THE MAIL
Regime Change
Fareed Zakaria's article "How the Lessons of Iraq Paid Off in Libya" [Sept. 5], detailing how Obama's foreign policies differed dramatically from Bush's and enabled the U.S. to handle the Libyan crisis much more effectively, also underlines why we need to continue with this President for four more years. To think of John McCain (or worse, Michele Bachmann or Rick Perry) calling the shots in dealing with the Arab Summer is absolutely terrifying. I hope all Americans take note of Obama's quiet competence.
Marcella Lorfing, SACRAMENTO
Housing Hazards
Why not allow architectural-salvage companies or Habitat for Humanity to save what can be sold or reused by others before demolishing vacant or foreclosed houses ["How to Save the Housing Market: Destroy Houses," Sept. 5]? Such an action would not only be environmentally friendly, keeping some debris out of landfills, but would also lead to the creation of a few jobs in destruction, construction and resale.
Yvette Allfree, LOUISVILLE, KY.
The fetishization of homeownership is, for better or worse, part of our culture, going back to the Homestead Act. Homeownership is good for communities as long as people can afford the houses they buy. But what many ignore is the fact that the monthly mortgage payment is only the beginning of the cost of owning a house. This is the case for many older starter homes bought by first-time owners: they deteriorate quickly if the buyer cannot afford expenses beyond the mortgage and taxes. Government homeowner-incentive programs, as well as mortgage lenders, need to consider this to avoid the tragic spectacle of hollowed-out neighborhoods unfolding in cities like Cleveland and Detroit.
Greg Fuhrman, PITTSBURGH
Political Prophet?
Thank you for your Ron Paul article ["The Prophet," Sept. 5]. The media generally focus on sensationalism from people like Sarah Palin rather than the substance of a message. I must disagree with your statement that Paul is "too radical for the typical suburban swing voter." As a former staunch Republican and now an independent (I switched after the hypocrisy of the Bush Administration), I believe most of Middle America is tired of the federal government's starting wars, spending our tax dollars to defend Europe and Southeast Asia and deciding who can get married and who must have children.
Phil Carney, MORRISON, COLO.
I hate to break it to Paul, but even if the currency were tied to gold, its value would still be made up, relative and easily manipulated. As for his philosophical underpinnings, "godless capitalism" may be hyperbole, but it is an accurate description nonetheless. Paul is as fraudulent as any talk-radio "prophet," as we all know (Paul included) that he will never be in a position to put his principles into practice.
Gerald Sertterh, OMAHA
Some of Paul's ideas are good, but being incorruptible is not a virtue when what you believe in puts property over people.
Jerry Mobley, ST. CLOUD, FLA.
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