Looking for input on my LTTE response

[T Roosevelt]

This LTTE appeared in the Orlando Slantinel, and cries out for rebuttal.

Character matters

It saddens me to read letters from people deeming it a priority to vote out George W. Bush because "the world hates him." It's a sad statement on those world leaders that they loved Bill Clinton but hate Bush.

For eight years I was so ashamed of the lack of moral character displayed by Clinton that I was unable to look at my own president's face. During his administration, many tried to excuse his disgusting behavior because the economy was doing well (not his doing, although he takes credit for it) and because "his personal actions have no bearing on his professional position." If that's true, why is anyone ever arrested and/or fired for sexual harassment?

With the occurrence of Enron, WorldCom and other devastating actions by leaders without consciences, Americans are finally realizing that character does matter; yet there still exists those ready to vote out a man of high moral character, who has defended and led our country in times of great distress, only to elect another who can't seem to make up his mind which beliefs to endorse today in order to get more votes in November.

No one is perfect, but you would think that Americans would look at a man's character before electing him to the most important post in our country.

Sandy Geroux

Orlando

Here's my draft response (unfortunately I'm limited to 250 words):

Character does matter
Re Sandy Geroux's LTTE (8/23/04) "Character matters", I agree wholeheartedly. However, I would hope that people judge a person's character not by his words, but by his actions. Mr. Bush presided over record high executions in Texas. He misled America into an invasion of Iraq that has resulted in almost one thousand dead US soldiers. There were no WMD in Iraq. There was no connection between Iraq and 9/11. And Hussein was not an imminent threat. These facts are not in dispute.

Mr. Bush sent our troops to Iraq without body armor, and they are still underequipped. Mr. Bush threatened to veto the $87 billion Iraq bill unless veteran's benefits were removed from the bill, and would not support the bill if funds for the rebuilding effort were paid for by temporarily eliminating the tax cuts on the top one percent in this country (as Kerry wanted). He preferred to pass the costs onto our children.

Senator Kerry, on the other hand, has been consistent in his service in Congress, as a prosecutor, and as an officer in Viet Nam, where his record is not in dispute. He has served his country honorably, and is now the target of a character assassination, one that Mr. Bush will not disavow.

Matthew (Chapter 7) warns us to "beware of false prophets... You will know them by their fruits."

Sure Mr. Bush talks a good game, but even a cursory examination of the record reveals the true fruit that he bears.

[Jo March]

1. Bravo!!

I think that is straight to the point and classy. You didn't stray into any mud-slinging. You kept it where it needed to be - on the issues.

[realisticphish]

2. nice job

too bad the length was limited, or you could have pointed out *'s connection to her example of enron


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[T Roosevelt]

5. Originally had it in there

had to cut something out for length. Also wanted Harken and the Rangers links, but those are probably so far above people's heads that the point would have been missed.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

3. Terrifically to the point and wonderfully written

:pals: Good job!

[gratuitous]

4. Good response; proportional and of a similar length

No reason it shouldn't be printed.

[T Roosevelt]

6. What about the Matthew quote

I wanted more of it, but it was too long. Is this sufficient and in context?

[gratuitous]

7. I'd have probably gone with a different quote

But Matthew 7 will do, no problem with that.

[T Roosevelt]

8. Which one?

I wanted one that says judge someone by their actions...