GOP’s Moderation Is Just an Empty Display

Re “For the GOP, Voices With Reach,” June 29: The Republican convention schedule of one moderate speaking after another is a shrewd but highly deceptive public relations move. As you listen to the keynote speakers talk about moderation and unity, forget about their nice words and think about the last four years under Republican rule.

In the 2000 campaign, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney preached a message of moderation and bipartisanship, but on Inauguration Day they started to radically reshape America.

Their actions have included a war in the Middle East, packing the federal courts with right-wing ideologues, giving evangelical Christians unprecedented influence in shaping social policy, eliminating protections on our natural heritage and countless other policies that are far from moderate.

So while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and the other speakers give middle-of-the-road speeches, remember what happened to the promises of moderation in the 2000 campaign.

Marc Rumminger

Berkeley