Clinton’s Speech

* Re “Opening Night at Convention Is Clinton’s Show,” Aug. 15: President Clinton remembers being a young man in the ‘60s when, in his reading of history, all the momentum of the era’s prosperity and progress created by Democratic administrations was lost when Richard Nixon took office. According to Clinton, it has taken 30 years for the nation to once again be poised on the brink of his dream.

When I was a young man in the ‘60s, I dreamed that one day the Cold War would end and the Soviet Union would no longer be a threat to our country. Under a Republican president, my dream came true.

BEN CARNES

Woodland Hills

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* We are having prosperity and a lower national debt not due to Republican cooperation but despite their constant opposition.

TAD NIZINSKI

Rancho Palos Verdes

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* Re “Clinton Disputes Bush’s Portrayal of Economy,” Aug. 14: It absolutely amazes me that one man can believe so much in his and the Democratic Party’s omniscience. It is an insult to the American people that Clinton takes responsibility for the economic growth during the past few years. The creative brains and hard work of so many Americans were not directed by a single man or a single political party.

It is the people who consistently and diligently work hard and push for growth and change; even the nagging protesters have a purpose. It would be nice to hear a presidential candidate say, “I hear you and know who is really in charge.” The people know Clinton is definitely not omnipotent, quite the contrary.

SANDY LONG

Newport Beach

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* George Bush seems to have two different messages when it comes to the economy. One is that the current administration has done nothing and the other is that he must be voted into office to undo the damage with a tax cut. The economy is in great shape because of the Republican Congress; the economy is in horrible shape because of the Democratic president. This schizophrenic talk sounds all too familiar from someone who thinks he is different.

ARMANDO RAMIREZ

Los Angeles

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* Bush and Dick Cheney are obviously too far to the right, while Al Gore and Sen. Joseph Lieberman are distancing themselves from Clinton, the greatest president this country has ever had since JFK and FDR, and sucking up to moralist conservatives. We should have someone with attitude and who stands up to right-wing conservatives. Bill Clinton should be president for a third term. Unfortunately, we have to choose between Gore and Bush. Ross Perot, where are you when we need you?

OSCAR AYALA

Los Angeles

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* For a politician, Lieberman’s choice to press his attack against the film industry this last weekend was not very political. Being a lifelong Democrat, I don’t often get irked at a Democratic Party nominee to the point where I’m not sure if I want to vote for the ticket. However, I see it as a bad omen for the viability of a Gore administration when Lieberman has so unsuitably demonstrated his inability to appreciate the simple political principle that even though you may have access to the bully pulpit, there are nevertheless times when it is better to let others speak.

ERIC P. MANDEL

Los Angeles