To the editor:

I write in response to the “Liberal Rants” letter, written by Robert M. Tyler, in which he states, “Democrats have been carping, whining : about nothing.” I think this depends upon what your definition of “nothing” is (a wink toward President Clinton).

As a card-carrying, Carping and Whining Progressive Democrat (CWPD), I don’t consider lying to Congress and the American people about why we needed to invade Iraq, “nothing.” You might remember statements such as, “We know exactly where the WMD are.” As a CWPD I don’t consider the Downing Street memo “nothing.” Britain’s highest leaders knew that Bush was lying about Iraq being a threat to anyone.

Let’s quickly lump other CWPD illusions together: Similar torture techniques developed and implemented in at least three countries, (far from being a “few bad-apples”); massive Halliburton corruption in Iraq (V.P. Cheney’s old pals); journalists bought and paid for; changing reasons for Iraq’s invasion, (9-11, WMD, Saddam, democracy); a majority of the world seeing us as the biggest threat to world peace; massive federal debt; little to no job growth; deregulation of big business; ignoring of global warming and the environment because it would cut into profits, (which are of course the bottom line).

Thomas Jefferson said, “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” Our country was started by carpers and whiners. I stand directly opposed to where Bush is taking our country, Mr. Tyler, and reading your letter has but strengthened me in this conviction. I thank you.

Daniel Patrick Schamle,

Lawrence