A heated exchange regarding Palin, Bob Herbert, Bob McNamara

Hard to believe something like this could happen in this sleepy town but....here you go anyhow:

Sun, Jul 12, 2009 5:06 pmSubject: Bob Herbert/Sarah PalinIn the Charlotte Observer:-This Letters-to-the-Editor exchange took place right here in River City, USA July 9, 10, and 12:July 9:

In response to “If loopiness qualifies, Palin's ahead of the curve (July 7 Opinion) and “McNamara's legacy: needless deaths” (July 8 Viewpoint):

Palin, McNamara columns proof Observer becoming irrelevantBy following Maureen Dowd's drivel on Sarah Palin with Bob Herbert's sophomoric hate-filled rant on Robert McNamara, you continue your inevitable march toward irrelevance.H. Gene Lockab yCharlotte

July 10:In response to “Palin, McNamara columns proof Observer becoming irrelevant” (July 9 Forum) and “McNamara legacy: needless deaths” (July 8 Viewpoint) and related columns:

Hard to imagine some people still defend the Vietnam War. Forum writer H. Gene Lockaby should be gratified that the Observer still carries an occasional Bob Herbert column.The column taking former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to task may well be Herbert's best, most courageous one yet.That there are still people out there who defend the Vietnam War is stupefying.As for Maureen Dowd teeing off on Sarah Palin, I say: Bring it on. Let us all celebrate having dodged this bullet that John McCain and the Republican Party came so close to inflicting on all America.Bernie Hargadon Charlotte

July 12:In response to “Liberal media perplexed by strong, conservative woman” (July 10 Forum):

Kudos for presenting both sides of the issue on Gov. Sarah PalinIt's been a puzzle for me to understand the ferocity of the vitriolic attacks against Sarah Palin by the likes of Forum writer Bernie Hargadon, who suggests we “celebrate having dodged” the Palin “bullet.”Sherwood Page's letter suggesting Palin knows exactly what she's doing, hit the nail on the head.The Observer has been helpful in presenting both sides of this issue.David P. HaganHuntersville

letter to NYTimes--July 21--Honduras/Catholic Church

On July 16, The New York Times published a story reporting that the Catholic Church in Honduras had supported the ouster of President Zelaya and urged that he not be allowed to return. In response to that article, I had this to say in a letter dated July 21:

To The Editor:As someone who has lived and worked in Latin America most of his adult life, I realized when your article appeared that I could have written the same piece days before, in fact that very moment Zelaya was booted out. From time immemorial, the Catholic Church and Latin America's oligarchs, virtually everywhere, remain the same bosom buddies they've always been. The poor campesino? For these wretched souls the Church could care less as long as they continue to propagate. Yours truly,Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon St. #606Charlotte, NC 28202 704 377 5305

July 20 letter to Observer--Palin/Sanford

To The Editor:I'm not saying we readers don't deserve an occasional spanking, but two in one week seems a bit much. Just a couple of days ago, at least in the edition I got at home, who should appear with an op-ed piece, but the one and only Sarah Palin! And then today we are treated to the latest installment in the life of Mark Sanford, this time learning that God has come to his rescue, and so leave the guy alone, wouldja?If this is the way it is going to be there at The Charlotte Observer, please be advised that this reader surrenders. This reader has seen the light; bring back those daily Billy Graham columns instead!Yours truly,Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon St #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305