We all know how we've been urged, and how we've urged others, to write LTE's and get the word out.
Now mine wasn't published in the NYT or WP, but it did get published in full (nary a word edited out!) in The Capital Times here in Madison, Wisc., today (Oct 2) exactly a month prior to Election Day.
Here it is. The headline they gave it (below) is even better than the one I provided ('Kerry vs. Bush: Mature leader vs. smirking bully'). They took it straight from the conclusion of my LTE, and the phrase restates Kerry's own campaign theme (Respected in the world, stronger at home). Perfecto!
Debate shows we need Kerry as president to strengthen nation and regain respect
Dear Editor:
In comparing the choice between the two viable candidates for President, there really is no comparison. Thursday's first presidential debate was a critical milestone.
On one hand, we have a candidate who was in charge during the worst security lapse in our history, had a month's notice of the attack while on vacation, and allowed the leader of those who attacked us to escape. This candidate lied to start the wrong war, alienated the world in doing so, ran up two consecutive record budget deficits, turned a $5 trillion surplus upside down, weakened air and water quality, and did nothing while America lost more than 1 million jobs, 5 million people lost health care coverage and millions more slipped below the poverty line.
His claim to fame is a long string of bizarre malapropisms along with a smirking immaturity (which was on prime-time display Thursday), bullying intolerance, and flippant dismissal of serious questions. Throughout his life he's never taken responsibility. His failures include: failing to find oil in Texas, trading away Sammy Sosa, not showing up for military service, and losing the 2000 popular vote.
On the other hand, we have a candidate who investigated and exposed the BCCI and Iran-contra scandals, fought in combat, was highly decorated, battled crime, and dedicated himself to air and water quality. He has a detailed plan to extend health care coverage to all Americans, create good new jobs, pay down the debt, and protect America.
He is known as a serious, knowledgeable, statesmanlike leader who is willing to ask questions - and answer questions too. (That, too, was on display Thursday.) He has devoted his life to serving others, including putting his own life at risk while serving his country under enemy fire.
Is it me? Am I missing something? Is there any doubt about who would make the better President? Thursday's debate was a resounding victory for John Kerry.
We need John Kerry as our President, so that America can regain the respect of the world, and so our nation can be strengthened. America needs a mature, dedicated leader who will fight for ordinary citizens and tell us the truth. We, the American people, can make this happen. Let's make it count on November 2.
Sincerely,
R-----------------