Too much opinion, not enough facts
I must say that I agree wholeheartedly with Jack Roeser's letter regarding your endorsement of Barack Obama.
I do not read the paper every day. However, I did read the sections on three of the presidential candidates these past several days.
At first glance, I thought this was an excellent idea, to print the pros and cons of all current candidates. The first one I read was Obama's and when I was done reading, I strongly felt there was a definite "pro" spin by the Daily Herald for Obama that glossed over his weaknesses.
John McCain's profile definitely included negatives and some positives, but certainly not all the positives. Is it too much ask the media to do its job and report the facts? No spin, please, just the facts.
In my opinion, Obama does not have the experience to be a U.S. president in these terrorist times. He has three years in the U.S. Senate and most of that was spent campaigning for president.
If the American people do not put security as our number one priority, we may not be around long enough to enjoy that Social Security, free health care and all those things he is promising. All the rhetoric in the world will not help us.
He wants "change." But what exactly is he going to change and how? He wants to end the war. Don't we all? But we cannot until Iraqi security forces can take over to ensure Iraq does not fall to terrorists. So Obama can promise a date to pull out our troops (soon to include my son, by the way), but it would be irresponsible for him or any or any president to set a withdrawal date publicly.
I vote based on the best person for the job. Republican or Democrat, makes no difference. I feel John McCain is the most well-rounded, experienced, articulate man for the job and has the fullest understanding of the Iraq situation and what it will take to protect us from terrorists in our homeland and overseas.
Tamey Sechrist
Elgin
Editor's note
Endorsements appear on the editorial page and are by their very nature and location, opinion. In addition to recommending Obama in the Democratic primary, the paper recommended McCain in the Republican vote.