In response to Matthew Albright’s column “Child’s question to Obama highlights nation’s hate,” I have to say I’m amused at his seeming need to paint President Obama as a victim of some sort of hate crime. While I’m not saying there aren’t those out there who unfairly hate the man, I am saying that just because someone disagrees with his policies or questions his character doesn’t constitute and shouldn’t be portrayed as hate. Yes, his religious character, patriotism and citizenship have been called into question. That’s part of running for the highest office in the United States: Typically, people want to know as much about you as possible.  It should come as absolutely no shock to anyone that his patriotism was called into question when someone running for president of the United States refused to wear an American flag pin, or hold their hand over their heart for the pledge of allegiance, and especially when the man’s wife said she was “never proud of America” until her husband was nominated. What’s also amusing about Mr. Albright’s column is that, while he paints President Obama as a victim, I wonder if he ever painted George W. Bush as a victim.  President Obama isn’t regularly compared to Satan and isn’t lampooned even on national news as some sort of mentally handicapped individual, nor has he ever met with protesters (Americans at that) who threw rocks and bottles at him and his staff. While it’s perfectly acceptable to voice opposition or peacefully assemble to protest a President’s choices, what occurred during many of the Bush years was what could be considered hatred or undue harshness.  While it’s admirable that Mr. Albright is concerned with hate and harshness, President Obama should not be put in the same category as victims of hate crimes, which he seems to be flirting with. I think what Mr. Albright is trying to do is slide the race card into the equation without going so far as to come right out and say so, and this is where he is wrong.  Again, some people do hate the president for completely ridiculous reasons, and that is definitely a shame. However, for the most part, the criticism going his way is based on much more than that and should be addressed. I personally disagree with the president, didn’t vote for him and don’t much care for him, but I certainly don’t hate him, and I certainly don’t care what color or religion he is. I care about his ideals and his character, like any American should. The criticism the President is receiving is that, criticism. Hate exists everywhere, and it is unfortunate, but before portraying one particular politician as a martyr, it’s important to look back on others as well.Alex LauveEnglish senior–Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at [email protected]