LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By Staff Reports

Published: January 4, 2009

Respect for the Office Is Due the President

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

The recent shoe-throwing incident is an example of disrespect for the office. The person who threw the shoes was showing anger, apparently at the U.S., but aimed at President George Bush. In his culture, the incident took on a particular meaning and was lauded by many. That didn't bother me as much as the reaction here. Many Americans, particularly the media, joined in, happy to dump on Bush one more time.

Pride in America and respect for the office of the president should not depend on who holds the office. Our leaders and the media should be outraged at the demeaning of the presidency.

The other matter of respect regards counting ballots. It seems that the ballots of military men and women are much easier to discount than others. The recent statement that "these votes wouldn't have made a difference anyway" comes to mind. As a military officer, I urged my men and women to vote, stressing that each vote counts and that voting is both a privilege and a duty of responsible citizens. Even if the outcome of an election is already determined, every vote should be counted and recorded.

To not do so is to disenfranchise the voter, which in turn may discourage the person from voting in the next election.

Joel McKean. Richmond.

Surprise! Campaign Clears Itself!

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Since when does an internal investigation of an (incoming) administration of itself, by itself, on whether there were any deal-making discussions with Gov. Rod Blagojevich by Obama's staff constitute transparency and openness? This is somewhat reminiscent of what took place in Russia during the early and mid-1900s under the heavy hand of Josef Stalin, and is not the way a democracy is supposed to function.

Chances are good that the so-called "investigation" conducted by incoming White House Counsel Craig White will be what it is purported to be. But why create a cloud of doubt if there is "absolutely nothing to hide," as President-elect Obama has proclaimed on numerous occasions? Instead, why not conduct a bipartisan investigation similar to the 9/11 Commission?

I hope and pray that the manner in which insiders have cloaked this investigation is not the opening chapter of the Obama administration's Blago-gate.

Lawrence L. Burian. Reedville.

This Conservative Is an Avid Reader

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I get most of my books from the library and Amazon.com, but I often frequent Barnes and Noble. I doubt that Adams would ever see my car parked there on a Sunday. I am in church on Sunday, a day I avoid shopping at Barnes and Noble or anywhere else.

Mary Seay. Charlottesville.