Letters to the editor, July 27
July 26, 2012 1:54PM
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Updated: August 28, 2012 6:03AM
GOP presidential candidates would make a fine cabinet
Mario Rubio or Chris Christie for vice president; either way, we Republicans will have a great team — clean-cut, button-down, GOP look.
Bring them on!
As I watched the Republican primary campaign, I was impressed by the quality. President Mitt Romney can use every one of them to fill out his cabinet.
† John Huntsman: well-spoken, diplomatic experience as ambassador to China, our emerging foe — secretary of state.
† Newt Gingrich: blustery and aggressive — secretary of defense.
† Rick Santorum: compassionate and caring — Secretary of what will be left of Health, Education and Welfare.
† U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan: not a candidate, but the number-crunching budget adviser — secretary of the treasury, with Herman (9-9-9) Cain as his assistant.
† Ron Paul: campaigning to the end — his Texas experience makes a good secretary of agriculture.
† Rick Perry: experienced and opinionated on border issues — suits him for Homeland Security.
† Tim Pawlenty: governor of a state in the middle of the country (Minnesota) — secretary of the Interior.
† Michele Bachmann: outspoken and doctrinaire — an able press secretary.
There are many other important posts — delegate to the United Nations, budget director, important ambassadorships. There are many GOP governors and senators who could fill those spots.
Let’s go, Grand Old Party. Let’s have a grand old party after Nov. 6, right inside the Beltway!
Robert L. Burns
Hobart
Smoking ban should apply to special interests as well
John 8:32 reads, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Most Indiana citizens sheepishly have accepted the smoking ban, never questioning the Legislature’s true motives.
On July 1, Indiana, a state ratified on the principle of equality before the law, passed legislation completely contrary to these time-honored principles.
Section 23 of the Indiana Constitution reads, “The General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen, or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens.” But instead of the Legislature sponsoring equal justice before the law and honoring the Constitution, by passing a bill that uniformly applies to everyone, the Legislature has given rise to the power of dispensation.
Just like the Roman Catholic Church set aside law in particular cases for its favored elite, the Indiana Legislature has set aside the smoking ban for its favored classes, such as the horse racing industry, fraternal clubs and casinos.
But for the Legislature to grant privileges to its special interests is to admit that the law was not based upon necessity or righteousness, but only hypocrisy.
Clarence Leatherbury
Indianapolis
