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Reader opposes Goode, supports Democrat challenger
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 10:33 AM EDT
Please indulge me in a few observations regarding Ken Rutledge's letter to the editor in support of Rep. Virgil Goode. Mr. Rutledge needs to clean up his blog style rhetoric and prose or no one will ever take him seriously. On one point in particular, he should be ashamed. To expect readers to believe he has an open mind or some sense of fairness or balance when debating politics is disingenuous and comical to a point. I understand his angle only too well. It's simply a set-up for the hack-job to follow.
His personal interpretation of the Perriello campaign mailer shows quite clearly his lack of simple comprehension and/or his bias. The following is an exact quote from the mailer: "Washington is broken. The middle class is being squeezed by the skyrocketing costs of gas, healthcare and higher education. While America faces great challenges, politicians offer us excuses instead of solutions. Nothing gets done." Is there one word in that statement that is not obviously and absolutely true? It goes on to say, "We can make Washington work for us again by replacing the culture of corruption with our tradition of service." My interpretation - we can take back our government, (which seems to no longer represent its citizens but does one heck of a job for special interest groups) and return the power of governing to the American people and to our individual traditions of commitment and service to our country. I think that we can all agree on this one point, Washington has to change the way it conducts the people's business.
At a joint appearance in Franklin County recently, Tom Perriello and former Governor Mark Warner discussed ways in which this change will happen if elected to represent Virginians in Washington this fall. I believe Tom Perriello and Mark Warner represent the new breed of bipartisan politicians. Lawmakers that have a more centrist view when developing policy and law. A politician that doesn't feel pressured to walk lock-step with their party's policies. This "new politician" will work hard to bring about change in policy rather than change in party affiliation to suit some political agenda or ideology. Young, energetic, critical thinkers, this "new breed" will be a breath of fresh air in the House and Senate in 2009.
I had the opportunity to hear him speak to a group of local citizens recently. Mr. Perriello gave what I'm sure are his standard opening remarks. Born and raised in the 5th District, he has first hand knowledge of the economic problems we face in our district. His experience and the skills gained from working in Afghanistan and Darfur have served him well, giving him a broader world view as our district moves into the 21st century and a global economy. His campaign continues to work with faith communities, bringing people together to work for "the common good" of children and others less fortunate. The campaign's creative volunteer tithing program is designed to give back to the our communities through volunteer hours from campaign workers. His deep faith and love of country is quite evident in his actions and words.
What followed his remarks was a question/answer session. His knowledge of the issues and challenges that we face in the 5th District were right on mark. And his ideas and plans to solve some of the more immediate and pressing issues were fresh and creative. He believes that small businesses are the life-blood of our communities and his programs to encourage more growth are realistic and attainable. His vision for the 5th Congressional District is based on a 7-step plan to build an economy that is lasting and strong, one that benefits all its citizens. National security, a stronger economy, quality health care, energy independence, and improving education for our young people, these are all on the table this year. Unlike many politicians, he's anxious to get to work, get the job done, and get it done in an environment of bipartisanship. If you're tired of the "same old, same old" politics as usual, give Tom Perriello your vote and the opportunity to represent the 5th District of Virginia.
Barbara Costin
Appomattox
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