Thankful? Not really

Leslie Putman’s recent letter called the Republican debate a Punch and Judy show, and gave thanks for President Barack Obama’s superb governing. Was I reading the comics?

The business page of this paper last week reported the results of an Associated Press survey with this prediction: “tepid economic growth, weak pay gains, and modest hiring for the next two years.” At $ 18+ trillion, the national debt will soon double that of 2008.

After almost seven years, what has Obama done for businesses and economic growth? The third- highest corporate taxes in the world and a continuing flood of crushing regulations isn’t it.

There’s foreign affairs. After his infamous “red line” warning to the Syrian butcher Bashar Assad, Obama did nothing ( bomb military sites, weapons for the rebels?), and savage terrorists organized the Islamic State. The Syrian rebels, Kurds, Jordan, and Ukraine have begged for heavy weapons with little success.

Against advice, Obama withdrew American support from Iraq— which, after the sacrifice of thousands of American lives, had been declared a stabilized country. Now that too is lost. Innocent people are dying horrible deaths and pitiful refugees seek safety. With the impotent leadership in America, Russia and China are moving against other countries.

Seeking a “legacy,” Obama has made a nuclear agreement with Iran— where a heritage of subterfuge and deceit is honorable, and they still cry, “Death to America!” Seems we gave in to their demands, unbelievably letting them self- inspect a critical military site. Aren’t you thankful for Obama? BARBARA FOREMAN

Siloam Springs