GOP Convention

* As I watched the opening night of the Republican convention on Monday, I was struck by how scripted it all came across. Gen. Colin Powell was the exception. Here is a man who speaks from experience and from the heart. That he would dare speak of addressing the needs of the poor, let alone the need to have affirmative action, before a rather conservative group says a lot about the genuineness and resolve of this outstanding citizen. He expresses exactly what the Republicans have needed for a long time, the need to reach out in a truly genuine way, not just through rhetoric but through policymaking.

Although I dread the thought of Republican-controlled legislative and executive branches, if Powell were running for president I would seriously consider his candidacy. I definitely will not consider George W. Bush.

ROBERT C. LUTES

Temple City

*

All right, who were those people at the GOP convention and where are the real Republicans? Inclusiveness, affirmative action, leave no child behind, rap singers, gospel groups! They look and sound like Democrats to me, until I read the platform.

ROBERT DALTON

Los Angeles

*

What a magnificent woman Laura Bush is. And what an opportunity this country has in returning a real woman’s woman to the White House, instead of the present occupant, who represents the fringe groups personified by the women in her Cabinet.

MIKE HANNIN

Newbury Park

*

So George W. regards the advice of his father as valuable. I have been lucky enough to work with my father for 15 years and his advice has been invaluable. Consider how few presidents have had the advice of a living father during their administrations. I believe only John Kennedy, in the past 100 years. If asked, George Sr.’s wisdom can only expand the information base from which serious decisions are considered. Sounds good to me.

TOM VON GREMP

San Clemente

*

I guess the new, inclusive Republican Party that is welcoming women, blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans is not interested in including Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, atheists and others who do not believe that Jesus Christ is our lord. Recommendation to the GOP: If you want my vote, next time skip the prayer.

MARGOT BENNETT

Culver City

*

From Mike Downey (July 30) to Robert G. Beckel and William Schneider (Opinion, July 30), The Times keeps trying to dig up and exploit the old canard that Dick Cheney supports “cop-killer bullets” and “plastic guns” that are invisible to airport security scanners.

Even a lowly varmint-caliber round, as well as many defensive rounds, will defeat body armor, so any law aimed at eliminating this ammunition is just a backdoor attempt to ban the guns that fire them.

There is not and never has been an “invisible” plastic gun. Yes, high-end pistols like the Glock-17 employ composite materials, but this same gun incorporates more than a pound of steel in its design.

DAVID CODREA

Redondo Beach