Conventions or Coronations?

* Odd, I’d always thought America was a democracy. After watching the two recent coronation ceremonies I am not sure. First we had the Kingdom of Oil anointing George II. In the audience was the abdicated King George I with Queen Mother Barbara. Prince George III addressed potential subjects in a foreign language.

A $20-million-plus ransom was paid to keep the next in line free to make decisions regarding the welfare of peasants throughout the land. A new CCC is planned, called the Compassionate Conservatives Corps, which plans to open a chain of Marie Antoinette Bakeries with the slogan, “Let them eat cake.”

Then came the next royal party, with Queen Hillary introducing her King William, who promptly dislocated his arm while patting himself on his back. Then we had the Royals of Camelot--Princess Caroline and Archduke Ted. The royal gathering had Lady in Waiting Tipper letting the peasants know all about her King Albert. The second in command was made to kiss the robes of the High Priestess Maxine in order to quiet rebellion in the ranks.

The real Queen Mother, at the ripe old age of 100, must be very pleased that her ex-colonies still observe the rites of royalty.

HAL BRAUN

Hollywood

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Re the Democratic convention: The hours upon hours of TV coverage, the reams upon reams of newsprint, the interviews, the analysis, the endlessly pontificating talking heads. . . . All of it strikes me as much ado about very damn little. Because in point of fact, the U.S. now has a one-party political system in all but name. The sameness between modern-day Democrats and Republicans, if distilled into liquid form, could easily fill an ocean; the difference could be poured into a gnat’s navel and still leave room for a flea circus.

BILL CRAIG

Huntington Beach

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It has been depressing watching the Republican and Democratic convention spectacles that have come to resemble the Academy Awards. But thanks to such commentaries in The Times (Aug. 15) as those of Sen. Russell D. Feingold (D-Wis.), Robert Scheer and Jim Wallis, the light of reason can still shine in our neon-lit dark age.

The message I get from all three is that while democracy stops at the corporate door, the portals of democracy are wide open to corporate greed, to the detriment of those in need. Both conventions have provided a litmus test of America’s conscience. The result would indicate abysmal failure.

CUTHBERT MANN

Glendora