Nothing demonstrates the dangerous bankruptcy of our current
public discourse (and, secondarily, the irresponsibility of journalism
in it) than the juxtaposition of two quotes on pages 4 and 6 of
your April 19, 2009 issue. On page 4, Congressman Price say
("Tea Time for Roswell"), "Is it right (for our leaders) to take us
down the path to socialism executed under the veil of a crisis?
Every dollar they take from you is a dollar less of true freedom
you have." On page 6 ("Isakson, Price meet with Roswell Officials
of Stimulus Money"), we "Johnny (Isakson) and Tom
(Price) advised us to very aggressive in our approach to secure
more funding,' said Roswell Councilwoman Lori Henry...According
to others, (Congressman) Price counseled t hem to prioritize
their shovel ready projects that could be stared immediately."
If Congressman Price really believes that federal stimulus
spending threatens our "true freedom," then he should not
counsel his constituents to "aggressively" take "more funding."
If he believes that federal stimulus spending will help his
constituents cope with a severe recession, then he shouldn't lie
at a rally and pretend there isn't a crisis. Which is it, Congressman
Price? Mr. Fredericks, who wrote both stories without
even acknowledging the contradiction between Mr. Price's positions,
editorialized at the end of "Tea Time" that "...Price
looks like he ignited a brush fire that may not be doused anytime
soon." Which is it, Mr. Fredericks-a brush fire of obstructionist
politics, a principled refusal to accept federal funds that
would help Roswell citizens in a recession and public works
needs into the future (The Beacon could lead that crusade), or
an expedient knuckling under to the temptation of federal
funds at the expense of our "true freedom"?
This is a very good illustration of the bankruptcy of the refusal
to be honest about our nation and its crisis. To those who
think the nation doesn't need the stimulus in this recession,
may I call you "Mr. or Ms. Hoover"?

Sincerely,
Dr. Charles H. Moore
Roswell