To the editor:

First, thank you to the Journal-World for its coverage of the recent Kerry-Edwards “snub” in Lawrence and of John Edwards’ return appearance on Aug. 8. Your photos are beautiful and you provided a range of citizens’ opinions.

Most local folks responded to Edwards’ visit positively, and they did so because the Kerry campaign welcomes all Americans at its rallies. Hecklers have showed up at some stops by the Democratic team, but Kerry and Edwards aren’t afraid of dissent, nor do they shy away from mixing it up.

In contrast, the Bush-Cheney campaign screens those who want to attend their appearances. People must show Republican Party affiliation and/or endorse the president’s re-election. If you don’t do one or both, you don’t get a ticket, nor do you get the chance to make a fully informed choice in this election. Just another example of the rigged game our leaders like.

Kerry is often criticized as the guy who tells people what they want to hear, while Bush is praised as the guy who tells it like it is. However, I’m sure that Bush’s hand-picked audiences hear what they want to hear: the economy is robust, the Iraq war is a success and gay people are evil. That might be an oversimplification, but not by much.

I’ll say what the Democrats are too polite to say. Bush and Cheney were cowards during the Vietnam War, and they remain cowards in the face of dissent.

Ray Pence,

Lawrence