John M. Murtagh
Fire in the Night
The Weathermen tried to kill my family.
…Nobody should hold the junior senator from Illinois responsible for his friends’ and supporters’ violent terrorist acts. But it is fair to hold him responsible for a startling lack of judgment in his choice of mentors, associates, and friends, and for showing a callous disregard for the lives they damaged and the hatred they have demonstrated for this country. It is fair, too, to ask what those choices say about Obama’s own beliefs, his philosophy, and the direction he would take our nation.
When asked about his association with Weather Underground founder Bill Ayers, a leader of the bombers, Barack Obama is quick to point out that Ayers’ terrorism took place when he (Obama) was eight years old and that he has denounced the bombings. This is true. Ayers, however, has not. He thinks he should have planted more bombs.
Senator, the problem you have with Bill Ayers is that you call him a friend and your website claims Ayers is “respected” and “mainstream.”
Senator, the question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about how you can justify associating with an unrepentant terrorist. The question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about his stamping on a flag in 2001 when you were forty-one. The question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about his saying, “I don’t regret setting bombs; I feel we didn’t do enough,” that same year.
Senator, the question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about what he must have said about America while you were on a Board with him. The question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about your defense of him as “mainstream” and “respected” today. The question isn’t about what Ayers did when you were eight, it’s about your launching your political career in 1995 with his aid, in his home. 
Senator, the question isn’t about Bill Ayers the in 1960s, it’s about your judgment in 1995, 1997, 2001 and now. Just like 20 years sitting at the feet of Jeremiah Wright. How could you?
I think another way to phrase this question is obvious in and of itself. If a Republican went to fundraisers or served on a charitable board with a gentlemen who was an unrepentant (a)KKK member, (b) former SS officer, (c) John Birch society member, or (d) virulent anti-homosexual/abortion activist – we would not hear the end of it.At least this time, the preferred candidate of the media is getting some examination on his relationship. Thank God for talk radio and the internet.