So much for civil discourse

My last submission to the Daily Herald on Aug. 29 was in response to Steve Toye's letter that avoided substantive issues, ideas, and solutions, instead opting for the low road of personal attack. I suggested in my response that Steve take a pass on personal attacks and articulate his ideas and solutions for improvement.

Sadly, Steve's most recent letter (Oct. 7) regurgitates the same old attacks at Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and me. He refers to my letter as a “manifesto, you know, like the Communist Manifesto." The implication isn't at all subtle.

The notion that Barack Obama is a socialist/leftist is beyond absurd. What policies has President Obama put forth that remotely resemble socialism? Wanting to reform a health care system whose for profit polices have undeniably resulted in patient deaths and personal bankruptcy? Reforming a financial system that allows credit card companies and banks to charge outrageously high interest rates and fees? Saving the auto industry, one of the last bastions of American pride in manufacturing? Preventing American corporations that pay no taxes from the nonstop outsourcing of jobs?

As far as income taxes, President Obama has lowered them since he has been in office. He simply opposes extending the Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.

I do think that racism is an undeniable factor in the vitriol that spews from the right-wing attack machine. Rush Limbaugh has referred to President Obama as a “Halfrican American," “Barack the Magic Negro" and a “Manchild." If a liberal radio host used language like that to describe a Republican president, the right wing would demand his head. Yet, I have not heard one Republican condemn Rush's vile commentary. So much for civil discourse.

Greg Newlin

Naperville