The biblical Barak

Re “Say it loud and proud,” editorial, Nov. 30

So much has been made out of Barack Obama’s Muslim middle name, “Hussein,” but little or nothing has been said about his first name. Biblical Israel’s famed Deborah, a charismatic woman respected for her wisdom and prophetic gifts, commanded Barak, the nation’s military commander.

The name “Barak” was used by Leon Uris in his book “Exodus,” about the beginnings of modern Israel. In the movie, the character of Paul Newman’s father, played by Lee J. Cobb, was named Barak. Certainly no one, to my knowledge, has yet claimed that Barack Obama is Jewish.

Anthony Lawrence

Woodland Hills