Election Ironies
The cover headline "Can the Economy Save Bush?" ["Campaignomics," October 9] is understandable in view of the usual election year controversies, but the irony is striking! Six years ago, that same headline could have been written backwards: "Can Bush Save the Economy?" The administration's focus on tangible growth has greatly helped get the U.S. economy and key financial indicators back on the track of sustainable growth. If more voters were conservative investors whose experience during the dot-com years roughly tracked the balanced-fund curve and not the wide swings of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, then there would be no question about the outcome of the upcoming November election: Maintain the present economic direction of both the Congress and the administration.
JOHN N. PIKE
Pleasantville, N.Y.
Rapidly falling gas prices may make one wonder if the Bush administration has been manipulating prices in time to benefit Republicans in the important November 7 midterm elections. If so, surely discerning voters will not be fooled. Bush and the Republican Party are so out of touch with the needs of regular people.
PAUL L. WHITELEY SR.
Louisville, Ky.
How long did it take to find the picture for your cover? Was the assignment to find a picture of President Bush that was the least flattering, depicting him as weary and uncertain?
PEARL HAMMERAND
Ojai, Calif.
I was amused by the picture of the gas station price board that showed $2.08 a gallon for unleaded. According to the article, gas prices were down an average of 66 cents a gallon from seven weeks ago. I recently paid $2.79 a gallon here for regular unleaded. That's still 71 cents a gallon more than the picture showed.
SAMUEL KATAGI
Calabasas, Calif.
Walking the Walk
Each of us who professes adherence to a credo that promotes the love of others needs to measure the strength of our convictions against those shown by the Amish in Pennsylvania following the shooting of several children in their own schoolhouse ["Eyeing the Unspeakable, and Forgiving," October 16]. As one who attended a similar school on the Iowa prairie, I can attest to the sense of belonging and security I felt in that rural setting many years ago. But I cannot imagine how an event of such horror would have been dealt with in that community. Would I measure up to the exemplary Amish standard of forgiveness in the event of a similar tragedy? I need to do some heartfelt soul-searching to determine the answer.
MILTON E. JORGENSEN
Winchester, Kan.
"Eyeing the Unspeakable, and Forgiving" reveals the uncommon behavior, the unpretentious element, and unfailing love practiced by a community of the Christian faith, not witnessed much in American society. In the wake of a senseless and merciless tragedy, the Amish offered the spirit of forgiveness and compassion for the gunman and his family, showing not a hint of revenge or criticism. The Amish walk the walk. What a real lesson this is for professed Christians.
ISAIAH J. ASHE
Huntsville, Ala.
The Border Burden
I thought the construction of a 700-mile fence along the Texas-Mexico border was merely a political diversion ["Good Fences and Such," October 16]. The picture of President Bush signing a bill to fund the fence project convinced me that this ludicrous plan may in fact become a reality. I find it hard to believe there are enough lawmakers in Washington that are so far out of touch with reality and so lacking in common sense as to think that this fence would actually help the problem. If sneaking into the United States were less attractive, illegal immigrants would quit coming. We have laws already on the books that provide large fines for employers who hire illegal immigrants. Why not enforce these laws and curtail the job opportunities for illegals? Why not eliminate welfare dollars and other social program benefits to illegal immigrants? We need to stop rewarding them. This and perhaps other sensible ideas would help stem the tide of illegals a lot better than some ill-conceived, noneffective, overpriced fence. Taxpayers and voters should turn out in great numbers in the 2006 and 2008 elections to put some people in Washington who at least have a bit of common sense.
FRED HAYES
Goliad, Texas
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