Opinion: American Values: One last blast of reader suggestions...

For 43 years, I have been waiting for another American president who could inspire the people of this country to be the best they could be, and then to ask once again what they could do for their country. From the moment I first began reading his book, ‘Audacity of Hope,’ many months ago, the excitement and sense of anticipation I have felt tells me that the name of that president will be Barack Obama. As a woman who championed womens’ rights 35 years ago, I have been chastised for not supporting Hillary Clinton for president. But, to me, the moment of real liberation for this country will come when we, as a people, elect the individual who can best lead our country, and the free world, without the slightest regard to that person’s gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. I have also been told that experience should be the primary criterion in selecting a president. But I ask, experience at what? Experience at doing things in the old way, at seeing the world from the conventional perspective, at reacting to events in the same knee-jerk fashion? I have every confidence that the other candidates would bring their considerable experience to the presidency -- and that’s what concerns me. I want a visionary in the White House for the next eight years. I want a real leader, with the judgement to recognize his or her own limitations and the humility to reach out to others for their expertise, guidance and counsel. I want a star. I want Barack Obama for President.

This is my personal opinion and not the opinion of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association.This election, there is not a Democratic candidate who would fail to be a good choice for Leader of the Free World. I have not made up my mind and will continue to study and reflect until the day or so before I enter the voting booth. No absentee ballot will do as I want as much information and unfolding of events as possible before I vote. However, as a woman, I feel that the comments regarding Senator Clinton have shown that women still have a special challenge when seeking leadership roles. I have voted for men all of my life, and have to bite my tongue when I hear a man state, “No way will I vote for that woman.” Why? Why is she seen as polarizing? What has she done? I cannot figure out answers that make sense. I see a strong woman who has not always voted as I would have preferred, but none of the candidates, Republicans or Democrats are error free. She has worked cooperatively in the Senate and has the respect of Republicans like Newt Gingrich. She deserves a fair evaluation as a candidate for President. As far as being a woman, she no doubt has passed menopause. Have the male candidates gone beyond testosterone?

I support Joe Biden for president. I think that he is intelligent, experienced, has demonstrated that he can work with all sides.He answers questions clearly and concisely telling what he will do, how he will do it and why some of the other plans won’t work.

Dear Editor:For many years I have been an admirer of Hillary Rodham Clinton. I watched in awe when she spoke for at least twenty minutes without notes at the Miramar Convention Center in Montecito on behalf of congressional candidate, Walter Capps. Then I witnessed her field questions with thoughtfulness and intelligence at a forum at Santa Barbara City College.Although I had no idea then how it might happen, I believed she would eventually become president of the United States. In the 1990s I established one of 170 chapters of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Fan Club. It celebrated her efforts and achievements as First Lady on behalf of children and families and her dedication to improve the quality of life for all. There were over 25,000 members in the United States and worldwide and the Santa Barbara chapter had a membership of almost 200. When Mrs. Clinton was elected to the U. S. Senate from New York in late 1999 interest in her public policy agenda led to the creation of a new organization, the Hillary Rodham Clinton Support Network which is based on the original Fan Club objectives. In addition to supporting Senator Clinton’s candidacy our organization is committed to encouraging people to become more active in the democratic process.As I campaign for my candidate I believe it’s vital to convey the importance of the following dates: January 22 is the last day to register to vote for the February 5 presidential primary. Vote-by-mail/absentee ballots go out on January 7.

Dear Editors: I like Ron Paul because he is a modern-day Ronald Reagan. I don’t agree with him on everything, but at least I know where he stands! His speeches and writings are clear and precise, not filled with weasel-words and pleasant-sounding platitudes. His core belief is limited government, and I like that! As Thomas Jefferson said, that government which governs least, governs best.

Last night’s “mega-presidential” debates on ABC only reinforced my choice for president. Though I could be enthusiastic for Barack Obama, feel O.K. with Hillary Clinton, my number one choice for the presidency is John Edwards. Why? COMPASSION, COMPASSION, COMPASSION. Though former Senator Edwards did not win the Iowa primary, I feel he is the most genuine, passionate fighter for the middle and lower classes, and will vigorously defend us from the growing tentacles of corporate power which have too long dominated average American lives. Along with his views on the war in Iraq, his willingness to garner international support and goodwill as well as his domestic agenda in general, Senator Edwards’ populism is certainly something long overdue as part of governmental policy. I am convinced Senator John Edwards is the right choice for America. Laura Medina, Palos verdes: My vote will go to Hillary Clinton. I have watched every debate, and followed this campaign very closely. Not only do I believe she is the most prepared for the enormous challenges facing us on day one (ending the Iraq debacle, dealing with possible recession, deficit, oil over $100 a barrel, the falling dollar, the healthcare crisis etc..), but she is also the most prepared to deal with what we DON’T know will happen. Obama has style but no substance. HRC’s answers to questions are much more refined, detailed and sophisticated, Obama’s are naive and general. Edwards has some good ideas but will be too combative to get anything done in Washington; too left-leaning to get elected too. We have all witnessed what happened when people elected someone they ‘liked’ and wanted to ‘have a beer with’ (G W Bush in 2000) and I am convinced that is not the way to go... I want our president to be so smart that it is almost hard to be in the same room with them. Hillary is the most conservative of the three top democratic candidates, and I think she is the most electable as well. It is clear to me that she is a visionary, coming up with universal healthcare back in 1993, it was a great idea then and even more important now. While she has scaled back on this now, I think she will be the only candidate who will move us towards this goal. Finally, as a woman, I can barely contain the excitement of having a female president. Our young girls need strong women as role models, given the daily dose of Britney and her sister, now is the time.

Bill Richardson is my choice based on is accomplishments as governor and as a participant in the federal government in numerous positions. His intelligence, thoughtful activism, gentle kindness behind a strong firm decisiveness makes him the best candidate in my opinion.