Candidate Dole’s Acceptance Speech

I am appalled by Bob Dole’s attack on public education and teachers’ unions in his Aug. 15 acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. At a gathering so aimed at “inclusiveness” and avoidance of controversy, where speakers were soft on tobacco lobbies, gun control and both sides of the abortion issue, there had to be some sector that could be safely attacked. You got it--the teachers.

Although Dole claimed to vilify the unions, “not the teachers,” I do not distinguish between the terms. His statements have lost him the hope of alliance with a truly influential group of citizens. Dole dismisses as failures the efforts of thousands of American teachers who take responsibility for the care and instruction of millions of young people, future voters.

Dole’s problem will continue to be that teachers’ unions consistently support Democratic candidates. But more importantly, the country’s real problem with public education lies not with the unions, but with our nation’s chronic lack of support and respect for children and the people who are closest to them.

CLARISSA BANDA

Eagle Rock

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* I had avoided watching or listening to any of the Republican convention--that gathering of boring jackals and millionaires and petty, pathetic people--but happened to catch the beginning of Dole’s acceptance speech on the radio. At first I thought he was taking the high road, talking about his upbringing on the prairie and the littleness of man in such a space. Then he moved on to trash the proven fact that “it takes a village to raise a child,” a slap at the first lady and her wonderful, inspiring book.

What a cheap, mean-spirited political animal (sorry to make animals suffer by comparison) Dole is, and the whole bunch of them. I’ll be listening to every minute of the Democratic convention and expect to hear some genuine expression of merriment, compassion and optimism. Onward and upward with the party of the people!

E.L. DIEMER

Santa Barbara

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* Dole ain’t no Cicero, but who speaks Latin today? Day four at the San Diego Convention Center radiated excitement. Ghost writers’ triumph. Dole’s on a roll.

JIM SKEESE

San Diego

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* The Republican platform contains a provision to discontinue granting automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the United States to mothers who are not U.S. citizens. Hurray! It is long past time to address this issue!

Yet Dole and Jack Kemp both do not endorse this provision. Kemp: “Born in America, you’re an American” (Aug. 14). To this I ask why? Where is the logic? The U.S. is the only First World country to have this provision.

SHIRLEY E. ROTH

Fountain Valley

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* I am disappointed in Kemp. I used to think of him as the Republican with a backbone, as well as a heart. And when Dole chose him as a running mate, I thought that, indeed, he would serve well to provide those hard-liners around him with a human face.

Now I am wondering whether he is the man of principles I once thought he was. How can a man change in his beliefs (namely, about Prop. 187 and the denial of schooling and health care to poor children) in a matter of just a few days?

VICTOR ELIAZO

Los Angeles

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* Since I read that Dole was going to give everyone a 15% tax cut and also do away with the federal deficit, I have been confused and amazed.

Then along comes Sen. Alfonse D’Amato with his investigative powers and comments. According to D’Amato, the only solution may be to take the horrifying step of cutting Social Security recipients’ cost-of-living increases and reducing Medicare payments to the elderly. But, he said, this is not an idea that should pass Dole’s lips now (Aug. 13). At least he told it like it is!

VIRGINIA KELLY

Santa Ana

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* Let’s see here. The “party of inclusion” has a big enough tent for everyone. We Republicans who are pro-choice and anti-assault weapons can come on in. We are then to give our votes and financial support to candidates who swear that, if they win, they will limit our reproductive rights and put more assault weapons on the street. Gee, where can I send my money?

As long as the Christian Coalition is functioning as a third house of our Congress I will not be voting for a Republican president because then we will have Ralph Reed, the leader of that “third chamber,” as a shadow president. No thanks. Our Constitution says that church and state are separate.

BARBARA J. HULSIZER

Los Angeles

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* Throughout history good satirists have offset man’s love of pomp. As I watched the Republican convention, I prayed for God to give us a good satirist. Then I read Mort Sahl’s comments on the show in San Diego (Commentary, Aug. 15). My prayers weren’t needed, my needs were anticipated.

JIM HOOD

Camarillo

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* The Republicans say they’re going to make the economy grow by more than 3% a year. Have they cleared this with Alan Greenspan?

MICHAEL CARGAL