Volunteerism

Re “As the Great Tocqueville Never Said,” Column Right, Sept. 15: John J. Pitney Jr. misses Alexis de Tocqueville’s essential observation of our then-young republic, which is volunteerism. Tocqueville found volunteerism unique to America and was impressed with the results. Bob Dole trusts people, ergo he believes in the voluntary effort. Bill Clinton, without a healthy cynicism for big government, trusts the federal govern- ment.

Dole owns the intellectual argument. Unfortunately, this hasn’t resonated with voters.

GEORGE BRENNER

Westwood