Published: November 06, 2009 08:22 am      

READERS' FORUM 11-7 | Black leaders critical of president, too

On Nov. 3, a writer gave his viewpoint on the Obama administration and blasted its critics (“Racism continues across the country”). I offer an alternative view.

The writer viewed criticism of the president as “Caucasian-inspired.” But many black conservatives have criticized the president. Michael Steele (Republican National Committee chairman), J.C. Watts (a former congressman) and Ken Blackwell (RNC official) come to mind.

Secondly, he wrote critics off as being “fascist.” The dictionary: “A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power.” How can people who don’t hold public office and have never run for one be fascist?

The author claimed “(Obama) is not a radical reformer or progressive.” I disagree. While campaigning, Obama said, “Personally, I don’t think they (reparations for slavery) go far enough.” And during his Senate career: “I am a proponent of the single-payer health-care system.”

These statements vastly alter American government, perfectly aligned with the progressive movement.

Radicalism is also evident in this administration. The president said Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers (among others) “are not my advisers and will not be my in the administration.”

He also said before taking office: “Keep an eye on who I surround myself with.”

Conservatives have done so, picking up on Van Jones, Anita Dunn (Mao Tse Dung fan), Mark Lloyd (Chavez’s “incredible revolution”) and many others with radical views.

There is no doubt that a government trying to take over one-sixth of the economy is leaning toward socialism. We may not be as bad as Europe, but these policies are undoubtedly un-American.

Tom Summerson

Richland Township



Fox News’ attacks on Obama unrelenting

In the debate surrounding Fox News, the concern is not about its news reporting; it is about the daylong attacks on the president.

The majority of its reporting is politically motivated, and the overzealous hype of its attack dog personalities Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly are a problem. They, along with megamouth Rush Limbaugh, have led the Republican Party’s vicious lies campaign against President Obama since his first day in office.

Recently, Fox Business News hired the foul-mouthed Don Imus to add more questionable talent to its lineup.

Obama has inherited more major problems than any president, and while I don't agree with everything he has done, this country needs to unite to solve the issues.

Unfortunately, Republicans are concerned only about the next election.

On the current health-care debate, many major problems exist and will probably not get solved, but it is sickening when our health-care costs continue to skyrocket. The last estimate I read was that health-care providers have spent nearly $400 million to fight any changes.

On the issue of the Internet, the government wants to keep the status quo, which is Internet freedom. It is the Internet service providers, such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, that, because they have major investments, want to control the Internet.

We lost a lot of our free speech with the Bush-Cheney dictatorship’s Patriot Act and through its illegal wiretapping.

A big problem with the ’net is the bloggers who create lies and hate and the zealots who believe them.

Bill Knapp

Johnstown



Administrative costs issue in tolling I-80

One reason people don’t want to see Interstate 80 made a toll road: Whether tolling brings in $1 million or $30 million, funds going toward road repairs would be minimal. That’s because a majority of the money would go toward salaries, office expenses and other incidentals for a new commission and its staff.

Then we’ll be told they are making less than what is needed and the tolls will be raised.

Advice for politicians: If you can’t win an election, ask for an appointment to this new board.

Joseph Dremely

East Conemaugh



Laurel Crest sale tied to compromise

It has greatly saddened me that the future of Laurel Crest has come down to compromise. It’s just not right.

Many of the residents, past and present, never compromised their love and devotion for their families, their communities, their faith in God or this country. Just as our Lord never compromised his love for us.

Once Laurel Crest is privatized, it will have irreversible consequences. We are not just selling a building or needed jobs. We are selling our souls and a place many Cambria County residents have gone and could go to in their time of need, regardless of their circumstances.

Our Lord teaches us to honor thy father and thy mother. No exceptions. Not for lack of money (profits) or the list of other excuses we’ve been given.

Over the years, Laurel Crest has faced many hardships and obstacles, just like the elderly who reside there. Why change now?

We teach our children and grandchildren to always do what’s right; don’t just follow the crowd. What a shame that we don’t follow our own advice. We cannot look to others to lead us; we must look within ourselves.

Before the doors of Laurel Crest are closed forever, we must have the courage to tell our commissioners that privatizing is not a compromise we are willing to accept.

Joanne Little

Colver