I read Richard Wilson’s letter to the editor (The World, Aug. 26) regarding research on Obama. I took Mr. Wilson’s advice and did my own research.

Since Mr. Wilson stated that we need Obama because he is “honest, intelligent and shows good judgment” I decided to explore these attributes first. I discovered that Obama not only sat for 20 years in a church, where the so-called pastor spoke anti-American hate speech, but also claimed this pastor, the Rev. Wright, was his mentor. When news of this relationship hit the mainstream media, Obama first denied knowing about Wright’s anti-American stance, then gradually disassociated himself with Wright. Obama claims he never heard Wright degrade America but when he “discovered” that Wright had made these statements, Obama didn’t immediately leave the church. It seems Obama either agrees with Wright but won’t admit it (and is therefore dishonest) or exercised poor judgment by staying in this so-called church.

Regarding the assertion that McCain is not intelligent: When Obama was asked when life begins, he stated that the answer to that question was “above my pay-grade.” I don’t consider this an intelligent response. “When that 3 a.m. phone call goes to the White House” I want a president experienced in foreign policy answering it. Although Obama is a book-smart lawyer, he has no experience in foreign policy.

I looked into the “lying Republican attack machine” that Mr. Wilson emphasized so strongly. Unfortunately Mr. Wilson didn’t provide a single example of any lies from this so-called “attack machine,” therefore, there was nothing to verify. I attributed the entire paragraph to unbridled anger and frustration on Mr. Wilson’s part.

I researched Obama’s position on lawful possession of firearms by citizens. The Supreme Court recently ruled by just one vote that the right to bear arms is a personal right. Since this issue is decided by the Supreme Court, I researched what types of justices Obama would appoint. Obama stated during the recent “Saddleback Forum” that he wouldn’t have appointed any of the justices that supported the Second Amendment, but would have appointed all of the justices that voted against the Second Amendment.

Obama said he’d like to ban lawfully concealed carrying of guns in all states. Obama was in favor of the D.C. gun ban that would have effectively destroyed the Second Amendment. After the ruling from the Supreme Court against this gun ban he immediately changed positions and supported the court’s ruling. Was this change in position poor judgment or dishonesty? It seems quite clear that Mr. Wilson’s assertion that Obama “doesn’t want to take your guns away” is incorrect and can be easily disproved based upon Obama’s own words and voting record.

As an open-minded person, I did research and found the aforementioned facts. Perhaps Mr. Wilson can take his own advice and provide facts to back up the litany of degrading insults and accusations contained in his letter.

Patty Tapia

North Bend