First, unless you mean something other than what you wrote, you seem to state allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct by public officials undermines working- class solidarity. I do not understand that.

Second, the scandalous and corrupt nature of American bourgeois politicians has been recognized for at least 100 years. I do not understand why you think it is a bigger element now.

Third, I do not think crudity in bourgeois politics has reached new heights. Weren't the crude attacks of the McCarthy era worse than today? Wasn't LBJ's campaign ad attacking Goldwater, showing a nuclear bomb going off behind a girl with a flower? Wasn't Bush's use of Willie Horton in the 1988 campaign against Dukakis worse?

However, years ago, unlike today, Presidents and candidates had some moral vision. The dead Kennedys stood for liberal ideas, the free world, civil rights, fighting poverty, and for vision "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," "Some ask why, I ask why not." Then came McCarthy the peace candidate, followed by Jimmie "Human Rights" Carter.

Their moral vision was for public consumption only; in part, a bone thrown to the lesser evil crowd. But today one cannot associate the word moral with Clinton or Dole, even though the Kennedys were worse sex maniacs and came from dirtier backgrounds. As U.S. imperialism has gone into economic decline since the early 1970s, what Bush called "the moral vision thing" has been stripped from bourgeois politics. Now capitalist presidential campaigns focus on whose underwear is dirtier and whose cutbacks will be worse. Isn't that what underlines your unclear term "the coarsening of politics?"

Stan Smith

Chicago, Illinois

Why upper-case `Black?
Here is my check for six months' renewal plus $15 for reporting trips so that I can continue to read the news that's omitted and/or distorted by the commercial press and TV and most of the radio "news."

One suggestion I do have: Why not use a lower-case "B" for "black"? Every time I see it I feel that it's patronizing, especially since you use lower-case "W" for "white". Not that "white" should have a big "W" - no, it's just that capitalizing that "B" looks as if "being good to colored folks." To me, it almost suggests elitism, which I know is no part of the Militant's thinking. Well, at least you don't say "African-Americans!" (I'm white, so it's not a matter of hurt feelings.)

Thanks again for a great paper.

Patricia Maynard

New Hope, Minnesota

The letters column is an open forum for all viewpoints on subjects of general interest to our readers. Please keep your letters brief. Where necessary they will be abridged. Please indicate if you prefer that your initials be used rather than your full name.  
 
 
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