Readers write about Angle, Reid

It’s always good to know we are in complete agreement on every issue I’ve raised in recent columns.

Well, come to think of it, you did differ with me on a few things lately on the subject of the U.S. Senate race between Republican Sharron Angle and Democrat Harry Reid.

Angle’s conservative credentials impress some, repulse others. Reid’s experience is prized by some, unimportant to others.

Let the opinions roll:

Following a column I wrote that impart addressed Angle’s vocal Christian beliefs, Monterey wrote, “Dearest Brother John: (and you are indeed, my Brother.) Today is Sunday, so there is no better day for a Bible study. You perhaps do not know me as a Bible scholar, but I humbly wish to mention that Theology was my minor in my undergraduate work, and I do read and study daily, and teach when time permits. So, my dear Bro, I embark upon this correction of your missive for today.  I do not accuse you of twisting what our very enthusiastic Senate candidate said, but I think you do not understand the heart of the matter. Jews and Christians are instructed (soundly) to follow the examples set by great leaders. Doing one's best to follow in the footsteps of Great Ones does by no means intend to say one compares him/herself to that great patriarch, leader, apostle, Savior.  Indeed, the Apostle Paul instructs Christians to "imitate" Jesus: well, we could say, Paul is absolutely insane for making such a remark--who ever could live perfectly, teach wisely and then get crucified for speaking Truth (except a wise leader living in a political furnace, which is what His Land was at the time ... my, that brings a fabulous comparison to mind for our time!)!

Candidate Angle was giving what is called a Testimony, a term Christians, Mormons, many others are familiar with; saying that God has shown through his faithful leaders that preparation is needed, therefore one must expect, if one is to lead, that one will prepare, is a wise maximum.  I don't feel the Right Angle deserves the ridicule you have heaped upon her.  When I am teaching, often in motivational settings, I always refer to Joseph: his brothers hated him, tried to kill him, sold him for money, lied to their father who thought he was dead; then Joseph had to endure not one but two long imprisonments -- to ultimately become the Governor of Egypt. No small chore for a Jewish kid. He restored his family and saved Egypt. I'm praying for Angle to be a solid example. :)  And you know I love you; God bless you!”

On the subject of unemployment, Art wrote, “I really like your articles, thanks for sharing them with the public. I would like to say a couple things about you latest article. I really don't think on the unemployment issue Angle is to far out there. Correct me if I am wrong but I think the state of Nevada and other states only give 26 weeks of unemployment checks? The Feds have been picking up the rest which they loan the money to the states. If this is correct, Nevada will have to pay this back, guess what Nevada is broke. Washington should have found a way to pay for the latest unemployment money. They didn't so, Nevada has more money loaned to them. Hey 99 weeks is long time to be on employment. It does not look like Nevada is going to have any new jobs for a few years. So how long does this go on. Maybe you will have to look at another state for employment. I know this is hard but it has to stop somewhere.

“On Harry Reid making a call to the banks, He did the right thing but I think Reid is getting to much credit for this. Trust me the banks did not do this because Harry called. They did this because they are so far off sides that the only thing was to give more money to complete the job and hope they get paid back. The word on the street and this is not in Las Vegas is City Center has one more year to show that they can make it. This comes right out of New York. Time will tell if this is true.

“Again on Harry Reid, I think we are 50th in what Federal money we receive from Washington. The state of Oregon gets more money and all of there Rep and Sen are fairly new.”

Patricia offered, “I have been a resident of LV since 1972. I admit I have occasionally used "none of the above" as I voted in EVERY election held (for years as a polling place worker). Please tell me what will happen if "none of the above" wins the Senate race in November 2010!”

I’d be treated for a cardiac arrest, that’s what would happen.

T.Z. said, “Thank goodness no one in my family is on unemployment so we are not spoiled at this moment.  It is interesting that Sharon was way down in the polls before the Tea Party came to her rescue with money and other backing.  Is she spoiled now?”

Loraine wrote, “I read your column with quite interest. I don’t agree with Angle on unemployment but I do know some people who are unemployed and not even looking for work since they can make more on unemployment than working. I know the unemployment rate is high but still even a part-time job would help. My son has been out of work for 3 years and there is nothing out there for him. He has
attended job fairs and applied at almost any place he can but with the kids coming out of school and looking for jobs it;s tough out there. I have seen 4 Vons stores close around  my area , how do they expect people to find work  when thing s are closing down. I disagree that the benefits should be extended repeatedly. My 2 cousins had a chance for jobs but wouldn’t apply since they didn't like the wages and as I said can make more on unemployment. The government has to come up with something else to solve the unemployment
problem. What I have no idea but us the taxpayers are  being  stuck with paying our taxes just to help the unemployed is beyond me.

Eugene wrote, “I read your article this morning about Sharron Angle. You and others on the RJ don't seem to get it! It is not democrats versus republicans. Those days were gone in the 1930s when FDR took over (I was born under Hoover so I saw it all).
It is Progressives versus Americans. You have lost sight of that. The Progressive movement has been trying to insert their form of government upon us here in America for about 100 years.
Our Founding Fathers were afraid of a Democracy so they set us up as a Republic. Folks forget that.
Demos means people in Greek. The Greeks learned to be afraid of a democracy as well. AND so did the Romans. The Romans tried and failed.
You, like me, are an educated man--if you just sit down quietly by your pool this afternoon after work and think about Progressives versus Americans--you will come to an honest conclusion. I will be watching for a change in your writing shortly.”

Ed wrote, “In all the reports in all the media, I have yet to see a reporter ask why Harry Reid isn't being held responsible for the loss of 300,000 American construction jobs, funded by American taxpayers (you and me included!!), by his individual actions as Majority Leader in February, 2009.
After this bipartisan letter from Sen. Nelson and Sen. Sessions Sen. Reid ignored their plea and denied a vote on SA 239,
thereby giving an estimated 300,000 construction jobs to illegal workers.
Note that the House version DID have this protection for American workers:
Was this just "tough love" from Sen. Reid, or just "tough luck"for 300,000 American construction  workers?
I wonder why no reporter is asking Sen. Reid about this?

Jimmy said, “Some republicans that vote and do the right thing regardless of party politics are the "preferred republicans" by liberals standards. Libs claim they're called (rino) by hard core republicans. What would be an example of a democrat that does not always follow party politics? Are there any?
It's seems ok that ALL dems follow like sheep but are never criticized for it. It's expected. Blacks even claim a black republican is a black in skin color only.
You John L are just another writer trying to prop up the left. Can't you be neutral? Do you not realize how one sided you are? You're a divider. Not what we need these days.”