As the incessant clamor for the elimination of all positions related to government continues to rise, I was appalled to see the recent rant based on the unbiased reporting by the Canada Free Press. The rant continued to foment the mentality that the previous administration was above reproach while the current administration is nothing short of demonic.
Every administration has the right and privilege to hire and terminate any number of aides, czars and executive appointees; these are just some of the many perks of being president of the United States. The Bush family, like the Obama family, exercised this right with exceptional talent.
As a matter of public record, as of July 28, 2008, Laura Bush as first lady of the United States had a personal staff of 24 people to support her position as first lady. The total salaries of these positions reached $1,740,800. These positions are part of the public record and can be found by a quick search of the Internet or other public records.
What truly troubles me is that the Times-Union continues to promulgate the rants and raves of a quite vocal group of people who fail to seek information and provide fair and unbiased views. These types of virulent diatribe do little to strengthen our country; on the contrary, the divisive nature of these articles and reporting should cause more concern than any actions of any president and first lady. If we spent as much time policing our own shortcomings and failures as we do finding fault with Obama and his family, we might actually find acceptable solutions to our country's ills.
I'm glad to say that I have figured out one way to improve my life. The money I had spent on the Times-Union subscription will be spent elsewhere in the community. Maybe my nominal spending will help to stimulate the economy and help to keep one more job intact.
Michael Lewis
Warsaw, via e-mail
Editor's Note: The free exchange of ideas is the greatest protection of liberty.
