It’s a theme that both presidential candidates have seized upon during this election cycle — that Americans are ready for a fresh direction at a time of great uncertainty.
The Globe’s editorial board did not take the matter of a presidential endorsement lightly. It was a discussion that spanned several weeks, and the vote was not unanimous. But when it comes to that issue of a new direction, the majority of the board believes that Sen. Barack Obama is the candidate best suited to deliver it.
Following the market collapse and the recent Wall Street bailout, we believe that the nation needs a new economic plan.
Obama’s plan to provide tax cuts for middle-income Americans is a welcome one, as is his plan to eliminate capital-gains taxes for small businesses and provide cuts for businesses that create and keep jobs in the United States.
With the war in Iraq well into its fifth year, Obama has said that it is time for the Iraqi government to begin stepping up to take on financial responsibility for its country at a time when our country is spending billions of dollars (not to mention the human cost) each month in our efforts there.
And we agree that beginning a responsible drawdown of American forces will also require Iraq to begin taking more military control of its country, and allow our troops to place more emphasis on al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan, and bringing 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden to justice.
In selecting Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate, Obama made a choice that bolstered his ticket’s foreign policy credentials at a time when our nation’s standing in the world has been diminished.
We are uncomfortable with Sen. John McCain’s selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. With the Palin pick, McCain rallied his base but undercut his theme at the time that experience matters. We remain unconvinced that she is ready to step into the No. 1 spot if needed.
Obama’s ability to transcend generational, racial and partisan divisions, his thoughtful approach to weighty issues and message of bipartisanship resonate with many Americans. There are some who see him as simply a gifted speaker, but his words inspire. We believe that Obama can make those words a reality — making “change” more than just a campaign slogan, but a launching point for a brighter future for all Americans.
Opinion
In our view: Fresh direction
- Opinion
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Our View: Connecting the town
Well before the 2011 tornado, Joplin had a problem with “connectivity.” That’s right. The flow of traffic — whether it be cars, pedestrians or bicyclists — has been a sore spot with us for years.
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Other Views: Debt of honor
In Afghanistan, the Taliban have promised to kill Afghans who worked for the Americans and their families. In Iraq, similar threats were made by radical Islamic insurgents.
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Your View: Bold leadership needed
Dear City Council Members, Let me first thank you for your service to our community.
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Carol Stark: Dad took us on ‘travels’ that lasted a lifetime
This isn’t the column I had planned on writing, but it’s the one that keeps running through my mind. And so does this question: How do I cope on my first Father’s Day without my dad?
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Herb Van Fleet, guest columnist: Big Brother is always watching and listening
Sen. Church made that statement 38 years ago. He chaired a committee that was formed to develop legislation to rein in the CIA, FBI, NSA and other intelligence agencies, which had been operating outside the bounds of the law, including the Constitution.
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Geoff Caldwell, guest columnist: Jury still out on whistle-blower’s actions
Whether you see Edward Snowden as a hero, a traitor or something in between, there is no denying that the admitted “leaker” has opened up an industrial-size can of National Security Agency worms.
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Trish Patton, guest columnist: Downtown group needs stakeholders' support
On Tuesday the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) tabled the Community Improvement District (CID) initiative.
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Our View: Earning a new badge
The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland made a good decision Friday when it voted to give the community until November to develop a long-term plan to keep Camp Mintahama open.
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Other Views: Stop farm bill gridlock
With a hopeful sound of gridlock cracking, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Wednesday that he will vote for the House farm bill even though he has “concerns.” He reasons that “doing nothing means we get no changes in the nutrition programs.”
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Marta Mossburg, columnist: Liberalism worldview doesn't make sense
The high priests of liberalism must be tossing and turning in their organic cotton bedding and downing more small-batch artisan whisky each night trying to cope with the abject failure of their cause
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