the urban improvement program.

The stimulus program would ask people to submit proposals to improve their property by such things as insulating, installing new windows, replacing inefficient heating and cooling units, landscaping or making any general improvements that would increase their property value, improve the environment, save energy, and beautify the city.

This program would help many people, businesses beyond real estate, the city’s entire economy and tax base, and could develop pride in home ownership, neighborhood improvement and community development.

Raymond D. Crisp, Lincoln

Toon attacks freedom

After seeing the Aug. 20 editorial cartoon by Neal Obermeyer on the primary seat-belt law proposal, I think he should have been sent to the Summer Olympic Games on a one-way ticket. They understand his type of non-freedom thinking style over there. Both sides would have benefited from this action.

Clarence Olberding, Lincoln


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Letters > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Mindless Robot wrote on August 28, 2008 2:27 am:
" I wonder how long it will take Mr. Olberding (Get it? Get it?...Olberding?) to figure out the hilarious irony of his post. "

 Zoomie wrote on August 28, 2008 6:28 am:
" Mr Thomson - WELL SAID!!!

And I'll play attack dog here, by pointing out John McSame would be 73 when sworn in, should he win in November. Both his dad and granddad were dead before 70. He's had FOUR bouts of skin cancer (the last a Level II bout...they only get worse!). Lastly, he's consistently refused to take (or admit to taking) an Alzheimer's test (and let us, the American people, know the results) dispite the fact he is now showing at least EIGHT of the ten signs of declining cognitive abilities! At least one of his friends has admitted McSame today, forgetful, confused, is beginning to remind them of Reagan in '87/88, when its now believed he was already displaying the signs of his Alzheimers' degeneration. Can we really afford to elect someone to office who may very well die, or worse, be mentally unfit for office (something which will likely be hidden far longer than is safe for the nation) when there is a major international crisis requiring his full attention and skills?

Combine that scenario with his promises to continue all of Dubya's failed policies, and its clear...America cannot afford John McCain as President of the United States! "

 Dan wrote on August 28, 2008 7:47 am:
" Mr. Thomson, what makes you think the country is headed in the wrong direction? I think it is headed precisely where the powers that be what it to be. The rich have gotten richer at the expense of the poor, and big business has had it's way. Why would the elite care about health care or anything else for the rest of us. They are the privilaged and we are the expendable. Isn,t that the way it's suppose to be? I afraid that anyone who tries to alter things will be seen as some kind of problem and will be delt with accordingly. Look at what happens in Mexico if someone gets in the way of the drug lords. "

 Darwin wrote on August 28, 2008 7:52 am:
" My guess is never :) "

 stignob wrote on August 28, 2008 8:00 am:
" Seems Mr. Thomson is playing the age discrimination card. But don't you dare play the race card with Mr. Obama. The more laws the better for our ballon govt. we've put in place. Case in point the pork barrel 7.5 mil. the state gets for passing another law against individual freedom, but but it's for the betterment of society, so they tell you. News flash! The gubermint can't save us all! "

 Jody P. wrote on August 28, 2008 8:16 am:
" If you actually took the time to listen to what John McCain says, Mr. Thomson, you'd realize that he is NOT the same as the last 8 years. He differs with Bush on many significant issues, and most importantly, he is a different PERSON than Bush. He is a better man than Bush. And I believe he is a better man than Obama. McCain truly represents a change from politics-as-usual. For Obama, it's just a catchy slogan. "

 Jerome wrote on August 28, 2008 8:26 am:
" Don't worry about McCain. Obama has all the Black vote and will win this election. It's time to redistribute the wealth in this country. Free health care for everyone. No more poverty. Everyone placed on the same level. We will not be left behind. Obama 08 & 12 "

 JT wrote on August 28, 2008 8:38 am:
" I'd choose the freedom of EMTs to not have to peel someone off the windshield over the freedom to not wear a seatbelt. "

