Letters to the editor

Election shouldn't be a popularity contest

I find it amazing how people are deciding how to vote in November. I have never voted a straight party ticket. I vote for who is most qualified.

McCain's idea of moving us forward is by choosing a woman running mate, while overturning Roe v. Wade. His "camp" won't let Palin answer reporters' questions. Reporters have been instructed not to ask questions, according to the AP. If McCain is afraid to let Palin answer questions now, how can she step up if something happens to him? He is setting us back hundreds of years with an attitude of "stand there, look pretty, women should be seen and not heard." Her speech in Carson City was a repeat of the RNC speech, the only speech she has. She also botched the Gibson interview; and she had the questions in advance!

Palin "took on big oil." Her husband has worked for BP for years, providing food, shelter, and insurance to the Palin family.

I hear things like "I don't want McCain or Obama, but I'll vote for McCain to keep Obama out." The ballot includes "None of these Candidates," I have used it more than once. And may use it again.

When did an election become a beauty contest? People say "Palin, Cindy McCain, Michelle Obama are pretty." "Obama is handsome." We are not voting in Homecoming King and Queen. We are voting for a position that is going to take experience and innovation. FDR, Johnson, Carter, Bush Sr. were not pretty. Let's not lose sight of the objectives we need " ending the war, resolving the economy and unemployment, and health care.

So when you vote, please remember that we are not voting for the "most popular girl/boy at the dance."

SUSAN SPOTTS

Gardnerville

Counted more than 3,500 people at Palin rally

I am sick and tired of reporters slanting the news. Two different articles gave the impression that there were only about 3,500 people there to hear Sarah Palin. There was close to 8,000 people there. This is just one example of media bias. Why does your paper use Dan Morain and Erika Hayasaki from the LA Times instead of one of your reporters reporting what really happened? It sure would be nice to read what really happened instead some biased opinion of a reporter.

CARL C. Ott

Dayton

Likes McCain/Palin on economy

This Monday morning, as decades of mismanagement causes havoc on Wall Street, attack dog Joe Biden used his speech in Michigan to accuse McCain and the Republicans for the financial mess.

Meanwhile in Colorado, Sarah Palin outlined McCain's reform plans to shake up Washington and Wall Street, to reform government oversight of financial institutions, to protect savers and investors, to end mismanagement and ensure large institutions are run responsibly. In Florida, McCain attributed the crisis to irresponsibility and corruption, but indicated the underlying economy is basically strong. McCain and Palin want to end golden parachutes for those who ruin large companies and cost investors their savings.

This, while Obama plans to raise taxes on virtually everything, you or your boss, so there won't be more jobs, there won't be more raises, some small businesses will be forced to close, and there will be job losses.

At least McCain and Palin tell us about plans to help us, while Obama has a plan to make things worse, and Biden can only blame everyone else. As private investors we make our own choices how to save. With everything tied up in taxes we can't choose, and lose, when Washington and greedy leaders screw up.

JUDY JACOBS

Topaz Lake

Had enough of tabloid politics

The only thing worse than actor Matt Damon coming out and calling Senator McCain "irresponsible" for selecting the highly qualified Governor Palin as a V.P. candidate is the rehabilitation center regular Lindsey Lohan making national news with her drunken stupor regarding this issue. According to political genius Lohan, Sarah Palin is less than qualified, adding on her myspace page ... "I really cannot bite my tongue anymore when it comes to Sarah Palin ... is our country so divided that the Republicans best hope is a narrow minded, media obsessed homophobe?"

Maybe she can't bite her tongue because her mouth is full of pills and vodka. I suggest rather than biting, she tries swallowing it. And the sad part is, someone out there, perhaps someone reading this, takes what this pillar of her community has to say, or slur, seriously. Meanwhile, we sit on the edge of our seats eagerly awaiting Hannah Montanas' opinion on the matter. Hey Matt Damon, how do ya like them apples?

NICK BAUGH

Minden