Quotes of the Day
Our Wallets, Ourselves
Your story should have been titled "How the President Could Encourage, Cajole and Bully Congress to Try to Fix the U.S. Economy" [June 2]. For each of your economic issues, the President has little if any direct or unilateral power. No doubt every President has secretly shared Theodore Roosevelt's daydream: "If I could only be President and Congress too for just 10 minutes." But without an explanation of the President's actual powers, your article sets up yet another generation of Americans to be disillusioned when its chosen candidate fails to produce the promised manna that he or she was never constitutionally capable of delivering.
Britton Morrell,
Eaton, Colo., U.S.
The simple answer to our tax-system chaos is to abolish the IRS and adopt the FairTax. If everyone who stays in America pays for America, there would be no reason to fund bloated federal bureaucracies to pursue tax scofflaws. Every person would pay 23% on every new car, suit, pair of shoes, radio and home. In return, individuals and companies would pay no income tax. With no disincentives for earning more, investment would boom. The stronger dollar would also deflate the price of oil, killing two birds with one stone.
John P. Kuchta Jr.,
Virginia Beach
And Health Care for All
How sad that senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a brain tumor [June 2]. Fortunately, as a member of Congress, he will receive the best medical care, without regard to cost. For millions of working Americans, this diagnosis would mean liquidation of life savings, bake sales and coin jars at the local convenience store. Why can't Congress create a comprehensive health-care plan that treats us taxpayers as generously as they treat themselves?
David Stockman,
Billings, Mont., U.S.
Gay Marriage
The California supreme court ruling is long overdue [June 2]. Our family traveled joyfully to Canada last year to witness my son's marriage to his partner. Returning home, where that marriage is not recognized, felt like Cinderella postball. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is deeply hurtful both to them and to the family members who love them.
Barbara Krentzman,
Buffalo Grove, Ill., U.S.
Michelle, Ma Belle
The truths Michelle Obama speaks are evolutionary and applicable to deep-rooted Americans [June 2]. My American family goes back to Captain John Steele in the Revolutionary War. Our immigrant ancestors came from Ireland, Germany, England, Scotland, Eastern Europe, Russia, Mexico and the Philippines. I happen to be a 76-year-old white male, and for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. When Michelle speaks, we hear her wakening the American Dream.
John S. Hellman,
New York City
I am a lifelong republican who recently turned independent. Early in the primaries, I stood in the rain for two hours, waiting to hear Michelle Obama speak. She is Barack's match in every way — brilliant, articulate, patriotic, humorous, dedicated to helping make our country's future better. She received standing ovations again and again as she expressed her clear vision that our nation is in trouble and dramatic changes in policy are our best hope.
Iona Kargel,
Ucson, Ariz., U.S.
