Politics and symbols

Re “We are a better country than this,’ ” Aug. 29

Barack Obama’s acceptance speech was given on the anniversary of that great speech that helped change and save America. As one who met and marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., I could see in Obama another man whose spirit and ideals just may change and save America. The spirit of King truly lives on.

Tom Owens

Altadena

There was a time when I believed in Obama and his mantra for change. I really can’t say when I started questioning my support for him. Maybe it was when he reversed key primary positions upon winning the nomination. Maybe it was when he went with a Washington insider as his vice president. Maybe it was my Republican neighbor incessantly reminding me about the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko and many others.

I wasn’t impressed with Obama’s European vacation either, but still thought I could vote for him. Not anymore. Thursday night’s Denver rally was a big turnoff for many reasons. The only things missing from the rally were torchlights and Leni Riefenstahl to film it.

Ellie Levitas

Cypress

Right-wing religious activists exhorted their followers to pray for rain for Obama’s speech in Denver, where the weather was perfect.

Now a hurricane may be heading toward New Orleans right in the middle of the GOP convention coverage, reminding voters of the total incompetence of the White House during the Katrina disaster.

This timing should give pause to atheists everywhere: God apparently has a sense of humor.

Hans Laetz

Malibu