What we need is reform, not change

In response to Kathy Gregg's Sept. 9 Fence Post, she's right, there is no question as to which presidential candidate and his vice president will, indeed, bring change.

Change is defined as "to make different, to alter." But reform, defined as "to change from bad to good," clearly and unequivocally is what is needed in Washington.

Given the current bog of outrageous waste, cronyism and incompetence that governs this state, I find it incredulous that anyone could believe a person could rise out of this cesspool unscathed and void of the taint and residue of corruption.

Since his arrival in Chicago, Mr. Barack Obama has established long-standing personal and political relationships with an American-damning minister, an unrepentant Pentagon-bombing, American-killing professor and a newly felon.

These people influenced, groomed and guided him. These are the people who would inevitably benefit from his presidency as members of his cabinet and inner cadre of confidants.

Mr. Obama was schooled at the best educational institutions this country could offer. He is intelligent.

As a community organizer, why couldn't he initiate "change" in the Chicago school system that is embarrassingly one of the worst in the nation despite spending $10,000 per child?

Mr. Obama has spent more time campaigning than legislating.

When he did vote on a bill, it was always to spend more money on ill-conceived social programs, one of which was instrumental leading to the financial debacle ripping our country apart at this very moment.

The last thing we need right now is another litigious and silver-tongued lawyer and his Washington insider cohort to mire this country down.

Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Obama. The only "change" you'll bring is what I'll have left in my pocket after you distribute my wealth.

Kristine Koza-Klingner

Prospect Heights