In response to the Feb. 27 column, “Should President Obama be allowed to keep his baton?”:

In your column you theorize that most “black folk” would re-elect President Barack Obama out of some sort of obligation because he’s black. You failed to touch on the idea that the reason most Republicans want him “out of their way” is precisely because he’s black. The media conveniently fails to mention why Republicans want him removed from office so badly. There is only one reason and it would be refreshing to see it in print.

Perhaps the reason “black folk” are willing to give him another term is because they feel represented for the first time. After all, history (past as well as present — if you don’t think racism still exists, ask yourself why the black unemployment rate for decades has doubled that of whites) certainly doesn’t give me much faith that a white man has the best interest of “black folk” at heart. I understand why people of color will give President Obama another shot. It’s better than any alternative.

— Jennifer Lynch,
Tucson

In response to the Feb. 27 article, “Lead found in 400 lipstick shades”:

I would like to submit this as additional information for Samantha Munsey’s recent piece: “Lead found in 400 lipstick shades.”

It should also be shared that the U.S. EPA limit for lead is 5.0 mg/l or parts per million (ppm). This is the threshold for the determination if a material qualifies as a “hazardous waste,” according to the Code of Federal Regulations.

When reviewing the “Top 10 lipsticks containing lead” from the article, it is important to understand that all 10 lipsticks listed contain greater than 4 ppm lead and the top two are over 7 ppm lead.

— Lloyd Wundrock,
UA Risk Management Services