Black Caucus Protests Election

* Re “Objections Aside, a Smiling Gore Certifies Bush,” Jan. 7:

The sight of African American members of Congress begging Al Gore, of all people, for justice with respect to something as central to democracy as voting was disgusting. It made me feel like I lived in South Africa instead of Southern California. That such a disgrace should occur on the same day that George W. Bush, fresh from a Supreme Court-engineered victory, reverted to the (usually) standard Republican line about “states’ rights” made it that much more despicable.

I can only conclude from the silence of Democrats in the Senate that they much prefer to let Gore pass into history ASAP so as to run someone in 2004 with real guts and integrity, like our own Gov. Gray Davis. But will African Americans--or anyone else--feel like voting in large numbers for anyone next time out? And more important, will their votes be counted if they do?

TOM SILVESTRI

Sherman Oaks

*

Vice President Gore was called “sore loser” by those who would trample democracy to put their man in the White House. Instead, he has demonstrated an amazing amount of grace and poise in the face of monstrous injustice. He told those of us who supported him that he would not forget the message we sent with our votes. It was painful for us to watch him certify for Bush the Florida electoral votes that we feel rightfully belong to him. Yet he has put his steadfast respect for democracy and love for the country before his personal goals.

Although it is disappointing that no senator stepped forward to allow debate on the Florida electors, it was gratifying to hear many senators and congressmen refer to Gore as “Mr. President” [as president of the Senate]. I would like to join them and say to Gore: Mr. President, we heard you, and we won’t forget.

JAN DUCKER

Los Angeles