Herald made the courageous choice

I am surprised and encouraged by the Daily Herald’s endorsement of Mitt Romney for president.

As someone who chose the candidate for “hope and change” in 2008, it has been devastating to see that what I supported instead was a larger and more controlling government, causing even greater damage to our economy, health care system and energy policies. Unfortunately, President Obama’s ideology and actions as our country’s leader have only created a greater divide and any hope for bipartisan success.

And as a socially progressive woman I am offended by the propaganda that the current administration uses to scare women into believing their choices will be taken away if we don’t allow the government to dictate our rights.

You accurately stated the challenges faced by Obama’s administration and the shortcomings of his leadership and priorities. His characterization of the wealthy and his insistence that fairness is bringing down the upper class to be in line with those with less strikes at the very core of Americans’ ability to achieve success through opportunity and excellence. I finally understand what wealth redistribution means — to have the fruits of your own hard work and accomplishments handed to someone else without your say as to who, how or why it is taken away.

Kudos to the Daily Herald for this courageous choice in a heavily blue state. There is no perfect candidate, but your endorsement of Mitt Romney is right on if you want a leader who has proved he can work in a bipartisan way. He is an American success who holds the core beliefs of personal accountability, understanding and compassion for all Americans. That I can live with.

Karen Coakley

Palatine