Mr. Bobkowski, absurd as your remarks are regarding the Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barak Obama (letter to the editor, 9/3/09), I feel compelled to publicly counter them. I do not want my children growing up believing that scare tactics, such as those you employ, are the right way to participate in a democracy. I will defend your right to support whomever you choose until the bitter end, but this practice of using rumors, innuendo and outright lies to try to influence voters has got to stop. Our democracy demands it.

The ugly racial, ethnic and religious slurs you gave voice to have no place in a civilized society. If we have learned anything from history, it is that bigotry, hatred and prejudice inevitably lead us down a path of destruction.

For those voters like yourself who must apply a religious litmus test to every candidate, you should know that Sen. Obama is a committed Christian. Our Constitution protects freedom of religion, which means that whether someone is Christian, Jewish or, yes, even Muslim, they have a right to their beliefs and a right to participate fully in our democracy. Furthermore, I feel compelled to make you aware of the fact that a great many people of faith — Christians among them — are enthusiastically supporting Sen. Obama.

If you insist on re-treading the drug use story, let’s consider that our current President has admitted a problem with alcohol (yes, it’s a drug) and rumors persist that he inhaled a certain white powder. The only difference is that Sen. Obama admitted his encounters.

Despite your attack on Mrs. Obama, I firmly believe that Sen. Obama’s admiration of his wife shows the love and respect he has for her. Even Laura Bush defended Michelle Obama, saying that she probably meant she’s never been more proud of her country.

Participating in public financing has never meant candidates abide by campaign spending limits. To the contrary, the system of financing elections is broken, as evidenced by the millions of dollars of unregulated funds flowing to campaigns from so-called 527 organizations. Further, the national parties (including the RNC) supplement a presidential candidate’s coffers without limits. So, there is no real spending limit.

I hope the last weeks of this presidential campaign can be carried out with dignity and respect for other’s opinions. After all, we’re all Americans.

Emily Donahue

Peachtree City, Ga.

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