Doleful G.O.P.
To the Editors:
The Ford-Dole presidential ticket [Aug. 30] will be tough. Democrats should return to their battle stations. And Jimmy Carter should not ship his furniture or appoint his Cabinet yet.
Thomas B. Givens Renton, Wash.
My moderate instincts warn me against Dole's smart-alecky shallowness as he stalks arrogantly along. There is something of the Nixon-Agnew flavor here. I wonder uneasily how distressing it would be should this glib practitioner, by some unfortunate circumstance, become President.
Henry E. Biggs Front Royal, Va.
Robert Dole is a man of intelligence, humor and wit. It is pleasing news to me that a candidate can open himself emotionally to the public and that our leaders aren't mechanical robots.
Laurel Wurth Briarwood, N. Y.
How come Dole can cry but Muskie can't?
Charlotte Minnette Evansville, Ind.
I would buy a used car from Ford. I would not buy a used car from Dole. I would probably buy a used car from Carter. I might buy a used car from Mondale.
Irene Streeter McLean Devils Lake, N. Dak.
Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate Robert Dole's homecoming introduction of President Ford as a "man I consider to be a friend of rural America, a friend of small-town America" was appropriate rhetoric, given the time and place.
Unfortunately, it is not rural America or small-town America that desperately needs friends, but our overcrowded, problem-beset cities.
Gene Paul Yarnell, Editor Community Advocate Detroit
Betty Ford's crude, unwarranted remarks about Nancy Reagan typify the mindless, permissive drivel we have come to expect from that dancer turned counterculture apologist and defender of public immorality.
Curt Smith Clinton, N. Y.
My choice is so close, yet not running. It is Betty Ford, a wonderful and amazing woman.
Jean Louise Fiftal Cheshire, Conn.
How ironic that the G.O.P. strategy is to "Give 'em hell." The Republicans did enough of that with Watergate.
Diane Bright Fairfax, Calif.
The Republicans will always lose the popularity contest to the Democrats because "sharing the wealth" is a much more salable term than an abstract word like freedom.
Timothy P. Utter Hopkins, Minn.
Bring on the debates! We the people are eager to see pilots of the Jimmy and Fritz, Jerry and Bob shows before deciding if we want to vote for one to premiere in January.
Sue Tracy Maplewood, Minn.
No, Never!
Pardon, amnesty, forgiveness [Sept. 6]. No, never!
Who in hell is going to fight the next war? Those unsophisticated Soviets will not be deterred by the peace sign.
Calvin D. Ream Wewahitchka, Fla.
Jimmy Carter exhibited a tremendous amount of courage in making his policy statement on amnesty and pardon at an American Legion convention, in view of the paranoid patriotism that is always present.
The pardon would grant forgiveness in the hope that this country can get behind it the nightmare of Viet Nam.
Jack R. Dean Spokane, Wash.
Send the B-52s