Letters to the editor
Posted on October 4, 2007

Some trouble with article on Thompson

In his op-ed article, writer Tony Spadaccia made some erroneous assumptions.

First, he cites Thompson’s “light” schedule and avoidance of night debates. Very little happens in the Senate after 5 p.m., as virtually all votes are decided away from the Senate floor. Furthermore, the people of Tennessee elected Thompson twice by a margin of 20 points.

Next, Spadaccia observes Thompson’s 90 bills and motions count. Fred Thompson believes the federal government should have the least impact on our lives. What rational person expects him to initiate a lot of federal laws?

As for Thompson’s announcing his candidacy on the “Tonight Show” allowing him to avoid “tough questions or negative publicity,” only candidate gaffes make the news. Question structure and answer time limits virtually assure that nothing of substance occurs.

Spadaccia calls the announcement foolish because Thompson was not in the spotlight. John Rash of Advertising Age observes the 18-to-49-year-old average viewership for the Tonight Show is 183% the size of the audience who watched the debate.

Finally, the writer cites a lack of positions on peripheral and regional issues. If you can find a presidential candidate with positions on the National Catastrophe Relief Fund, Terri Schiavo and drilling for oil in the Everglades, ask him to explain the specifics of each. At least Thompson is honest!

Gary Loftis
retired writer, Lake Mary, Fla.

Right on, Caroline Carter

I thoroughly enjoyed Caroline Carter’s op-ed piece, “The Power of the Podium” in Monday’s issue of The Breeze. Congratulations to Ms. Carter for reminding us that, despite the best efforts of some in high government circles, the media and various special interest groups, the long-standing problems of the Middle East cannot be solved with two-dimensional thinking.

Only through open discussion and debate, especially with those with whom we fundamentally disagree, will solutions be found. If such a free and open exchange of ideas is not welcome on our college campuses, where then will it ever be found?

Mark S. Purington
adult degree student