I am not surprised that Chris Christie’s quick rise and quicker fall has surprised those Obama-loving journalists who constantly try to pre-select the Republican presidential nominee. Such journalists ignore the history that is there for them to see.
Republicans expect other Republicans to back the nominee, and they remember those who don’t. Barry Goldwater did indeed take a drubbing in the 1964 election, but even those who did not vote for him liked him personally, and believed he was a principled man. William Scranton, Nelson Rockefeller and George Romney (Mitt’s dad) all snubbed Goldwater, and the voters remembered later.
Republicans voters remember that Christie did not praise Romney in his keynote address, distanced himself from Romney, invited Obama to get in the way in the Hurricane Sandy cleanup (with no help to victims, but a big boost for Obama from a Republican governor), and went out of his way to show disrespect to the energized tea party people without whom the 2010 Republican victory would never have happened. I am not surprised at all that he would punish drivers just to get back at a mayor, nor that he would have loyalists who would do vindictive things without regard to the people he hurt.
Back to Goldwater. There was one Republican who did campaign energetically for him, in the face of scorn from his professional associates and the sure knowledge that backing Goldwater would likely curtail his career, a fellow by the name of Reagan. Perhaps you have heard of him.
But not to worry, Democrats. You want Christie to run for mayor? You’re welcome to him. He’s one man in public, another in private. He’ll jettison an ally in a minute to gain a political advantage. He wants everyone to follow his playbook, and he considers anyone disagreeing with him as a foe to be destroyed. Why, he’d be a perfect Democratic nominee. Take him, with our blessing.
— Steve Owen
Kannapolis
Why doesn’t the Post start a daily comic strip called the “Rowan County Commissioners”? They are very entertaining and comical to watch. You never know what they are going to come up with, and I enjoy a good laugh every day following their adventures.
— Dennis Lunsford
On behalf of Native-Americans and my wife Yoshiko, we want to say thank you to the Salisbury Post and express our appreciation to the community for such an outpouring of good will, prayers, blessings and encouragement for healing.
The Post’s coverage of the tipi (or teepee) dedication as a place for healing was quite awesome (Jan. 2 article). Journalist Hugh Fisher described artistic things in his article of which I was not cognizant at the time. The fire pit crystal rock mandala design also represented an Indian medicine wheel and the four directions of a Christian cross. A 10,000-plus-year-old lava rock was at the center. And through the drum played by Joe Solouski one can see “Sun-Eagle.” Willard Moose continues to add innovations to the tipi, such as the canopy on top which defuses the smoke and deflects water from rain and snow.
Another small healing ceremony is being planned soon by Circle Chief Rebecca Moser for those battling cancer and other illnesses.
The vortex: Many folks from around the world have visited this site. Not unlike the recent “polar vortex” of weather swirling across the country, Sacred Grove Retreat Center is like a spiritual vortex in the woods at the intersection of Rowan, Cabarrus and Stanly counties. It is 20 miles south of Salisbury, on Mattons Church Road off N.C. 52 at Gold Hill. For more information: www.Sacred-Grove-Retreat-Center.com.
P.S. For the recent VA Medical Center Indian program, we are indebted to Director Kaye Green, John Mitchell and photojournalists Michael Maddox and Luke Thompson.
Also, thanks for other articles highlighting the outstanding hospice programs in the Salisbury region.
Again, a blessed New Year and thanks to all.
— Rev. Dr. Fleming and Yoshiko Otey
Salisbury