Coverage of Palin is truly appalling
As a female, a “soccer mom,” political supporter and proud citizen, I am appalled by the derisive reporting regarding the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin for vice president. I had already been surprised at the response Senator Clinton received, often at the hands of her own party, while running against Senator Obama. Now that the Democratic Party threw their own female candidate “under the bus,” so to speak, ignoring 18 million voters and outraging women all across the United States, they are attacking the Republicans for giving the opportunity to an exceedingly well qualified, wonderfully spoken candidate.
As a female who has been interested in politics my entire life, I applaud the Republican Party for doing what the Democratic Party apparently would not, or felt they could not. Many females my age or older thought they would never see a qualified, intelligent, sophisticated female candidate on a major party ticket with a chance to win a seat.
When the “talking heads” ó i.e. media members and even members of the assorted parties question Governor Palin’s ability to lead this nation as a vice president while still being a parent , it is atrocious. No one has asked Senator Obama or Senator Biden these questions. How sad that we haven’t advanced farther in the 88 years since women have been allowed to vote.
I was raised to believe that women can be strong leaders (Liddy Dole!), and that we treat others as we desire to be treated. I also learned, you don’t bash others for their opinions. The blood of every veteran has given us all the right to have an opinion, whether we all agree or not.
That is why I will exercise my civil responsibility by voting Nov. 4. You are encouraged to do the same.
ó Alana Tomlin Denton
Linwood
Highway funding
Many thanks to Max Borders of the Raleigh-based Civitas Institute for his enlightening analysis of the antiquated highway funding system in this state. North Carolinians can no longer afford a system which allocates more money for political boondoggles than for legitimate road needs. Why should northbound travelers on Rowan County’s portion of I-85 pay a toll to get across the Yadkin, when those who cross the $120 million Neuse River Bridge in New Bern, a span which is at least 10 times longer than the Yadkin River bridge and serves far fewer people every day, do not pay anything at all?
And why should North Carolina’s citizens pay more taxes to fund an outmoded system which puts politicians’ pet projects at the top of the state’s roads priority list?
OK, members of the N.C. General Assembly, you’ve got us mad now. It’s time to do as Mr. Borders suggests ó scrap the current state road funding allocation formula in favor of a public plan which uses vehicle usage, maintenance needs and safety as the sole considerations for funding. As much as I hate tolls, I still won’t vote for road bonds unless I am convinced the money will be used where we need it most.
ó Bill Bucher
Salisbury