The Pilot has done a fair job of presenting the diverse views of John Owen, county chairman of the Republican Party, and Brian Deaton, Democratic chairman, but the Sept. 26 edition left readers with several questions.

Regarding the heading, "Republicans Can Back Up Claims," how can one reconcile the truth with a lie? That is not possible. No matter how you try to package or justify a lie, it's still a lie.

More important, where are the outraged Republicans? When James Dobson presented his uninformed misperceptions about Sen. Obama, I wondered why one Christian would falsely accuse another. Obviously, I wasn't the only one with that question because the next day a dozen ministers/pastors put up a Web site, "James Dobson Doesn't Speak for Me." It put the misquotes side-by-side with actual statements.

So where are the local Republicans who should be saying, "John Owen doesn't speak for me"?

If Republicans really believe what was presented in Owen's flier, I will be voting a straight Democratic ticket for the first time in my life!

Pat Thurbon

Southern Pines