Refusing gift is more than just a technicality

Your April 27 editorial, “The iLobby,” wrongly suggested that my decision to return a free iPod sent to my office from lobbyists reflected a lack of technological understanding. How sad that The Times would think the only way to get a message to Congress is via expensive gifts. Isn’t that what’s wrong with Washington? We don’t need a digital version of Duke Cunningham.

I am a friend of the technology community because I make good public policy, not because I want a free iPod. I’ve been named to BusinessWeek’s “Digital Dozen” of the top tech-savvy legislators. I’ve introduced legislation to expand broadband Internet access to more communities. I’ll continue to work to implement policies that keep us on the cutting edge. And I’ll stick with the iPod my daughter gave me for Christmas two years ago.

SEN. JOHN KERRY

(D-Mass.)