For a Different Standard-Bearer

From time to time I see a familiar face in a Times article but when I read the text I find it hard to recognize the person. Such was not the case when I read Josh Getlin’s profile of Bob Hattoy (“The Speech of His Life,” July 2, about Hattoy’s then-upcoming speech to the Democratic convention about AIDS.)

Six years ago, Bob called me for some information as part of a political campaign, and I was impressed enough to put his name and phone number in my directory. Our brief telephone encounter left me wanting to do more work in a project I now find hard to recall. Such is the power of his persuasion.

I could ask for a no more articulate speaker. He knows from personal experience what it is like to live and to be productive under what some might describe as great difficulties, while retaining a powerful sense of purpose and an infectious sense of humor.

We need more persons like him to inspire--even goad--us into action. He has every right to call us to action and we have little choice but to respond affirmatively. I wish those who would be the official standard-bearers of their parties could inspire such loyalty, or that we were wont to elect his like to offices of public trust.

THOMAS M. NYLUND

Los Angeles