Hold yourself to standards politicians should emulate

(This letter is in response to Zaid Jilani’s Friday column, “Incompetent Gingrich matches description of past presidents.”)

I hope you point that fine-pointed criticism you so generously give to others at yourself and your beliefs. You mention Newt Gingrich exemplifies three qualities that make him a president: unqualified, care only for rich donors and blatant hypocrisy. Many would agree that the current man in the White House also has these qualities. There is no such thing as an honest politician, Republican or Democratic.

I’ve seen people like you firsthand. You cry “unfair” when others get more than you, but keep your mouth shut when you have more than others. I bet you and your parents are going to really let Newt have it for providing your community with excellent school districts and business opportunities. SHAME ON NEWT!

And to all, stop acting like the government is not acting in socialistic ways. Redistribution of wealth is socialistic, Fairness Doctrines are socialistic. DO NOT, Zaid, cry about the socialism of the rich and then say you deserve the same. Every American should hold themselves to a higher standard. Instead of asking for government socialism because American businesses receive funding, we should instead say, “No we will not accept your crutch. We continue to live by the rights to independence and freedom. We make our own way.”

If we want honest, non-hypocritical politicians, we must, as well, be honest and non-hypocritical.

Joseph McMillan
Senior, Atlanta
Ecology

Congressman good choice for speaker

I was very disappointed in the comments of The Red & Black’s editorial board concerning the announcement of the spring commencement speaker, Rep. Jack Kingston. Although Kingston may run for office with an “R” next to his name, the work that he has done on behalf of the people of the 1st Congressional District and the state of Georgia benefit all residents.

More importantly, unlike many of the pseudo-celebrities on The Red & Black’s list, Kingston actually earned and received his University diploma and has used it to give back to our University. He is a presence on campus for special events as well as football weekends.

While I laud the accomplishments of any University graduate that goes on to achieve success in their respective field, I find it laughable that the editorial board finds the president of a fried chicken franchise more appropriate for graduation than a sitting U.S. congressman.

Kristin Bernhard
Senior, Roswell
History, English