Critics have complained about the way President Obama relates to other countries and their leaders. To me, being respectful and courteous are signs of strength and maturity and are vastly preferable to being the arrogant, ugly American.

Obama has demonstrated that he is tough when toughness is required. We have regained respect from the world under his guidance in spite of our war against Iraq.

Critics have charged that Obama has not exercised leadership, when in fact he has exercised strong leadership in his role of president, including promoting many ideas that Republicans have championed in the past. The president cannot enact legislation; there was little more that he could have done given that the Republicans dug in their heels, having as their primary focus the ways they could defeat Obama. They have cared and still care more about defeating Obama than serving our country.

I had hoped that most of the country had moved beyond blatant racism when Obama was elected as president. Unfortunately, some people are even more hateful. Others, while not hating Obama, have not had the guts to stand up against the lies, scorn, and harassment that have been perpetrated and continue daily against him.

Obama has my full support on economic and social issues. The tilting of power in this country to the very wealthy, without compassion or regard for all people in our country is troubling. A vote for Obama is a vote for all our citizens.

Helen J. Goff

Shiloh