In our view: Fresh direction

Opinion

Discussion

October 29, 2008

Anonymous The Joplin Globe Wed Oct 29, 2008, 08:27 AM CDT

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.

Text Only

Opinion

Other Views: FAA deal up in air five years
The Federal Aviation Administration bill was delayed 23 times, but the agency finally has a law giving it $63 billion and full operating authority for the next four years.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Don Ray, columnist: Obama's pipeline excuse an election-year cop-out
On Jan. 18, President Barack Obama announced he was rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline project — a project that had its beginnings some 40 months ago (September 2008).

February 6, 2012
Our View: Meaningless in Missouri
Missourians have an opinion about who should be the Republican candidate to run against Barack Obama in November. Too bad it won’t matter.

February 4, 2012 1 Photo
Carol Stark: Joplin’s future depends on today’s land ethic
Leopold’s small book of essays and philosophical writings about the ethical call to love and respect the land made a big impact on the conservation movement over 60 years ago, and it continues to do so today.

February 4, 2012
James Whitford, guest columnist: Broken people or broken system?
Are the people broken or is the system broken? If you walk into Watered Gardens, our rescue mission, it may seem the people are broken. But it’s a rescue mission. It just feels that way. And sometimes, it just looks that way.

February 4, 2012
Sunday Forum: Digital dilemma
Are hard-bound textbooks going the way of slide rules and typewriters in schools?
Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski last week challenged schools and companies to get digital textbooks in students’ hands within five years.

February 4, 2012
Our View: Elections and war
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has now indicated hopes, maybe even intentions, for ending the combat mission in Afghanistan by mid-2013 in advance of the complete troop withdrawal already announced for the end of 2014.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Your View: Changes to Joplin
I grew up in the Blendville area of Joplin on the southwest side of town.

February 2, 2012
Your View: Happy Chinese
I’m sure the Chinese are very happy that the Americans spent billions on Christmas buying thousands of the items made in China. They have billions of dollars pouring in, and what are they doing with a large percent of the money?

February 2, 2012
Our View: Weasel words
In his Missourinet blog this week, Bob Priddy took state legislators to task for rhetoric and tossing about phrases such as revenue enhancement.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
More Opinion Headlines

Board places $62 million bond issue on April ballot

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

In our view: Fresh direction

Six judges in a county in Kansas are using iPads to sign off on search warrants so law enforcement can more quickly draw blood from suspected drunken drivers. Do you think more counties should use this technology?

Six judges in a county in Kansas are using iPads to sign off on search warrants so law enforcement can more quickly draw blood from suspected drunken drivers. Do you think more counties should use this technology?

Site Map

Contact Us