Obama’s bitter comment
Obama’s political acuity has dictated he apologize for saying “…they (working class) get bitter, they cling to guns or religion….” This is unfortunate because he spoke the truth.
There are millions of Americans who are bitter and frustrated that our elected officials have wasted their tax dollars on a war built upon lies, and at the same time have not met our greatest needs in health care, education, environment and infrastructure.
An untold number of these people are eschewing politics because they are convinced their vote doesn’t matter. Witness The Star’s own Jason Whitlock. Many look “to guns or religion” to give them comfort, and hatefully blame “people who aren’t like them” to ameliorate frustration.
Obama isn’t an elitist. He’s one of the frustrated. However, instead of turning from our political system and blaming others, he’s offered public service. I thank him. He has no reason to apologize to me.
Jim Babcock
Kansas City
Maybe people were shocked at Obama’s remarks because they are not used to politicians telling the truth. Americans are bitter, angry and frustrated. Why not?
The middle class is shrinking. We have millions of people without jobs, without health care, with exploding mortgages, gasoline approaching $4 a gallon and no prospect of sending their kids to college. We have seen our economy and infrastructure crumble while lives and money have been wasted in Iraq.
Our government does not listen to us. Yes, we are angry.
The remarks about guns and cultural issues are also true. In past elections, wedge issues like guns and gays were in every stump speech and even on the ballot. Politicians used them to divide and distract.
They knew many people of faith would vote against their own self interest because of hot-button issues. I am glad Obama brought them up. It allows us to discuss what really affects us. It empowers us so we won’t be fooled again!
Kathy Butler
Parkville
http://www.kansascity.com/309/story/579129.html