1 year later

Since this is the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s inauguration, let’s review what his administration inherited: two wars; unfettered greed in banking and Wall Street that led to the worst financial collapse since the Great Depression; an increased number of Americans living in poverty; an increased number of Americans living without proper health care; and more debt than all other presidents combined.

We’ve made some progress this past year but not nearly enough. Our economy is back from the brink, but too many remain jobless.

Our legislative process is still completely paralyzed by partisan obfuscation, though lawmakers did manage to do the right things in stopping the economic free fall. We have managed to restore part of our American ideals and values internationally. We have cussed and discussed health care reform but can’t seem to take our health care back from the insurance companies.

Our current administration must do better. It must listen to the people. It must make better decisions and take ownership.

Larry Kinard

Waco

Blame Bush no more

I don’t like to criticize a sitting president, but it is time for our leader, Barack Obama, to accept that we folks are not still angry and frustrated with George W. Bush. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that if they were, then Martha Coakley would have been elected to replace Sen. Ted Kennedy up in Massachusetts.

Obama’s recent campaign trip to Massachusetts, with his snide remark about how “everybody can buy a truck” (a dig at Scott Brown’s campaign truck), put the nail in Coakley’s coffin for sure. A man and his truck is a beautiful thing. It is also Middle America.

I pray that U.S. Sen. Scott Brown keeps his eye on the sparrow as he serves our country. Hopefully, he will start by derailing the train reck of health care reform, which was originally called universal health care.

Yes, Obama did inherit the financial meltdown, but there’s plenty of blame to be shared by Democrats and Republicans alike. Anytime a finger is pointed, just count how many fingers are pointing back. It’s getting more and more obvious that Obama will be a one-term president because he is losing his rock-star status and cannot walk on water.

I just hope that the next president will have a little more respect and not blame Obama for what transpired during his term. 

Bess Tucker

Waco

New role model?

Regarding Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol and her recent public vow of abstinence: I applaud her for wanting to make a change and trying to be a role model for other young adults. The only issue I see is that those in the public eye, such as the Palin family, are under such scrutiny and criticism. Now she’ll have to watch everything that she does and says.

One can be a role model with actions and not say a word. Those who make verbal proclamations, like Bristol, face a backlash that may arise if they slip up.

In this life, mistakes are made. The bigger question is: What lessons have you learned from your mistakes?

Trenia L. Cooper

Waco