Edwards is logical choice for Democratic nominee
To the Editor,
The logic of the Edwards campaign. The last few weeks it's been interesting
to watch the candidates for the Democratic nomination for president
spend millions of dollars vying for the few electorates in Iowa and
New Hampshire. Much has been made about "momentum" and polling
"trends." The horse-race is on and there is no lack of Monday-morning
quarterbacks. Even the Republicans are attempting to give their kiss-of-death
to the person they regard as the front-runner.
The primaries are not the election.
If there is going to be a change of course for this country, that candidate
must get the support of the majority of the voters throughout the United
States. The next president must grasp the entire multitude of issues
that face every American in common, not just "focus groups"
and limited interests.
Our Sen. John Edwards is that candidate.
As a senator who has served one term, he has enough knowledge of Washington
to be effective, without the cynicism of those who have served for many
years. John Edwards is not that far removed from the average working
person.
He is a moderate, and thus not boxed in on issues that are likely to
evolve over time. Because of this, he is more likely to have the broadest
appeal across the country. The stumbling block of any party candidate
who then competes for the White House is having their extreme positions
made the focus of the general election.
As a self-made man, Sen. Edwards' views are not far removed from those
of the average voter nationwide. None of the other Democratic candidates
can make that claim: one Ivy League doctor, three lifelong politicians,
one career military man and a promoter for entertainment superstars.
For those of us, the non-focused-group majority, Sen. Edwards is the
only logical candidate for the Democratic nomination. In fact, he's
the only logical candidate for president.
Brian Thompson
Sylva
|
Show support for downtown library at next commissioners' meeting
To the Editor,
The fate of the Jackson County library will be on the agenda at the
next county commissioners' meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13. The meeting will
be held in the new board room at the Justice Center at 6 p.m. We strongly
encourage all citizens interested in keeping the library downtown to
show their support by attending this meeting.
At issue is whether the library will be moved from its present location
on Main Street in Sylva to the campus of Southwestern Community College
in Webster (the position apparently supported by the commissioners)
or whether it should remain in Sylva, either at its present site - enlarged
to accommodate its increasing number of patrons - or be moved to
another larger location in Sylva, perhaps adjacent to the old Courthouse.
We encourage readers who would like more information about this controversy
to consult the Build Our Library Downtown Web page at www.wnc.us/bold.
There they will find a complete historical overview of the issues.
Readers who do not have access to the Internet may consult back issues
of The Sylva Herald at the library or call BOLD at 586-9499.
In the past the commissioners have expressed some doubt about the depth
of popular support for keeping the library in Sylva, suggesting that
a petition bearing the signatures of 3,000 citizens favoring the Sylva
location was not an accurate expression of public sentiment. One way
to convince the commissioners of the seriousness of support for the
Sylva site would be to fill the new board room - fill it to overflowing
- with our bodies.
Again: the day is Tuesday, Jan. 13. The time is 6 p.m. We hope to see
you there.
Karl and Veronica Nicholas
Sylva
|
