Forum, Jun. 7, 1976

Reagan v. Ford: Elephants at War

To the Editors:

What crossover vote [May 17]? Did anyone ever think that people voted for Ronald Reagan to protest Gerald Ford and the pardon he gave to former President Nixon? Reagan had the issues: foreign policy, national security, the post offices and the Panama Canal giveaway.

So I believe that Ford does have a contender. Though Ford says Reagan doesn't know what he's talking about, apparently some folks believe he does, and they showed their views in the primary elections.

Betty Pair Seagraves, Texas

I am a Democrat but I voted for Gerald Ford in my state's primary. I would have preferred to vote for Udall—to strengthen responsible liberalism in the Democratic Party—but I could not stand by while Reagan drove the Republican Party further into simplistic conservatism. The threat of Reagan outweighed the promise of Udall.

It is perhaps a commentary on our electoral process that I found myself voting for the very incumbent I wish to see out of office after the election.

Alan Creutz Ann Arbor, Mich.

The emergence of Ronald Reagan as a serious contender for the Republican nomination is exhilarating. It just might suggest that America is recovering its pride and vigor. Reagan will stand tall against the internal and external enemies who have so harmed America's morale in recent years.

Alan Shelly Toronto, Ont.

How can anyone back a candidate (Reagan) who supports the idea of having the United States become a warfare state? What we certainly don't need is another senseless military conflict (over the Panama Canal).

Let's concentrate on satisfying the basic human needs that are crying out in our country.

Barry J. Rickert Valley View, Pa.

If Reagan exaggerates and oversimplifies so consistently as a candidate, what would he do as a President? One point he made I do agree with—he'd need God's help in doing the job —though it's plain he underestimated the amount!

Linda E. Brink College Park, Md.

I am disgusted by Reagan's comments regarding his lack of support by the poor and blacks. He claims to know a little bit about prejudice by virtue of having an Irish Catholic father. So he got to hear all the Pope stories!

He also declares his admiration for James Schlesinger. I expected his next sentence to be: "Some of my best friends are sons of Jewish immigrants."

Audrie Novak Muncie, Ind.

If destiny gives us the wonderful choice between Jimmy Carter and Ronnie Reagan, history may well mark this election as peanuts v. popcorn.

Jonathan D. Aks East Brunswick, N.J.

When, Not If

Reporter Bernard Diederich's article regarding la dolce vita in the Panama Canal Zone [May 17] adds nothing new to an already overworked stereotype. Most rational people living here, including the military and civilian employees, realize that the canal issue is a question of when, not if. To drag out the same cliches about the Zonians' insular existence simply adds fuel to an overly explosive situation.

Joseph Louis Fort Clayton, C.Z.