Response to pro-Blanco letters
I’m writing in response to two of the four letters that appeared in Thursday’s Reveille.
First, regarding Andrew Reynolds’ submission, Mr. Reynolds admits that Kathleen Blanco won the governor’s race by running with “the old political machine” and campaigning on lies, instead of maintaining any sense of integrity.
That’s because she simply couldn’t compete with Bobby Jindal in the arena of ideas, as was painfully clear to anyone who watched the debates.
It’s the Louisiana way, and the “problem-solving” candidate “with so many great ideas and ambitions for the state” lost because he didn’t jump into the mud pit.
Make no mistake.
There was dirt thrown by Blanco’s campaign slamming Jindal’s youth, distorting his record and flat out misrepresenting his campaign. While he did neglect to respond in kind, his failure to engage in traditional Louisiana “political hardball” is our loss, another in a seemingly endless line of missed opportunities for this state to truly move forward.
Then there’s the letter by Ryan Berni, which proclaims that “Blanco has always separated herself from the good ol’ boys of the past.”
Really?
Was that Edwin Edwards’ brother I saw at one of her victory rallies?
Was that one-time Edwards associate Cary Goss hosting a campaign fundraiser benefit for Blanco?
The answer is yes to both.
Having said that, for a state that knows a lot about hunting, Louisiana sure seems to shoot itself in the foot a lot.
Mr. Berni points out gleefully that “nearly every statewide elected official is a Democrat.”
Great.
Democrats are known for supporting bigger government and higher taxes.
What was Blanco’s answer in debates regarding nearly every problem this state faces?
New committees!
Who will pay for that?
We will!
This brings me to Mr. Berni’s “stay in Louisiana and prosper” comment, which almost seems like an oxymoron.
We have low wages, high insurance rates, sales taxes, and a business-unfriendly environment, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Maintaining the status quo and growing government, which is just what Blanco will do, is not the answer to those problems.
Chris Guillory
third year
law student