Letters: Dec. 6, 2004

The American people have spoken, and they want President Bush, a man of moral and ethical integrity, to continue to lead them [Nov. 15]. Compassionate conservatives clearly won the day. In spite of two years of constant partisan attacks on the President, the electorate wasn't fooled. They know when they see a strong leader. The American people gave the President more Republicans in Congress and the largest popular vote any President has received, which amounts to a governing mandate that will create a stronger U.S.--at home and abroad.

WILLIS PAPILLION

Silverdale, Wash.

I have always been proud to be an American. But after seeing this nation choose Bush for another four years despite all he has done to endanger our health, prosperity and reputation, I am embarrassed and frightened to be an American.

VIRGINIA PASQUARELLI

Roswell, Ga.

Thank God our President was re-lected. I worked very hard on his campaign and was proud to be part of his team. This country truly needs a man of faith who stands by his promises.

LINDA POSTEL

West Palm Beach, Fla.

The Republicans have managed to tap into and hijack some mainstream parts of the American ethos and claim them as their own. While some have called the election proof that the American people can be trusted in their decisions, I recall James Madison's words from the Federalist papers, "Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm."

COLONEL KEES RIETSEMA, U.S.A.F. (RET.)

Cave Creek, Ariz.

Iny my suburban area of Ohio, what we liked was Bush's determination to take action to protect the U.S. from enemies who are certainly not ambivalent in their hatred of us. Kerry's insistence that he had plans for everything, even though he couldn't explain any of them, just seemed like too much high-and-mighty wind without substance. Most people chose Bush's clearly expressed agenda instead of taking a chance on a Senator with a rather weak track record.

AMY T. BIDWELL

Plain City, Ohio

I now believe that Bush is a brilliant man. He persuaded many of my fellow Ohioans to vote against themselves not just once but a second time as well.

ADAM MICHAEL ROSENBERG

Cincinnati, Ohio

Counting All the Moral Votes

In a remarkable display of naivete, a  majority of Americans voted for Bush, thinking they were voting for moral values [Nov. 15]. They have instead elected a duplicitous group of war profiteers whose only interest is self-interest. The Republican juggernaut has seized control of all three branches of government. Religious conservatives will dictate how we live our lives. Toll the bells, my fellow citizens: democracy is dead in America.

FRANCINE PASETTI

Tampa, Fla.

I sorely wanted to vote for Kerry but voted for Bush because I could not, as a matter of conscience, vote for someone with Kerry's attitude toward abortion. I am not alone among silenced pro-life Democrats and other social conservatives who have gone unnoticed.

JIMMY QUACH

Cambridge, Mass.