Letters To The Editor

by Inlander Readers


Rock The Bush Boat -- The commentary "Spine Time" (6/5/03) on the Democrats was not well researched in my opinion. While I agree with the assessment that the majority of the front running candidates on the Democratic ticket are pitching a wishy-washy platform, there is one candidate who is consistently speaking out against the needless military efforts, against tax cuts that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor and middle class, and against the attack on our civil liberties, (as discussed in "The Democratic Divide," 7/17/03).


Howard Dean stands for a comprehensive energy policy, for fiscal conservation, for environmental protections, for diplomacy and intentions of peace, and for access to health care for all Americans. He has the endorsement of the NRA and has passed civil union legislation in Vermont -- if that's not diplomacy, I don't know what is -- where he was the governor for 11 years. Yet the Democratic Party is actively speaking against him because he doesn't support the wimpy right-of-center, don't-rock-the-Bush-boat party line.


As governor of Vermont, Dean has a track record of creating a system of health care where 98 percent of the state is covered. He reduced crime and went beyond balancing the budget to provide a rainy day fund for the state.


What the people of America want is a strong and decisive leader. President Bush fits the bill. Never mind that his policies create a less stable world, bankrupt our environment and produce a budget deficit that will last for generations.


The only candidate who will topple Bush in 2004 will have to be strong and decisive. Howard Dean is the guy. His message does not change depending on who is in the audience.





Deborah Crossett


Sandpoint, Idaho





Publication date: 07/24/03