Buchanan’s Campaign

I take strong exception to your March 3 editorial (“Get Ready for Buchanan’s Politics of Resentment”). While I do not endorse or support Pat Buchanan, I will say that, for once, his campaign offers voters a clear choice between the old, tired political hacks and someone who speaks his mind. He offers what you have called “blame-laying and simplistic answers.” Isn’t it about time this country looked in the mirror and told the truth to itself? We have problems--let’s quit sweeping them under the rug and addressing them only during an election year.

Since the current politicians can’t seem to solve the problems of this country without massive layers of bureaucracy and paperwork, why can’t we consider simple solutions? Ask taxpayers how they would solve the problems of this country and they will give you some simple, effective answers in less time than it takes a politician to take a campaign contribution check from a PAC.

Buchanan is willing to at least bring to the table issues that require attention. Are his solutions different? Yes. Do I agree with them? We’ll see. Don’t shout him down simply because he brings a different perspective to how we can better this nation.

KEN KELLER

Valencia

* As a white male, it deeply angers me that the Confederate battle flag is honored in any fashion. To me, it is a symbol of the Confederate secession, the single greatest treasonous act against the U.S. While some might view it as a symbol of Southern honor, it is nonetheless a symbol of subjugation and strife. For Buchanan to call it a symbol of “defiance” (March 1), he must be wearing historical, cultural and civil blinders!

LELAND P. HAMMERSCHMITT

Ojai