Controversy Over Quayle’s Nomination
Notwithstanding the impassioned speeches of Vice President George Bush and Dan Quayle to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Part I, Aug. 23), there is an undeniable irony in Quayle’s changing outlook on war. There is a striking contrast between the unprincipled behavior of a 22-year-old college student who avoided active duty in Vietnam and an unabashedly aggressive senator who, 19 years later, takes such a hawkish viewpoint on military matters. This expeditious, even cynical orientation goes beyond mere inconsistency; it is downright hypocritical.
Moreover, why did Quayle choose a public outdoor setting in his hometown in order to have reporters ask him questions about his 1969 decision? How clever of him to have arranged a place where he might be judged favorably by a hometown crowd! It was inevitable that many in this crowd would jeer and boo any reporter who asked a probing or embarrassing question--and so they did (Part I, Aug. 20).
As a result of this affair, the contrast between strident, immature “pretty boy” J. Danforth Quayle III and serious, dignified “professional politician” Lloyd Bentsen has become more and more evident.
Finally, for Bush to dismiss Quayle would be a virtual admission of the senator’s intention to avoid military service; nevertheless Bush’s current decision to continue with his candidacy presages considerable doubt, skepticism and criticism.
J.D. HESS
Canoga Park
The Times received 429 letters on Quayle’s nomination; 294 were critical of his nomination, 112 supported him, and 23 took no stand.
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