Letters

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Klein's view that Bush can be beaten failed to take into account the factor that trumps all others: national security. The American people will want Bush, much more than Kerry or any other candidate in the Democratic field, to remain responsible for their safety.
KENNY SUTTON
Waterbury, Vt.

Deaniacs Never Say Die

RE Andrew Sullivan's "Why I'm Rooting for Dean" [Feb. 9]: The Democratic presidential primaries are battles between the party's soul and its fear. Howard Dean represents the soul and John Kerry the fear. I am sick and tired of wimpy Democrats allowing Republicans to define our party and making us run scared for fear of being branded card-carrying liberals. We need someone with fire in his belly, like Dean, who's going to fight back and give as good as he gets.
KIRSTEN WALSTEDT
New York City

As a lifelong democrat, I certainly don't need Sullivan's advice on my party's presidential candidates. Sullivan is not a Democrat and certainly not a liberal. He is being completely disingenuous when he claims he's "not cynically trying to engineer a Bush landslide." That's exactly what Sullivan would like to do, if only he had the influence. Fortunately, Democrats are well aware of Sullivan's neoconservative leanings and will discount his views.
CHRIS BOWLING
Slater, Mo.

The Value of One Man's Vote

Your article "Howard's End?" [Feb. 9], On the problems of Howard Dean's campaign, included a statement incorrectly attributed to me. I never stated that I "could hold [my] nose" and vote for Kerry. I will not just give my vote to whoever the Democratic nominee is. My position is that of many Dean supporters, if we are forced to choose between Kerry and Bush. A candidate will never inherit my vote; he must earn it. My vote is priceless; it is too important to give away.
CHARLES GRAPSKI
Gainesville, Fla.

A Celebration of Great Filmmaking

In his rundown of who is likely to win what at this year's Academy Awards [Feb. 9], Richard Corliss noted that in the Best Picture category, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King "plods a bit" but Master and Commander "soars." Although there are thrilling moments in the latter film, its slow beginning and almost complete lack of character development (especially compared with Patrick O'Brian's books) left me feeling let down. But The Return of the King had unforgettable images, amazing heart and a thrilling conclusion. It is a stunning example of literature brought successfully to the screen and a celebration of great filmmaking. If that isn't an Oscar-worthy film, then I don't know what is.
JACKSON MAHANEY
Lebanon, Ind.