MAIL CALL: KERRY-EDWARDS: 'JUST WHAT THE COUNTRY

The real issue in the campaign is not optimism, but substance versus style. So far the public has been treated to a John Kerry who is optimistic about America but doesn't tell us much about his policies. What Americans want are answers to gasoline prices well over $2, milk up 50 cents a gallon, continuous unemployment and some non-VA patients forced to buy medicine from Canada so they won't have to pay double. I hope Kerry and John Edwards will realize that America needs more substantial answers and fewer stylish descriptions. Otherwise we will be in for another warmed-over campaign.
Anthony Mirante
Philadelphia, Pa.

"The sunshine boys?" shouldn't be a question. Kerry and Edwards are the sunshine for which our country and the world are in desperate need. Four years of "gloom and doom" is more than enough!
Carter Richards
via internet

No sooner did John Kerry name John Edwards his running mate than the Republican assertions began that Edwards was, in fact, Kerry's second choice--the implication being that Kerry's good friend and fellow Vietnam veteran Sen. John McCain was his first preference. That may be, but such criticism might have more credibility if Dick Cheney had been candidate Bush's first choice for VP as well. Lest we forget, Cheney was appointed to head the search for vice president and ultimately landed the job himself.
Norman L. Bender
Woodbridge, Conn.

It is absurd to assert on your cover that Kerry is betting on "the politics of optimism." Kerry's campaign is based on rooting for two things: a slowdown in the U.S. economy and our failure in Iraq. It is hard to recall a noteworthy major policy initiative Kerry has offered. Instead he has been remarkably adept at inventing ways to attack and insult President Bush without offering any important positive initiatives.
Robert E. Grady
San Francisco, Calif.

Reading about John and Elizabeth Edwards was like experiencing a spiritual reawakening. The stress of hearing about the war, the economy and the false issue of so-called values was almost enough to make me throw up my hands in despair. I now feel rejuvenated by the spirit of these fine people, who have been dealt the tragedy of losing a child and are going forward with grace and dignity.
Janet W. Bilderbeck
Jemez Springs, N.M.