LETTER: Letter writer misinformed in Obama criticisms

Dear Editor:

I’m writing in response to the letter from Alex Rebitch, “Letters praising Obama offer more of the same, old rhetoric,” The Madison County Journal, Aug. 21. First, let me say I’m glad to see a letter from a UGA student. More people of all ages should pay attention to what’s going on in our government as well as who wants to be elected to office. This country needs more informed voters.


However, regarding some of the opinions Mr. Rebitch expressed, I’m afraid he’s misinformed. I can’t address the opinions he expressed about other students. It sounds like the student population reflects the general population in that too few people care about politics and our government. But I want to address a number of other statements. First, he says, “Obama is a talented speaker but he lacks the experience needed to run the country,” and “McCain, while older, has more experience with foreign affairs then (than) Obama does in his pinky finger.” The president doesn’t “run the country.” He heads a bureaucracy that runs our country and is seen as the leader of our country. He has many advisors and all things considered it’s more important to have an intelligent and articulate president that uses good judgment than someone that’s served many years in government that doesn’t function very well. When Ronald Reagan was elected to office, his only experience was as the governor of a state and as an actor. Everyone seems to think he did an OK job.

Mr. Rebitch says, “Liberals such as her (Ms. Massey) still argue Iraq is an unwinnable war, despite recent reports that the situation there is improving.” Just because we hear reports that “the situation is improving” it doesn’t mean the war is winnable. The most important thing to remember is that we never should have started the war. The basis for the war was a lie and Barack Obama had the good judgment to oppose the war from the start.

Last, I have to address Mr. Rebitch’s statement, “They all blame Bush for the state of the economy and even gas prices. The president has very little influence over the matter.” The president doesn’t directly control the price of gas but his energy policy plays a major role in determining the price of gas.

President Bush has been in office for almost eight years (six of those with a Republican majority). His administration never pushed for more fuel efficient vehicles, never promoted development of alternative fuels or developed alternative energy programs. The lack of action by the Bush administration has a lot to do with the price of gas. And if additional off shore drilling is part of the solution why didn’t they push for it eight years ago. If they had maybe the price of gasoline wouldn’t have hit $4 per gallon.

From what he says in his letter, it sounds like Mr. Rebitch is just repeating what he hears on Fox news. Mr. Rebitch, you need more than one source for news.

From what he says John McCain is offering more of the same policies that President Bush has given us for the last four years. This country desperately needs a change. I’m supporting Barack Obama.

Sincerely,

Ed Gilmore

Carlton