Letters to the Editor

Ignorance raises its ugly head

The ignorance and baseless hatred of those NASCAR fans who booed first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Biden, at a nonpartisan event to honor members of the military is exceeded only by the comments of Rush Limbaugh, who predictably defended the contemptible attendees, raising their bid by bringing race into the matter in an offensive way by accusing Mrs. Obama of engaging in "uppityism.."

When Al Franken wrote the book Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot, I thought the title was harsh, cruel, and undignified. I do not generally support name-calling, but today, it is difficult to fault Franken for his crude attack on a wretched, arrogant individual who derives power from the large and lucrative middle-American audience he has convinced that incivility and reactionary behavior constitute substantive and valuable discourse.

Though I have great disdain for the major political parties, both of which have failed the nation, I am a registered Republican, as its traditional tenets are closer to my views on most issues than those of the Democrats. But individuals like Limbaugh cause me to be embarrassed to acknowledge my party affiliation, as he gives a bad name to conservatism and the GOP.

Limbaugh and the resentful and mean-spirited among NASCAR fans deserve each other.

Oren M. Spiegler, Upper Saint Clair

Grandchildren inheriting our debt

Does anyone recognize the irony of the Republican stance of concern for the financial future of our children and grandchildren while standing as a monolith against any sort of tax increase on the current parents and grandparents of those children and grandchildren? Can you really have it both ways? Would we really turn them out of office for acting responsibly to address the budget deficit and our long-term debt? Are we all really that shortsighted?

Roy Lehman, Woolwich Township

Focus on Christmas begins too early

I am a person of the Jewish faith, nevertheless, I enjoy many of the Christmas songs. However, it is hard to enjoy them when they begin on the first day of November.

I have spoken to many Christians, and, they too, feel the same way. We are not given the time to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time when everyone gives thanks for their blessings, no matter how big or small. We start being bombarded with ads, songs, and the fact that Black Friday ( a money maker) is coming. Homes are being decorated and lights adorn them, way before Thanksgiving. This is another sign that all focus is on Christmas.

In this time of economic crisis, Christmas makes those who are unable to partake in buying helpless. Maybe the media and the stores have to rethink when Christmas should really begin to take shape.

Not a bad idea to begin on Dec. 1. Everyone knows that it occurs on the eve of Dec. 24.

Gloria Gelman, Philadelphia

Outsourcing is good for some

In a perfect world, American companies such as Apple Inc. would not have to outsource to factories in other countries run by tyrants with less than sterling human-relations departments the sewing, soldering, and screwing together needed to bring to life their true products, which are innovation, research and development.

If it did not do this, somebody else would, and Apple would be out of business.

Fortunately for Apple's millions of shareholders, tens of millions of satisfied customers, and the untold number of people who owe their livelihoods to Apple - all of whom were totally disregarded by Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele in their complaint against the company ("Apple's American job disaster," Nov. 20) - Apple adapted to the real world and prospered.

Michael B. Hudson, Pottstown

At least they aren't the worst

Citing a CBS News-Sports Illustrated investigation, Nate House wrote that 22 of last year's University of Pittsburgh football players had police records, contrasted with (only) 16 of Penn State's ("Rescuing sports from the professionals," Tuesday).

As King Lear said of his less predatory daughter, "Not being the worst stands in some rank of praise."

James Miles, Collingdale, jxxphilly@gmail.com