 Mark wrote on August 28, 2008 8:53 am:
" It's funny to read how many people have bought into the big lie of the 21st century almost daily. Things couldn't get any worse if you ask some democrats. They are back to the tried and true position they used EVERY election cycle. Instead of offering new ideas, they run around and tell everyone how bad things are, when in fact they are not. Some like to use/repeat the media line "failed policies of the Bush/Cheney Administration". What a total crock. Using that line proves some are mindless robots repeating things that are not fact whatsoever.
Then we have others who daily use names to call true American hero's like John McCain "McSame" in their blogs when in fact they are not the same, not even close. To say otherwise just shows true ignorance of facts by disrespecting someone who has given far more for their country than some bloggers could ever wish they could. Their policies ARE NOT the same. To be the same, they must be identical, when if fact Sen. McCain's policies are different from President Bush's, so the ARE NOT the same.
With age comes experience. Do we put young people in charge right away? No, of course not, why? Because they have no experience. If we are going to compare experience- there is no comparison between Obama and McCain. To say otherwise is just another example of just plain ignorance of facts. "

 RedFred wrote on August 28, 2008 9:40 am:
" While I'm no McCain supporter (and not sure about Obama either - I supported Hillary's campaign before), the health issue strategy of Zoomie is getting weak and old. We don't know Obama's health record, do we? Who says he can't have a heart attack the day after he's installed as the exalted leader? Or, that he doesn't have cancer right now and not know it? Let's get to REAL issues about the candidates so we can choose the right person for their skill, their knowledge and their ability. I'd much rather have a great person lead for a short time than to have a poor leader lead for a long time. "

 gregory wrote on August 28, 2008 10:12 am:
" Mindless robot: I guess I don't get it. Are you pointing out the fact that Mr. Olberding's name is similar to Mr. Obermeyer? How is that ironic? "

 Ignignokt wrote on August 28, 2008 10:34 am:
" Ah, so now it's not enough to debate McCain on his policies...now the Dems have to attack him based on his age and PERCEIVED health issues. Funny, didn't stop the Dems from electing FDR to a third term. In any event, IF health issues do become a problem, that's what the vice president is for. Should I rule out voting for Obama because he might lose his life in a car accident? Or a plane crash? If you're going to cast a vote, it shouldn't be based on what MIGHT happen, it should be based on who is best able to lead this country. As made evident by Obama's shrinking/disappearing leads...the people who are actually paying attention are beginning to realize that McCain is the most qualified candidate, and the person most able to lead this country.

BTW, Jerome's comment is an excellent example of the type of people we are dealing with when you start talking about Obama supporters. For anyone to believe that Obama could provide a socialist/communist utopia in 4, even 8 years is beyond ridiculous...but Jerome actually believes it. "

 Summary wrote on August 28, 2008 10:41 am:
" A summery of the letters here, McCain isn't to old, but his ideology is. This country can't afford another trillion dollars in Deficit. Voting for McCain = eventual collapse of the America.

If you want a home, save up for a down payment, find a home that you can actually afford and then buy it. This business of buying beyond your means in this country is thankfully over. Perhaps now contractors will start building modest homes that the "Average" person can afford. A tax break or a fund to help people buy a home is like giving a child money to buy something they have not yet earned. If you buy a fixer upper you can again save the money to fix it up yourself. The current mess in the housing market can all be traced back to this instant gratification syndrome we have in this country.

Finally Neal Obermeyer editorial cartoon, was right on the money. If you want to drive without your seat belt, that is your privilege, but you should also be wearing a dunce cap. The fact is seat belts do save lives, not all lives granted but some lives. If you are an editorial cartoonist, you will always offend some of the people at some of the time. I contend that if your not offending someone your not doing your job. "

 Well Jerome... wrote on August 28, 2008 11:00 am:
" I hope your blurb was in jest, otherwise it almost appears racist that Obama would recieve "all the Black vote". Also, the notion of wealth redistribution and free healthcare is lunacy, and in par with socialism. Lack of poverty utopian. If you don't want to be "left behind"...run faster- that's what the rest of us have to do. Obama may win this fall, but I, for one, will never bow down to him in the manner which you display. His is no cure-all...he is not my God. "

