At the end of Mary Anna Towler's article, "Is America ready for Obama?" (Urban Journal, February 27), the race card is played. Of course, we knew this would have to come out. The facts about this man don't matter.

Obama has said: "Washington lobbyists haven't funded my campaign, they won't run my White House, and they will not drown out the voices of working Americans when I am president." This contradicts the fact that seven of his top contributors are (in order of money given): Goldman Sachs, UBS AG, Lehman Brothers, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Credit Suisse. There is also a large hedge fund, Citadel Investment Group.

These investment firms, along with some major corporate law firms that are registered lobbyists, have given, as of February 1, 2008, $2,872,128. Is this the Obama that Ms. Towler says America is hungry for? How is Obama different from any other politician that will be beholden to the corporate juggernaut that funds his campaign? He is a one-term Congressman with almost no track record.

Ms. Towler asks if Obama can rally the public to "find the courage to break loose from the grasp of conservatives and help move the country forward." Looking at his campaign contribution donor's list, please show me the difference in Obama and any other front-line candidate. Almost $3 million might just buy a little influence.

I personally don't care about his race, religion, nationality, or much else. I care that the man is a liar. Look openly at the facts and stop "feeling" that he "is the man" that can change the country. He will change things, but to what, is the question. He is not any different than the other front-line corporate shills.

TIM BATES, BROCKPORT