Ignoring an Economy in Need of Repair

Many readers may construe Arianna Huffington’s viewpoint as just so much carping without a positive alternative (Commentary, Aug. 16). As easy as it is to knock the president when the economy is this bad off, no one has at his or her disposal the huge resources of George W. Bush to initiate constructive repair to this country’s economy right now. Even one historical reference--Roosevelt’s public works programs--shows what true leadership can provide.

In fact, Huffington admirably paints a dismal picture of what has happened to the presidency when a second-rate, out-of-touch and unresponsive figurehead who was put in office by a Supreme Court paid for by Republican funds tries to make it look like he’s “working.”

David Goldenberg

Laguna Niguel

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Huffington’s commentary is an insult to people of any religion and to Texans, especially the citizens of Waco. Equating the Branch Davidian tragedy with the meeting that President Bush held in Waco is exaggeration in the extreme. There is room in this country for “the traditional venue of old-time religion--Baylor University” just as there is room for less traditional Christians, Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths. When someone uses terms and phrases such as “Branch Bushians,” “the hallelujah chorus that was determined to drown out facts with blind faith” and “the Burning Bush preached,” the credibility of that person is certainly called into question.

And central Texas is really not known as a “flat, featureless” plain to Texans. Huffington would learn a great deal about the great strength and fortitude of the western ranchers in the state that she mocks by reading Elmer Kelton’s “The Time It Never Rained.” (I am speaking from my own experience growing up in flat west Texas, a land that I love.)

Marjorie Miller

Los Angeles