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Lugar also used his speech to underscore his concern that U.S. foreign
policy has become too reactive.
"If most U.S. foreign policy attention is devoted to crises fomented by
hostile regimes, we are ceding the initiative to our enemies and reducing
our capacity to lead the world in ways that are more likely to affect our
future,"- Lugar said.
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EDITORIAL: Obama for President: We believe the senator from Illinois is the right man to lead our country in a new direction
The Lufkin Daily News, PULITZER PRIZE WINNING NEWSPAPER IN TEXAS
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Today through Sunday, we're making our endorsements for the 2008 election. Our endorsements are not partisan "" we supported George Bush in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. Our choices reflect whose policies and strengths we think, after careful consideration, will mean a better, stronger economy and way of life for Angelina County, Texas and the United States.
To that end, the choice for this year's president is clear: Barack Obama,
senator from Illinois.
His strength has been to appeal to a broad range of people, including the
vital youth who are tomorrow's leaders. After watching an inflexible
president go overboard in a $700 billion bailout on loyalty for his nominee, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, we think it's time for a changing of the guard.
The East Texas economy is fundamentally doing well, and we're not hitting highs and lows like other areas, some local leaders have said. But it remains a fact that while the rich battle it out over billions, poverty is
barking louder than ever at our rural doors. As a litmus test, consider the Christian Information Service Center, our largest area food bank. It has had more people than ever through its doors "" including more elderly and middle class than ever before.
Hundreds of local families have been impacted as fuel and utility costs
skyrocket, and job losses mount as major employers have circled the drain or gone down altogether. It's hard to remember the fundamentals when you're deciding between buying your medication or keeping the lights on.
Those people who think what's happening nationally has had little effect on East Texas haven't checked their 401(k)s, or more likely aren't among the many whose worry is about surviving until the end of the month, let alone retirement.
It's the working class that are the backbone of this country, and we need someone to help us share the wealth while still encouraging a free market economy. We believe Obama has shown more interest in helping the middle class, and has proposed plans to make that happen.
Another consideration is that we should elect a president whose vice
president would be ready to lead if, heaven forbid, the president were to die in office. We think Joe Biden's experience overwhelms Sarah Palin's limited appeal as a candidate who would instill confidence during a national crisis.
At the end of the day, it's about how you and your family will fare-- while still caring how your neighbor and the needy guy down the block is doing.
We're making our voice heard. We hope you'll go to the polls Nov. 4 and do the same.
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