Reckless Romney

Dear Editor: There were at least two ironies evident in your article (Aug. 26, “Romney stresses economy”).

When President Obama tried to encourage our transition to alternative energy and gave financial help to a solar energy company (Solyndra), the Republicans said he was trying to pick winners and ignore the market. When the president said business owners have had the help of government to succeed, they said he is denying that business owners have made it by themselves (a lie).

In the article it says Romney ”… pledged to help women entrepreneurs and innovators eager to create small businesses …” Why is it OK or even necessary for the government (under Romney) to help anyone to start a business when (under Obama) it is picking winners and counter to capitalism? Why is it not socialism when Romney suggests it?

Later in the article it says “women need our help.” Why should women or anyone need the help of government? We all know, according to Republicans, government isn’t the solution, it is the problem. Can’t these business people make it on their own or do they truly need the help of government to build bridges, highways, communication systems and infrastructure of all kinds to succeed?

I was just about finished with this letter when I read another outrageous charge by Romney (Aug. 30). Is there no falsehood or exaggeration that he will not use to pump up his base?

Romney claimed that Obama is promoting “reckless defense cuts.” He added, “There are plenty of places to cut… but defense is not one of them.” The last two secretaries of defense (one a Republican appointed by Bush) have proposed cuts to defense, and branches of the armed forces have said there are weapons systems which are being foisted on them by Congress which can be cut. Does Romney mean to say that there is nothing whatsoever that can be cut in the entire defense budget? That is beyond belief and Romney’s charge itself is reckless. LEE AUGUSTINE

Wawarsing leerenee@email.com