Burris, not Barack

This "Letter to the Editor" was submitted by me to the "Wilmington Star" newspaper on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009. I'm sure that, like other letters I have submitted, it will not be published, but at least I tried.

"I took the time to check out the biography of Roland Burris, the African American who took Obama's place in the Senate. It's unfortunate that he was used more or less as a "weapon" in finally getting his seat in Congress. But now that he is there the American people may, if they take the time to do so, discover that this African American would have been a credible candidate for the Presidency of this country had he had the backing. Mr. Burris is a 4th generation native of Centralia, Illinois. His background contains no questions as to his true birthplace. He is a Baptist so chances are he didn't use illegal drugs. His church affiliation also would have tended to keep him from attaching himself to people linked to terrorists and angry U.S. hating ministers. His professional credentials and civic accomplishment, of which there are many, do not hint of contact with radical groups outside the country. Lastly, after reading the four to five pages of his biography, the reader comes away with the thought that if the country really wanted change, why not give a man a chance who is African American through and through and who has vast political experience, plus national recognition. Editors, the national media has finally come out and said it, Obama's road trip has now changed from “Change” to “Repair.” The wrong man is going to be sworn into office on Tuesday and all who voted for him have no one to blame but themselves."