George Will isn't playing fair

This is a response to George Will's column of Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Experience. Character. Constitutional and political common sense. George Will, you extol the virtues of each, then try to downplay experience in order to justify the selection of Palin as the McCain running mate. You also in passing "slam" Obama's lack of the very experience you are downplaying.

Unfair, George. In order to portray Barack Obama in a negative light, you distorted his remarks during his acceptance speech at the DNC. You trivialized his supposed lack of experience by mentioning only that he would "keep children's toys" safe. You failed to mention any of the other serious issues addressed.

A cheap shot from a scholar who should know better. Did you even try to listen with an open mind? Or were you waiting to pounce on any phrase you could spin for your own purposes? You were so busy trying to defend the Republicans' new candidate in terms of lack of experience, that you were really stretching to diminish Obama.

What did Obama emphasize? Obama will defend America, deploying troops to Afghanistan, where the real war against terrorism has always been. Obama will work to address the economic and political issues that are driving America into recession and shaming us before the world.

He is committed to providing: health care for millions; veterans' health care (both physical and mental); the biggest increase in the GI Bill in decades (already done); investment in all types of energy technology, including oil; 5 million new, good-paying, green technology jobs; new investment in small businesses by taxing corporations who take our jobs overseas; investment of $150 billion over 10 years to get our country moving again (roads, schools, education, health care, jobs) - by taxing oil corporations' windfall profits; bringing our troops home responsibly, setting a timeline; reducing taxes for the middle class by taxing the wealthy a fairer share; and equal pay for women, a.k.a. the Lily Ledbetter civil rights lawsuit.

Which candidate is proving to be on the right side of America's deepest concerns? Who shows more character, common sense, and good judgment? Since experience has woefully failed us, we had better get it right this time.

George, with all your experience and wisdom, I hope you get it right the next time you are evaluating candidates.

Margaret Watts

Elgin