George W. Bush

The first day of campaigning after leaving New Hampshire, George Bush gave a speech at Bob Jones University (Feb. 3). Bush said he looks forward to “publicly defending our conservative philosophy.” Is giving one of his first speeches in South Carolina at a university that prohibits interracial dating his idea of defending core Republican values?

I am concerned that this compassionate conservative, if elected, could turn back the clock and undo 30 years of civil rights legislation. The next president will most likely appoint one or two Supreme Court justices. Already there is a five-judge conservative majority. Adding two more conservatives would be devastating.

JAMES F. RIPKA

Los Angeles

* So Bush is planning to skewer John McCain in South Carolina by labeling him a liberal (Feb. 4). Webster’s New World Dictionary defines liberal: “favoring reform or progress, as in religion, education, etc.: specific, favoring political reforms tending toward democracy and personal freedom for the individual.” By that definition, I would venture to guess that 99% of Americans are liberals, favoring democracy and personal freedom for the individual.

Bush is bestowing a badge of honor on McCain. And by his own statements and beliefs, wouldn’t the dictionary definition make Bush a liberal too?

MARVIN HAAS

Banning

* Re “Primary Is a Nonissue for Californians,” Feb. 7: With due respect for Cathleen Decker’s research and opinion, I don’t know whom she’s talking to about the election. Most Californians I speak with have definite opinions about the election, even at the primary level.

It is my considered opinion that it is the press itself, and not the citizens, that is trying to make the primary into a “nonissue.”

Al Gore and Bush have been touted as shoo-ins all along. Polls are cited continuously to reinforce this opinion. But the opinions of the pundits and the party bosses don’t elect the president, we do--and we care.

MARK MISHKIN

Los Angeles

* After watching the parade of presidential candidates in Iowa, New Hampshire, etc., I know Gore isn’t much--but to think one of these carbon-copy jerks has a real shot at becoming president is almost terrifying.

JOHN McLELLAN

Huntington Beach