The Campaign
Sir: ... As I read the Oct. 20 issue of TIME. I found it harder ... to swallow the lump in my throat ... I never thought I would live to see the day in America when the people's votes would be dictated by questionable labor leaders and a politician of the puny stature of Harry Truman. I have about concluded that Americans are not using their heads in this election as clearly as the people in Egypt, who are wholeheartedly uniting to throw out corrupt government. What is the matter with us when we don't . . . read the telltale signs of national decline in the deflated dollar, crooked government, and a "something for nothing" philosophy . . .? Mr. Stevenson is a clever man . . . but I am convinced the present situation of our country will overpower him, much though he would like to put an end to the corruption . . .
THELMA LUMSDEN CLAFLIN Upland, Calif.
Sir: I'm a Democrat but I'm going to vote Republican, because I can remember how Truman squirmed, swore, etc. when some Republicans brought Government men up for trial for treason. The investigations were not Truman's idea at all, but he will now have us believe he had his housecleaning done . . .
MRS. W. A. RICE
Grayson, Ky.
Sir:
... I would like to express my own opinion, and that of all decent-minded people, on how disgusted we are at the manner in which President Truman is conducting his campaign for Stevenson. That a President of these great United States should so belittle himself, and speak so unfairly of a very wonderful and respected man" as General Eisenhower, is unthinkable . . .
MARY T. FARLEY Cresson, Pa.
Sir:
Why does TIME report the names in art and letters that have switched from Eisenhower to Stevenson, as if it were important? This group has never been noted for its political astuteness; and I suspect the switches are based on a fascination with Stevenson's intellectual verbal gymnastics and parlor wit. These are about the least necessary qualifications in a President today . . .
E. L. CHUBBUCK
Ossining, N.Y.
Sir:
Poor Adlai! Here is a man who prepares intelligent speeches, presents them in the best diction, and gets chided for sounding "too good" and not having the "down to earth" approach ... I say he has the right idea and to hell with the Taft clique and smug Republican governors who sit on their thrones and moan for his neck . . .
SGT. S. E. JOHNSON Formosa
Sir:
... It is claimed that the common man has nothing to gain by voting the Stevenson ticket, that he, Stevenson, appeals only to the intellects. Does this not imply that the public is positively stupid and therefore cannot even understand the English language as used by Stevenson ? . . .
If we don't want an intelligent man for our President, who do we want? Certainly not a tin soldier whose strings are being pulled by the "Old Guard."
GEORGE T. MIEDL Columbus, Ohio
Sir: