Bush’s Record Doesn’t Justify His Gain in Poll

The juxtaposition of headlines on the front page on Aug. 27 couldn’t have been more striking: “Poor and Uninsured Americans Increase for Third Straight Year” and, right below it, “Key Midwest Swing States Are Leaning Toward Bush.” What is one to make of this? That if President Bush lies long enough and loud enough (about Iraq, tax cuts, the economy, the environment, his military service), a majority of Americans will believe him? Or that a majority of the American people is just plain stupid? Fool us once, shame on you, George Bush; fool us twice, shame on us.

Tim Vivian

Bakersfield

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I’m not really surprised that Bush has edged ahead of John F. Kerry in the polls. Recently, as I watched TV, my mouth almost dropped open at the tremendous amount of political right-wing propaganda everywhere.

It has never been as bad as it is now. Bush does not have to make any literate, informed comments. He just reads what is scripted for him and television does the rest. His presidency has been one of the worst as far as I’m concerned, but he will probably be reelected because of this universal support from the televised media as “anchors” are chosen for their ferocious verbosity and ability to manipulate language as never before.

Newspapers have been the lifeblood of this democracy in reporting truthfully, thankfully.

I believe there could be major catastrophes in a second Bush term, probably in the areas of finance and/or the environment because of ignorance, corruption and mismanagement.

Camilla R. Gorham

Ann Arbor, Mich.

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Recent polls appear confusing and self-destructive. By a slight margin, Americans apparently support Bush, but not the direction he is taking the country. Am I to understand that Americans are willing to vote for Bush even if his actions lead the U.S. to the brink?

Louisa B. Caucia

Montrose