Point by point, Obama’s the right choice to make

By Sally Seymour and Jim McIntosh

We read with some concern your editorial endorsement of John McCain in this year’s presidential race. You have received many letters passionate in their support or opposition to the Register’s position. This is just one more, but for the record what concerned us was not so much the points you made about McCain’s service to country, patriotism or policy positions. It had to do with some of the points listed below:

1. Dedication to service: military is but one example. Community work with the excluded, forgotten people of our country is another, and Barack Obama has a fine record in that regard. It seems inappropriate to recognize just one form of service when so many are needed, and when community service is so often ignored or, worse, belittled.

2. Judgment and experience: we could as easily argue that McCain’s record shows remarkable inconsistency, as do his campaign statements, and that his long experience is exactly what we don’t need. A fresh perspective, from one of the smartest and most thoughtful people in public life, who can draw other smart, well-educated and thoughtful people to appointed service in these most troubled times, might well be a much better bet.

3. Inclusion vs. division: Obama has excelled at being the voice of inclusion and respect for our country — something we desperately need if we are to come together to solve our problems and find again our commitment to the “greater good.” McCain has been a voice for division, not what we need. And his vice presidential candidate is even worse.

4. The vice president: what is most telling is Palin’s adherence to frightening positions — creationism, homophobia, single-minded pursuit of fossil fuels as the solution to our energy needs, and total ignorance of the challenges of climate change, not to mention foreign policy.

5. The “race” card: the failure of the McCain-Palin campaign to stop the racist and violence-laden rantings of the crowds at their recent rallies is appalling. Their inaction speaks volumes about the depths to which they will sink to “win,” or worse, their true feelings. This kind of populist mob encouragement reminds me chillingly of an earlier era in Germany. Again, a great example of fostering exactly the behaviors that weaken a nation.

As for the editorial’s focus on the “platforms,” both candidates have broad outlines only and we prefer Obama’s approach. It is tough to find a consistent theme in any of McCain’s pronouncements so we remain unconvinced about what exactly he would do in office. Further, we must be able to work with our global partners, and nothing in the McCain campaign makes us believe he either understands that or has credibility with foreign leaders.

We value and respect your right and duty to express your publication’s editorial position, and appreciate the opportunity to respond as citizens, voters and readers.

(Seymour and McIntosh live in Napa.)

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