Webster's defines a "statesman" as: "a political leader regarded as a disinterested promoter of the public good." Conversely, Webster defines a politician as: "one who is interested in personal or partisan gain and other selfish interests." One last definition -- 'Machiavellianism' (referencing the infamous politician, Niccolo Machiavelli): "the political doctrine which denies the relevance of morality in political affairs, and holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing and maintaining political power"
It should be easy to see, even after only nine months, that President Obama is most definitely a statesman, operating amidst a sea of politicians who appear to be students of Machiavelli.
The arrogance coupled with ignorance being exuded by most of our politicians is approaching the stage of disgust. It seems apparent while mass America is ready for change, political America (now married to Big Business America), is not.
We need of more 'statesmen' to do honest work with moral values, and proceed to get us truly "United" as in " ...States of America." True leadership, aka, Obama, draws people together. Corrupt leadership creates turmoil and discontent, and results in a destructive end.
I am, however, of the belief that this time, just as good overcomes evil, the "statesman" will emerge successful. We all should direct our prayers and hopes for more statesmen; for only they will lead us to where we belong -- a carefree life filled with joy and wonderment (remember those attributes?). Meanwhile, let's cheer our current statesman on.
JOHN MAYO
Roxboro
Baby steps, please
House Resolution 615 calls for anyone voting for Obamacare to commit to moving themselves and their families immediately to the public option. To date not a single Democrat has signed up. If Obamacare isn't good enough for them, why should we get stuck with it?
Obama says the cost will be $900 billion, while the Congressional Budget Office has stated Obamacare ($1.3 trillion) can't be funded with Obama projections. Obama said if the $787 billion stimulus package wasn't passed, unemployment could reach 8 percent. It passed and unemployment has topped 10 percent. He said they created or saved 1 million jobs since February, but the Labor Department reports 2.5 million jobs lost during that time. In June, Obama projected the deficit would be $7 trillion and Aug. 25 revised that to $9 trillion. The deficit was $459 billion when he became president and is now $1.4 trillion.
What is wrong with taking smaller steps, seeing what each produces and then taking the next step? Don't allow our health care system to be thrown out for the wrong reasons. With Obamacare, there is too much to lose and we would never get it back.
Only 39.6 percent of Americans think the country is headed in the right direction. Do you want an administration with such a great record of predicting to say they can handle your kid's health care at no increase to our debt? Contact your congressperson -- tell them to slow down and take baby steps.
BRYAN FOREMAN
Durham
