Al Gore and DNC

* Re “Some Free Advice for the Convention Planners,” Commentary, May 23: How many Steven Schleins are there? I know of four, counting the Steven Schlein who wrote the commentary. Now, I am getting calls, and I feel compelled to react briefly.

I do not think it is in anyone’s interest for Democratic National Convention planers to “play to win,” “make no apologies,” “to swing back,” or to “wrap [their] messages in a principle, not facts,” as Schlein suggests they do in response to political protest during this year’s national convention. All of this sounds irresponsible to me.

Aren’t voters tired of posturing by politicians? Don’t we want the facts? Don’t we want to replace image campaigns with vigorous, honest discussions of the vital questions of the day?

Let the DNC planners respond honestly and directly to protesters so that the rest of us can more accurately judge the Democratic Party leadership and its candidates.

STEVE SCHLEIN

Venice

*

It’s clear to anyone with the slightest wit that the Democratic Party has long forgone dialogue with those who don’t follow its ever-rightward tilt. Its representatives do, however, continue to cackle on endlessly with regard to the supposed wonders of economic globalization, among a gaggle of other positions which the party seems to find virtuous. The party leadership continues to dismiss protesters as inconsequential, ill-informed dilettantes. A view which, historically, I would point out, has proven quite misguided and in less timid societies than this provoked revolution.

ROGER BOWERS

Los Angeles

*

As an advocate of criminal justice reform and concerned with the increasing number of petty thieves and drug addicts filling our bulging prison system, I’m trying to figure out where the Democrats have “appeased” us and provided “real solutions,” as Schlein says. Is this where they have helped keep the number of prisoners lower by winking at Bill Clinton and Al Gore for their “indiscretions” involving Monica Lewinsky and campaign donations?

DOUG KIESO

Los Angeles

*

Despite my aging body, every summer the heat forces me sooner or later to wear shorts and go braless. Lately, my unattractive choice has been coming sooner rather than later.

Don’t tell me Gore’s wrong about global warming. That’s why I’m voting for him. He was one of the first politicians to talk about the greenhouse effect.

I have a hunch if oilman George W. Bush is elected, his solution will be for us to sell a few stocks and seek plastic surgery. (But don’t sue the doctor if it goes wrong.)

TARJA BLACK

Lancaster