Re: Presidential election 

Just a quick note of acknowledgement that your "Pants on fire" article was spot on ["Mitt Romney's contortion of the truth," Sept. 12]. You so concisely and clearly provided some really important facts—many of us (at least I hope many) are feeling like we are living in bizzaro world since these completely false statements of the Romney/ Ryan camp are simply not being challenged by media—but of course journalism nowadays seems to simply be unchecked commentary. So maybe their strategy isn't a bad one?

Thank you—it was nice to read a well-written, factual piece and was a comforting logic check. We hope to see more.

Mark Mintz & Meribeth Howlett
Raleigh

I'm not a Democrat. I'm not a Republican. An independent am I, and I've made my decision. I've researched the issues. I've watched the conventions—no commercials, they upset me too much.

For me, this presidential race has come down to "intent." What is the intent (the platform) of each party (each candidate), and who is it intended to serve? Does that intent square with my heart, mind and soul?

Thirty years ago, my leanings were to the Republican platform. It was logical and civic-minded while being prudent and open to compromise and negotiation toward the greater good. It was respectful of opposing opinions and welcomed the strength that comes when two forces come together to build our beautiful country. That is no longer true, in my opinion. Hatred, stonewalling, filibusters, flat-out old-fashioned lying (that little bit of truth thrown in does not fool this Christian heart!) is not the way to win my vote.

The president's party has shown they believe in working together ... or trying to. There has been so much criticism that the president hasn't shown the leadership to create compromise between the two parties—when was the last time you tried to negotiate with a brick wall?

I believe no one could have completely corrected the inherited mess in four years (especially when one party publicly vows to make you a one-term president, while ignoring citizens in distress).

It is my belief that I am here on this earth to serve. So does the party of the president. I believe "We the People" includes all people. So does the party of the president. I believe government should not be in my personal business but should be in the business of serving the people. So does the president. I'm going to be guided with my heart and head but not my past.

C. "Zen" Shoemaker
Chatham County