 Jeff wrote on August 28, 2008 11:13 am:
" McCains past history would suggest he has some maverick tendencies, but nothing in his current campaign suggests he's got anything significant in the way of change coming. Its the same old thing. Unfortunately for him, he follows eight years of poor leadership by his party, no pathetic leadership...... and the other "team" deserves a shot, considering the world didn't come to an end during 8 years of the last Democratic president - remember balenced budgets? increasing jobs? respect around the world? seems like a fairy tale now. "

 Jack wrote on August 28, 2008 11:13 am:
" Mark wrote "Instead of offering new ideas, they run around and tell everyone how bad things are, when in fact they are not."
Gee Mark, would you care to explain your point with facts? No way am I better off than I was 8 years ago. I'm sure the 4000+ families who have lost loved ones in Irag and Afghanistan feel they're better off, too.
The folks in New Orleans are better off, (great job Brownie) Our foreign policy has never suffered more, Americans now are the most HATED people on the planet, thanks Dubya. Turn off Faux News and get a grip on reality. "

 Hey Mark wrote on August 28, 2008 11:22 am:
" You say the dems offer the same positions year after year, but what do the repubs offer and McShame offer? The same they have over the past 8 years, bigger gov't, more spending and bigger debt.

I hate to break it to you, but the "Trickle Down Economics" the repugs are so adamant about do not work! In fact, the only thing it does is puts a bigger tax burden on the people who can least afford it.

I have another question for McCain...when are you going to release all of your military records along with the records the North Vietnames have of you when you were a POW? Is it because you don't want the people to know the truth about your time as a POW?

Let the world see the true McCain and how he differs from Bush baby. "

 Josh wrote on August 28, 2008 11:52 am:
" It's so funny that some people thing that the word "socialism" is such a terrible thing. SO what's wrong with having some aspects of our government being socialist- specifically our healthcare? Do you people realize that ALL other fully developed countries have some form of socialized healthcare- and quite a few of them rank higher than the US as far as quality of care, while being much cheaper to operate than ours? What's wrong with that??? People need to think about the situation before spouting off because some Republican on Fox News told you "Socialism" was a bad word. "

 Hey Jeff wrote on August 28, 2008 12:32 pm:
" The only fairy tale is Obama's candidacy. That's what Bill Clinton called it anyway a few month's ago when he was in attack mode. You want to know why we had a budget surplus during the Clinton years? Because Bill cut spending on things he shouldn't have (VA system, military). We became weaker due to that. I'd rather have a stronger military, and a cut in spending on all of the social welfare. I'm sure if we could get rid of the practice of hiring illegal immigrants, the unemployed could get the jobs which the illegals currently have (thus, less welfare). I don't care about the cost of vegetables going up either, I'll gladly pay the increase if it means legal employees which may be getting off welfare are doing the labor. "

 Tim wrote on August 28, 2008 1:22 pm:
" What Change? What will be changed, give us details and not the usual change from the last 8 years. Universal health? Like the government has done well with the veterans, no thank you. Blue collar tax break? I pay less now then ever before. Another tax rebate? More money from China. Reduce the price of gas? Somebody explain why the government hasn't done anything in the last 16 years. Everybody goes to college? Sounds like another government handout.

I get so tired of all the political rhetoric so please leave emotion out of politics and use your brain. I tell my kids before they compete in anything...Get your Brain in the Game. Come on people and please stop the name calling unless you are 5 years old or younger. "

 Business man wrote on August 28, 2008 1:22 pm:
" I'm sorry that a lot of you have suffered under the current administration, but meanwhile my profits have gone up 75%, so of course I'm voting for McCain. It's in my best interest. "

 Shmegory wrote on August 28, 2008 1:53 pm:
" Gregory - I didn’t get the Olberding thing either...

But I believe the irony is that he was calling out Obermeyer for his “non-freedom thinking”, but wants to send him to China and leave him there. So much for freedom of speech… "

 Not ageism wrote on August 28, 2008 2:08 pm:
" Would you gladly get on an airplane with a 73 year old pilot? Granted, some 73 year olds are healthy, vital and on the ball. But most… not so much. Sure Obama could have a major health issue long before McCain, but I for one wouldn’t bet on it.

