Patsy A. Mastrangelo – 10/5/04

This page was last updated on October 5, 2004.

Present, future concern voters; Patsy A. Mastrangelo; Beaver County Times; October 5, 2004.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Just a little reminder to the letter writers who are concerned what U.S. Sen. John Kerry did and did not do 20 years ago.

“I feel that the voters of our country look at this election as one of the most important elections of our time and they are up to it. When they cast their votes at the polls, their conscience will be their guide.

“What Kerry did 20 years ago will not be of any concern to them. Their concerns will be mainly about the present and the future condition of our country.”

[RWC] I wonder if this was Mastrangelo’s position during the Democrat convention this summer. Remember, Kerry’s Vietnam service was the centerpiece of the convention and liberals loved it. Kerry led off his nomination acceptance speech with, “I’m John Kerry and I’m reporting for duty!” and saluted. Further, John Edwards said, “If you have any question about what John Kerry’s made of, just spend three minutes with the men who served with him.” Liberals thought they had a real war hero to ward off the “liberals are weak on national defense” impression that most Americans believe. Then came the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth who took Sen. Edwards up on his challenge. Suddenly, Kerry supporters don’t want to talk about Vietnam.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s far more important what Kerry did for the last 35 years than what he did for four months in Vietnam. We just need to be clear whom it was who made such a big deal about it in the first place.

“Our informed voters will not let our country be in the disastrous position that it is now. Many voters will understand what is expected of them through their conscience.

“Young, middle-class and senior citizens will turn out heavy and vote in this election.

“Kerry has a plan to bring this country back to what it was. President Bush has not and will continue on to the road to ruins. [sic]”

[RWC] What is the plan? The only “plans” I’ve seen from Kerry involve tax increases, even more government programs, and relegating national defense to a “global test.” If you believe the United States is on the road to ruin, I believe you aren’t paying attention or refuse to admit what you see.

“Please, voters, do not be misled and also don’t forget one other important issue. Be at peace with yourself.”

[RWC] Perhaps Mastrangelo should take her/his own advice and not allow herself/himself to be misled.