The less experience the better

Mr. Earle, in response to your letter published on Feb. 14, I’ll give you my take on why I think people (and not just the “black” communities) are excited about Barack Obama.

I think people are tired of the same old political machinery in Washington, D.C. They are tired of the war in Iraq. They want a leader who really cares about this nation and the world, a leader who cares for all people, not just the white, privileged upper-class American.

We need, deserve and are so ready for a change in leadership. I don’t know if Obama is that person or not, but I’m certainly not going to discount him simply because I don’t understand why he’s so popular or that he’s a first-year senator.

I intend to check out each candidate from all political parties before voting, and if there’s no one I feel is worthy, I’ll write in my choice. Chances are, I’ll be more inclined to vote for the person with the least amount of experience in Washington, D.C.

We need someone with fresh ideas and very little political and/or personal baggage. Obama seems like the front runner in that regard.

Diane Collet, Albany

Ulterior motives?

It has recently occurred to me, in digesting the media reports of these primary elections, that there could be some scheme afoot that I have not seen in the reports.

We wonder about the endorsements of Obama by Kennedy, Kerry and others of prominent status. Could it be that the election of Obama would accomplish at least two purposes for themselves? They well know that their influence over Hillary would be minimum, if any at all.

On the other hand, if Obama were to be elected, he would necessarily need them to advise him, and he would depend greatly on their expertise.

Merle Egan, Albany

The Clintons may sue

The DNC stripped Michigan and Florida of their delegates because they held early contests in violation of party rules. Harold Ickes, a top adviser to Hillary Clinton’s campaign who voted to strip these states of their delegates, now is arguing against the penalty he helped pass. He said millions of voters in those states will be otherwise disenfranchised.

The DNC and Harold Ickes were not concerned about disenfranchised voters when they placed sanctions on those states and they are not concerned now. It is because Hillary is behind Obama in delegate count. They thought she would have the nomination tied up by now.

If Obama ends up with enough delegates to win the nomination, you can count on the Clintons to sue for the Michigan and Florida delegates. I say Clintons because Bill is as determined as Hillary to take back the White House.

Harold Ickes is voicing his opinion about this now so it looks like his idea and not the Clintons’ to remove the penalty from those states. I wouldn’t put it past the Clintons to suggest he make that statement in preparation for a lawsuit if Obama has enough delegates to win the nomination.

And to finally set the record straight. Bill Clinton was not impeached because of his alleged affair but because he lied to a grand jury. It’s time the liberal Democrats finally get it right.

Nancy Young, Albany

Grand music in our schools

Wow! Yes, there is a wow factor here in Albany. What a super event the recent Winterfest was. Wow!

This event, so joyous, presented by the Albany School District’s music department, was a testament to the creativity and beauty that exists in our children and critical evidence of how extremely important and basic this expression is.

Kudos and congratulations to the instructors and other staff for the skill and love exhibited by them. The students’ reciprocal love and precision displayed all came together to equal a very professional program.

Need some joy, peace and meaning in your life? This can be found at any of our schools. Simply phone or walk in and ask about upcoming events. Nothing compares to youngsters being part of the arts and expressing their joy and abilities.

Congratulations to the Albany School District for such a grand music curriculum. Don’t ever lose it.

Bev Weis, Albany