Let’s separate truth from trash
Regarding Richard Roberts’ April 9 letter (“Only liberals defend Bill Clinton”):
I have been a registered Independent since the end of World War II. I believe putting everyone who disagrees with your opinion under one label is not only unfair, it is immature and childish. But let’s apply Mr. Roberts’ yardstick to this country’s situation.
President Bush was re-elected to a second term mostly by the Republican conservatives. We have weapons of mass destruction. We invaded a foreign country without provocation. We are now trying to impose our form of government on the Iraqi people. By Bush’s criteria, we now qualify as a member of the “axis of evil.” Therefore, by Roberts’ thinking, all Republican conservatives are evil people and a danger to our country.
I agree with Mr. Roberts that the government should not pay for our gas and some other necessities. And to make sure there is not enough money to do so, the Republican axis of evil has sent billions and billions of dollars to a currupt government and crooked contractors.
Does all of the above sound fair? Of course not. It is up to the individual to separate the truth from the trash.
ó Robert G. Burns
Cleveland
We’re all flawed
In regard to the ongoing flurry of letters regarding the defense of politicians. Only Republicans support George Bush ó so what? All of us are flawed, including politicians, religious leaders and everyday citizens. We all make mistakes, use bad judgment at times and perform deeds of nobility and kindness at times. It is unfortunate that so many of us enjoy degrading others.
Richard Roberts certainly had a litany of offenses committed by President Clinton. My question, since it seems that Mr. Roberts feels Prsident Clinton offers no redeeming qualities, is this: What contributions to society are you making? Surely you do not feel you are above blame or reproach?
Finally, I wish the federal government would not have to be involved in our lives to the extent that it is, but were it not for the federal government we would still have the institution of slavery, “separate but equal” schools, no child labor laws, no unions to protect against ill treatment of workers, no anti-trust laws, no environmental protection, no National Park Service and therefore no protected land, no relief from the Depression of 1929, no assistance with the current mortgage crisis, etc.
Since people notoriously do not always do the “right” thing in so many instances, we must be governed to do so. Regardless of how you feel about President Clinton or any other politician, maybe you could step back and acknowledge that there have been positive contributions as well, and possibly instead of just complaining, be certain you are making positive contributions with your life as well.
ó Amy Welch
Salisbury