EMAIL OF THE DAY

“I am not sure you understand your critics. As a longtime reader (and future reader), I am scratching my head at your endorsement of Kerry. Not because you are wrong on your criticisms of Bush (I may disagree, but not substantially so), but where does President Kerry make anything better? Even on gay rights: do you think that gay rights will become better/worse no matter who is President? If Bush is elected the Senate will prevent any backsliding on rights, and the same Senate will not allow Kerry (if he were inclined – which he is not) to promote a “pro-gay rights” agenda. This effectively becomes a non-issue, so base your vote on something – anything – else.
Beyond that, the war on terror, government spending, free trade – pick one any one. I just cannot see Kerry as an improvement. Maybe the argument is that Kerry will be a Clinton and the fight against a Republican Congress will prevent the government from doing anything dumb, but then put your blame on the shoulders of the men and women who deserve it – the senators and congressmen and women.
Just call me an ABK – “Anyone But Kerry” voter – disappointed in the President’s abandonment of conservative ideals, but knowing the alternative is a heck of a lot worse.” I take these points. and that’s why I haven’t said I’m endorsing Kerry – despite all the hyperventilating on some hard-right sites. But I’m open to being persuaded and, given the nation-building challenges of the next few years, and Bush’s obvious inability to master the art, I’m not sure Kerry would be such a disaster in the war. As for free trade, I think it’s a wash. Same with the deficit, although I think Kerry won’t get his healthcare proposal through and so might be better than Bush. Government spending? If the House stays Republican, Kerry will be much better than Bush.