Why would anyone wish to become President of the United States? The responsibility of leading a nation of over 330 million souls, the burden of sending our brave and finest into harms way, the fortitude to withstand the barbs of the opposition are but a few items in the job description. With this in mind in the current election cycle, I have observed President Barack Obama and his all-but-certain opponent Gov. Mitt Romney, their utterances and their body language while on the stump throughout the nation.
You have to but scratch the surface to uncover what drives Mr. Romney as he "severely" pursues both sides of every position he takes. One has to consider that he to the manner born and regards the presidency as a trophy, if you will, to complete his rite of passage to the applause of his peers. From this lofty perch, he would be able to shower them with the riches they deserve which they are sure to allow to trickle down to the less fortunate. Does he care about the poor? Certainly, they have the safety net that he so earnestly seeks to shred. How about the middle class? His business acumen was based on corporate raiding, which sucked the life out of industries and left a multitude of employees without jobs. He has nothing but criticism for every initiative to boost the economy. As for an alternative, he'll get back to you on that.
On the other hand, you have Mr. Obama. The president's motives and philosophy of service that goes with the office is pretty plain to see after more than three years on the job.
He was raised by a single mother and grandparents. That experience and how he overcame the early hardships have defined his concern for the less fortunate in our society. His accomplishments while in office over divisiveness and obstructionism by Congress further attest to his commitment to the national interest.
Not so with Mr. Romney. He declared early in his campaign, "It's our (my) turn" as if it is a personal entitlement. Would that he regarded entitlements for the disadvantaged in our society with the same enthusiasm.
Jerome Shapiro, Pikesville
