George W. Bush

Republican candidate and front-runner George W. Bush is quoted as follows: “Too often, my party has confused the need for limited government with a disdain for government itself” (Oct. 6).

Former President Ronald Reagan was often quoted as saying that “government is the problem.” It appears that Bush may be taking not only “an apparent swipe at the GOP congressional leadership” but also a “swipe” at the legacy of Reagan. This could be a very interesting election indeed.

GENE ROTHMAN

Culver City

* Bill Press (Commentary, Oct. 8) whines that Bush can’t have any moderate positions because he has other positions that the liberal left considers radical right. Alas, Mr. Press, the world is not black and white, and the Republican agenda is not perfect.

Press continues, pouting, “It’s obvious that Bush’s comments are all part of a carefully crafted strategy.” Not only is it unfair that Bush feels free to criticize his party to give it a broader appeal, it’s also unfair that the Republican Party has a front-runner who carefully crafts his strategy.

PARKER LYONS

Irvine

* Press wrote that Bush is “rigidly antichoice” (i.e., pro-life). Would to God that Bush were worthy of Press’ invective! Roe vs. Wade and other Supreme Court decisions have for all practical purposes made abortion legal for any reason whatsoever for all nine months of a woman’s pregnancy. Bush will not indicate whether he opposes Roe vs. Wade and will not require his nominees to the Supreme Court to be committed to overruling Roe vs. Wade. “Bush Walks Pragmatic Path That Clinton Made Familiar” (news analysis, Oct. 8) indicated that Bush will not seek a ban on abortion as president.

For 20 years, Republican presidents have played the game of professing to be pro-life to get pro-life votes but appointing Supreme Court justices who would maintain the status quo of abortion on demand. If you are pro-life, be sure to vote for a person of character who is pro-life in fact as well as in name, such as Gary Bauer or Alan Keyes.

ROSS S. HECKMANN

Arcadia

* Is The Times so easily swayed to believe that just because Bush criticizes a few Republican ideas from Congress that he is a moderate or compassionate (editorial, Oct. 8)? As governor, Bush has consistently sided with the National Rifle Assn. in opposing all gun control. He has sided with antiabortion zealots in opposing a woman’s right to choose. He actively courts Jerry Falwell and James Dobson in opposing all laws against discrimination or hate crimes directed at gays and lesbians. Bush shared the stage with Pat Robertson at the Christian Coalition conference, who came very close to endorsing the governor of Texas. If this is “moderation” or “compassionate,” then the dictionary definitions must have changed recently.

MARK SATTERLEE

Los Angeles

* I’m starting a splinter wing of the California Republican Party. We call ourselves ABBys: “Anyone but Bush!” We will not let this chip off the old blockhead buy the GOP presidential nomination. John McCain, Elizabeth Dole or Steve Forbes--yes. Bush--no!

JERRY COWLE

Pacific Palisades