Web Letters: Seeking Obama's Center

Victor Navasky's conclusion that Pres. Obama is a closet "liberal" is based upon his public statements. However, as I watch his actions unfold during his brief time in office, I reach the opposite conclusion.

Political statements are written to allow the listeners to interpret them as favoring their points of view (regardless of what they may be) and thus gain votes and/or support.

Actions speak louder than words, and Obama's actions indicate little change from the poliices of the Bush administration. I grant that it is still early in the president's term. Nonetheless, positive changes are being phased in over lengthy periods, but Obama immediately authorized the bombing of villages in Pakistan. As far I know, Pakistan is a sovereign nation, with which no state of war with the United States exists.

This is indistinguishable from the so-called "Bush Doctrine."

Robert H. Ballan

Norwood, NY

Terms like left, center and right are largely in the eye of the beholder. Looking at Obama, people are seeking confirmation of their hopes and dreams. Everyone is sometimes liberal, conservative, or in the middle, depending on how a particular issue effects their life. Labels do not define a person. Who they are and how they act defines them.

Pervis James Casey

Riverside, CA