[In response to Sept. 20 Vic Vela column "Kerry supporter sees the light"]
Interesting. Does the fact that Kerry has supported cutting military spending and the closure of strategic bases throughout his career make you feel that he will be any different as president?
Are you aware that one of our enemies in North Vietnam loves Kerry and has a photo of him shaking hands with one of their most vicious leaders displayed in their Communist Hall of Fame? A future threat that is quickly coming to light is that of communism. Russia is on the verge of going backwards on this.
Are you aware that Kerry's group Vietnam Veterans Against the Vietnam War had very strong communist ties? Or the fact that he has done everything he can to support communist North Vietnam and fought against all sanctions despite their persecution of their own Christian citizens as well as a general disregard for all human life?
People complain about China, but North Vietnam is considered far worse. Would we really feel safe with a president of a democratic nation that is considered a hero to our communist enemies?
--Hidalgo Sanchez
former ASU student
Book a glorified paperweight
I bought John Kerry and Edwards' book the other day. I figured that since I can't find his platform or plan to change America anywhere else, I purchased the book for $12.95 (I will be returning it though).
It's interesting how everyone criticizes Kerry for not having a clear plan. But if you have $14 to burn, you can find out all about it. Which is exactly what poor and middle-class families want to spend their hard-earned money on, something that you would think a candidate would take upon himself to speak about.
I am sure that John Kerry will get around to giving a platform, or real goals for America, but he's got to fit in another game of catch football before supper.
What a waste of trees this book is. First of all, he uses the word strong 41,000 times in a 221-page book. It's actually a lot less than 221 pages because it has pictures and 50 pages of speech quotes from the two men. When no one can find John Edwards anywhere, I turn to these pages so I don't forget what he looks like or the drivel he uses.
Kerry and Edwards have no real plan other than to weaken our economy, waste health care ($1.5 trillion in fact) and arm our troops with weapons that they can see around corners with, like $87 billion mirrors or something. Funny how they both voted against an armament package in the Senate ... They give headlines, but no meat. It was disappointing and I shall be returning this book because it has no ending.
If John Kerry wins this election, I am moving to somewhere safe, like Iran or North Korea.
--Jon McDaniel
ASU student
Running against Bush
Sure I've registered voters, volunteered for the Kerry campaign, even marched on Washington. But it's when I run against Bush that I reach a different audience: people who feel alone in their outrage over "W's" failed policies. People are afraid to voice any kind of dissent, especially after Lynne Gobbell got fired for a Kerry sticker on her personal property.
And thanks to people like me, the DNC and swing states have over $150,000 in extra funds to continue where my activism ends. Running against Bush? It's a start!
--Ruthie Milante
citizen
