While reading Keith Stover’s July 30 OpEd, “Obama soars with speech on global unity,” I was reminded that Barack Obama spoke of the heroic and triumphant Berlin Airlift. Obama is correct that the citizens of Berlin and the brave men and women of the Allies who made the airlift a success kept the “the last flame of freedom in Berlin” alive. But would Obama have had the strength to stand up against the Soviets in 1948 like President Truman and the Allies did?

Obama lacked the strength to support the surge in Iraq, which has proved to bring stability and hope for victory not only here in the United States but also to our 25 million Iraqi friends. Obama’s very reference to the strength and courage it takes to defend freedom encourages me to support John McCain for president. I know McCain has the experience and courage to do what is right for our nation and for freedom around the globe.

Nancy Gibson

Pittsfield