‘Father’s Day’ reflection

This is in response to the Ledger-Enquirer article titled, “More change on the way in Phenix City” published on Father’s Day, June 16.

The article speaks negatively of several fathers, one in particular, Wallace Hunter is a close personal friend and professional associate of over 30 years. I believe your views on Mr. Hunter to be unfounded.

If you are interested in talking points about Mr. Hunter, you cannot ignore these accomplishments as city manager that have led to Phenix City’s growth and improvement:

• $29 million in grants to the city.

• Completion of the second phase of the Riverwalk.

• Completion of Broad Street renovation.

• Growth in city’s Rainy Day fund from 45 to 120 days since 2009.

• An AA bond rating with Positive Outlook for the first time in the city’s history.

• Two new police stations to provide better safety and security for the city as a whole.

• Every park in the city renovated.

Mr. Hunter has been serving Phenix City for the past 32 years, beginning as a police officer and ending as fire chief before he was appointed city manager. The focus of the article should have been to inform the public of the candidates and the credentials that would support them for that position.

I am proud of the accomplishments of our city and Mr. Hunter’s leadership. Thank you, Wallace Hunter, for being a father figure for our city.

Nasty race

When this presidential campaign started and Donald Trump threw his name into the ring, I said to some of my Republican friends that no way would a sophisticated party like the Republicans ever allow such a crude, narcissistic buffoon be their candidate. Boy, was I wrong.

Even now I still can’t believe it. Yes, he does appeal to a white uneducated class.

Yes, unfortunately he appeals to those who feel that there has to be a change no matter what. The non-functioning Congress was due to the fact that the Republicans spent eight years making sure Obama would not be successful (“a one term president,” etc.). The heck with the country.

This nasty man continues making outlandish statements at which even the Republicans cringe. Fact checks have proven him wrong on so many occasions. He is definitely impulsive making these statements without thinking, a characteristic we do not need in the White House.

Both candidates have significant flaws. Hillary Clinton should publicly admit that she made mistakes and that she has grown from them. No matter what she has supposedly done, she is probably the best prepared candidate for the presidency of the United States, even including her husband. This is an important difference between the candidates.

What strikes me is that no matter what we know, or think we know, about the candidates most will continue voting (right or wrong) for their traditional party. I’m somewhat of an idealist, so my wish would be that we vote for the candidate who represents all, and I mean all, the people.

Not ‘presidential’? Good

You have to vote for someone and here's why I'm voting Trump. His detractors say he is not "presidential" and doesn't have the “temperament" to be president. Not having these qualities gets him two-handed claps from me.

Our last few “presidential" presidents have lulled us into accepting a never-ending Middle East war now 15 years on and counting. They were so endowed with the "temperament" we admire it will be decades to climb out of the hole (unless there is hyperinflation or repudiation of the debt)

He is referred to as being "racist, misogynist, hater" by those who won't quote him verbatim.

Nowhere does he say anything disparagingly, in general, about Mexicans, Muslims, or women, nor has he said he hated anyone.

He did not say Mexicans were "rapists." He said Mexico was sending its rapists. How could you believe he dislikes women when he hires many in top positions and surrounds himself with some of the most beautiful women on the planet? What he does is attack the women who have dissed him, and when you do that to Trump, he may go "junkyard dog" on you in return.

We need a new kind of leader — one who has a chance of getting us out of endless wars and financial destruction. One with a strong personality, not beholden to Wall Street, the bankers or the power-brokers, but only to the American people.

I don't mind his abrasive style, for I have seen his calmer, personal style and I like what I see. His message is"jobs and security." Spot on! I am willing to bet my vote that if anybody can get it done, it is Trump.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 6:05 PM with the headline "‘Father’s Day’ reflection."