Letters: Mar. 20, 2000

WHAT DRIVES BUSH

After I read how George W. Bush won the South Carolina primary [CAMPAIGN 2000, Feb. 28], it was clear that John McCain's ads comparing Bush to Clinton were right on target. Rather than continuing to whine, Bush should do a bit of soul searching with Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson. Taking the Clinton "I'll do anything to win" road to Washington is nothing to be proud of. The only thing Bush will bring to Washington is hot air from a different party. SHARON FLECK HERMAN Lindenhurst, Ill.

Bush is a man who gets results, speaks from the heart and believes passionately that his policies are the best way to keep this country great. McCain is an egotistical hypocrite who will turn himself into anyone to get power. Bush is the man who will do the most for my children, and he'll get my vote. DARCY LINN San Francisco

The Republican establishment is looking for a certain image in its presidential candidate, and the suit fits Bush. He either doesn't realize what is happening or doesn't care. Whichever it is, do we really want a man who is oblivious to reality in the White House? PAUL ROWLAND DeKalb, Ill.

If Bush becomes president, I just hope he doesn't start spending our tax dollars the same way he's been going through his campaign money. Tax money is the people's money. As a conservative Republican, Bush should show that he is a responsible spender. MARC PERKEL Springfield, Mo.

Anyone who wants to return to party bosses in back rooms (smoke filled or otherwise) selecting the nominee should vote for Bush. This campaign is mostly about control. Pick the candidates, flood 'em with squashing amounts of money and send 'em forth. Round up the cadre to provide a flying wedge. Anyone not on board had better consider himself dead meat as far as the party is concerned. George W. Bush is merely the cover boy in this campaign; the Republican Party bosses are the real candidates. DAN THOMPSON Elgin, Ore.

Whatever it is that is driving Bush's campaign, it needs an overhaul. SAUL KAHAN Los Angeles

Powerful interests are protecting their $70 million investment with a candidate they consider a winner because of little more than his name-recognition value. We are headed for business as usual and a choice between two bought-and-paid-for candidates. DONNA S. TRAVERS Santa Monica, Calif.

CHINA BATTLES THE NET

Karl Marx said religion was "the opium of the people," but the real opium is ignorance. By trying to choke the spread of the Internet in China [WORLD, Feb. 28], the Communist Party is stopping the spread of knowledge. Despite their attempts, communist leaders will find that China's Iron Curtain will eventually break down under the forces of freedom. TURHAN SARWAR, AGE 15 Kenner, La.

THE PACE OF EXECUTIONS