Leadership from Chet

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards’ decision to stay in Congress instead of enlisting in President Obama’s Cabinet as secretary of veterans affairs is commendable. However, with his rise in stature this summer as the only House Democrat recommended by Speaker Nancy Polosi for vice president, may I suggest a House leadership position? It’s something Chet did so well in the 1990s.

That would be even more important than a Cabinet position or committee chairmanship. Specifically, I’m thinking of the position that Congressman Rahm Emanuel just vacated to become White House chief of staff. That would put not only Central Texas but all of Texas back into a critical federal leadership role.

Not since 1928 has Texas had no one in a national leadership position. To be without one could prove devastating in the years ahead. Chet Edwards, our congressman, would fill that void with both honor and distinction.

Roy Walthall

Waco

EDITOR’S NOTE: Walthall, a government instructor at McLennan Community College, tells us he’s reassured by reports circulating that Charles Stenholm, a former congressman who represented much of West Texas, may be under consideration for the secretary of agriculture in the Obama administration.

All wrong on Obama

George C. Harvey [Letters, Nov. 15] should really polish up what Barack Obama’s policies actually are. Because free health care and higher education for all are not part of them.

I always hope such inaccuracies will be corrected by the editor, but they never are, so I’m writing to correct that. Perhaps those voters he wrote about actually took the time to educate themselves about the candidates’ policies, something he has obviously not had time to do.

Elli Harris

Waco

Not president-elect yet

I have noticed that when Sen. Obama now speaks from a lectern, there’s a sign affixed that reads “Office of the President-Elect.” It might be instructive for him and his staff to do some research on the procedure set by statute for electing a president.

An election was held Nov. 4 to choose electors for the Electoral College, which will meet in mid-December to determine who will be the next president. The fact is that each elector may vote for whomever he or she chooses. At present, there’s no president-elect of the United States.

Even so, one cannot turn on the radio or television or pick up a newspaper or magazine without being exposed to speculation on the appointments Sen. Obama will make. Until a president-elect is chosen, it is unseemly for him to behave as if he has not only been elected but, at times, as if he is already president.

I also see headlines that ask, for example, what “President Obama” will do about one topic or another. Again, I point out that the president at this time is President Bush. If the system plays out as expected, it will be proper after noon Jan. 20 to refer to Mr. Obama as President Obama.

Your readers fully understand that you can hardly wait for President Bush to leave office Jan. 20. If you can just hold off another couple of months, then you should all be happy. It’s unfortunate that your candidate can’t seem to follow decorum in letting the process work itself out.

And there is no need to inform me that the Trib did not officially endorse a presidential candidate this year.

James Storrs

Waco