Speak Out

Recently, I watched a documentary on PBS about Eleanor Roosevelt. From it I learned that upon America's entry into the war, all the sons of President and Mrs. Roosevelt enlisted in the military.

During the recent presidential primaries, Mitt Romney was asked why none of his five sons were in the military. His reply was that his sons were fulfilling their patriotic duty by following him around the country helping him to become elected president.

Mike Huckabee has a military-age son. I do not know if he is in the military, but since he has a history of animal abuse, he might not be eligible.

John McCain has several children. He is very proud of his military heritage, so I would suppose he would encourage military service to his children.

Chelsea Clinton was very evident in her mother's political effort. One could suppose she, like the Romney sons, were fulfilling patriotic duty by helping Mom.

The media got all bent out of shape when Obama stopped wearing his flag lapel pin. Seems to me that this is a very minor detail in the scheme of the patriotism issue.

Sens. Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby and Rep. Robert Aderholt all voted for the war. I wonder if they have any sons or daughters in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Kathryn Dalenberg
Valley Head

Vote for Tim James

Tim James was one of the best candidates the Alabama Republican Party had to offer in 2002. He was not recognized as a viable candidate, but his second run is a different story. The media knows it, too, as he has been recognized as a serious contender in recent reporting.

I grew up near Greenville, where James is a community leader. He is well known because of his energetic charisma and optimism. He has been a champion for fiscal conservatism and tax accountability in his political advocacy.

James, a successful small businessman, has what it takes to reign in wasteful state spending and confront excessive taxes. Everyone should remember he was well studied on the issues in our state when he ran in 2002. His articulation on our state's problems continued when he successfully worked with movements to stop excessive taxation.

Vote Tim James in 2010.

S. Lee Ryals
Birmingham