How does Obama approach issues?

  In Gary Knox's column of April 20, he says Sen. Barack Obama will restore his sense of civic belonging. Exactly what is "civic belonging," and why can only his chosen candidate restore it?

  He says he likes the way Obama approaches issues. How is that? Since Obama has been a senator, he has spent more time out of Washington campaigning that he has spent in his senatorial duties.

  Before that, in the Illinois Legislature, he voted more "present" on issues than a "yes" or "no." Sounds like a solid position of "no position" so what exactly can we expect of him?

  Knox says no specific position of Obama draws him to the candidate, and he pays little attention to the content of political stump speeches, so how are we to know a candidate's position?

  Obama's off-the-cuff and unscripted remarks have caused much division among voters. His speechwriters choose the correct words, but he doesn't.

  The whole Knox column was more anti-President Bush than pro-Obama. Be careful what you wish for, we might get it.

R.H. MARTIN, Yuma