In his Aug. 30 commentary, "Obama, our cipher in chief," Rich Lowry says that Barack Obama is "hyperpartisan" and a "blank canvas" compared with Bush, a "pro-business, freedom-spreadin' evangelical."

What Lowry needs is another George W. Bush for president — someone who will cut taxes again for the rich, who will deregulate the banks, appoint more right-wing justices to the Supreme Court, deny global warming, drive up the national debt, stop the FDA from inspecting mega chicken coops, drill baby drill, cut off payments for millions of the unemployed, and lead the country into another optional war, if he can find one that looks good for spreadin' freedom.



As a child in public school back in the 1960s, I remember being taught that a great president is one who makes Congress act. Examples of this were Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman.

I felt very proud to live in and be part of this country. And now, despite hard times, I still feel that way, especially when I see our president doing things, keeping his promises.

Combat troops are out of Iraq, health care reform was passed, the stimulus plan was implemented, saving as many as 3 million jobs, the auto industry was saved, illegal immigration has decreased dramatically, two dynamic female justices were added to the Supreme Court, and all within the president's first 20 months in office.

Maybe we don't agree with all of what President Obama has done, or for that matter what he has not done, but credit should be given where credit is due. For those of us who supported him and for those who do now, we may be witness to the performance of a great president.



Kudos to the local citizens group referring to themselves as Santa Feans for Truth and Reconciliation for pointing out the dark side of Santa Fe history.

Though the Pueblo Revolt began in 1680, it was only one episode in the legacy of the Native American holocaust, which actually began in 1492 when Christopher Columbus initiated the first of his four journeys to kill, enslave and plunder the cultures already living on the American continents. Ironically, each year we dedicate a national holiday to honor one of the worst despots in human history.

New Mexico should follow South Dakota's lead by abolishing Columbus Day and Santa Fe Fiesta should be celebrated as a time of atonement to the Native cultures that, to this day, think of themselves as having to live in occupied territory.



With his take on the city's ethics code, City Councilor/attorney Matthew Ortiz will continue to be in violation of the current Santa Fe City Code of Ethics, which states: "Any public official or public employee having a conflict of interest or potential conflict shall immediately disclose the conflict to his or her immediate supervisor and to each of the other members of the governmental body of which he or she is a member. The disclosure shall be recorded in the minute book of the governmental body to which it is made."

I would emphasize the significance of the word "potential," and because of the inclusion of that word in the code, I believe that such disclosure should be made during, and recorded in the minute book for, each and every official governmental body transaction in which Mr. Ortiz is involved, whether the business relates to Advantage Asphalt or to another client.



In "Hiking the High Country" (Sept. 1), Evan Rommel describes a route up Wheeler Peak and comments, "I recommend taking all the switchbacks, because it eases the approach."

True; but by far the most important reason for staying on the switchbacks is that they are a potent force for erosion control. Skip them, and small trenches begin to develop. In time, small trenches inevitably become large trenches, with consequent devastation of the landscape. Staying on trails, including switchbacks, is more than a "recommendation," it's a necessity.