That is why it is key that whomever McCain picks as his running mate is really strong. If McCain gets elected, odds are pretty good that they will end up the President before long. "

 Reason wrote on August 28, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Hey Mr. Crisp, I live in a newer whole neighborhood that has a bunch of
houses for sale since January, all have new roofs, heating/cooling, water
heaters, plenty of insulation, nice landscaping, you name it, and priced
their homes way below the assessed value, way below what they paid for
them. What more could you want them to do, give their houses away???
One couple left this state even though their house is sittin' on the market, another couple are going to do the same by going to another state
to look for property and jobs because the future is not a pretty site in
Lincoln. A neighbor is moving in a week leaving their house on the market
which doesn't make me feel too safe!!! When people are taxed out they
have no choice but to move, if they take a big loss, thats the thanks
Lincoln gives ya, always has been, always will be!! "

 Boonie wrote on August 28, 2008 3:23 pm:
" Tim---I think the visceral appeal of Obama’s “change” message is not so much the prospects of his delivering on campaign promises (which he may or may not be able to do), but rather the prospect of an emphatic end to the abysmal Bush presidency. The details of the Bush/Cheney record have been well recorded on these forum pages. Much of Obama’s appeal lies in his intelligence and youth, both of them reactions to the past eight years.
Mark--- You and many others point to the experience factor in McCain vs Obama. Study history and find that it is full of highly experienced tyrants and incompetents. Experience guarantees nothing; in fact, it can make things worse. On the other hand, vision and broad support can count for a lot in effective leadership, and Obama appears to many people to have both. If he’s elected, we’ll have to hope that he will choose experienced and wise people to surround and advise him. That may have been Bush’s biggest failure. "

 Ray wrote on August 28, 2008 5:34 pm:
" "This country can't afford another trillion dollars in Deficit."
Unless of course it is in the name of Obama Joe Biden's universal health care plan and ending global poverty. Then we have NO PROBLEM with a massive deficit. "

 hry ray wrote on August 28, 2008 6:26 pm:
" when we quit spending 10 billion a month in iraq we have the money for universal health care. "

 JRP wrote on August 28, 2008 7:46 pm:
" The balanced budget under Clinton was due to congress. Remember, they control the spending for the most part. Newt Gingrich and the Rep AT THE TIME, made a "contract with America" and followed it, 10 steps if I remember correctly. A major one was balancing the budget. Problem is, when the Reps won the White House, they tax cut then spent us into so much debt it's obscene. I'm a Rep and I'm ashamed at what my party has become.

Sad thing is, this the best we can do? We had hillary, McCain and Obama as our only viable choices? It's not a good sign when for the 3rd election in a row we as a country are looking to vote in the lesser of the evils. How pathetic our 2 party system is now. Representing only themselves and taking care of their parties' interest above the interest of the country.

Lastly, for the universal health care people. Governments are not efficient at doing anything. If we get universal health care, the government will decide who gets what procedures done, where that procedure is at and who will do that procedure. On top of that, they will control how much everyone in the health care industry makes including doctors, nurses and specialist. I guarantee that once the Docs who want this find out they only get a set amount of money each year no matter how many cases they handle, they'll revolt big time. "

 Ken wrote on August 29, 2008 6:30 am:
" To "Not ageism" I would be glad to get on an airplane with a 73 year old pilot if I knew he had flown an airplane many times before with no problem. I would be very concerned getting on an airplane with a pilot that does't know where the stearing stick is or even knew what the outside of an airplane looks like. "

 Concerned for my children wrote on August 29, 2008 10:01 am:
" What concerns me is when a man lets a 4-time convicted Registered Sex Offender live in his home in a neighborhood where children are everywhere and it is only blocks from an elementary school. Maybe Mr. Crisp's advice will work, but having a CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER living next door will make your property value go down and probably equal less property taxes. "

 Not the Evils wrote on September 3, 2008 4:31 pm:
" To JRP: For the first time in my voting life, I DON'T feel like I'm voting for the lesser of two evils. For the first time, I'm EXCITED about the candidate I'm helping to elect. Like him or leave him, Obama has undeniably energized voters in this country, especially young voters. And that is worth something.

As for McCain, I agree with the poster who said his running mate better be able to handle the #1 position. I have a feeling, if elected (God forbid), he won't make it through his term. "

Ads by Yahoo!