Raising Objections as Bush Raises Funds

The contrast couldn’t have been more startling and depressing: President Bush waving to the cheering rich gathered at the Century Plaza on June 27 -- pouring still more millions into his reelection campaign -- alongside an equal number of protesters against the unfolding tragedy in Iraq and Afghanistan. Almost every day there is news about the killing of another American soldier in a war the president recently told us was largely over. Our young men and women remain sweltering in the blistering desert heat not knowing when, or if, they will ever come home.

It is also increasingly clear that the American people have not heard the truth about what led to our tragic involvement. Doesn’t anyone care? Where’s the outrage?

Edmonde Haddad

Marina del Rey

*

The protesters were described as anarchists, teenagers and the elderly, but there was no mention of the hardworking taxpayers -- those who are still working -- who support this country. Many just want to have a say in the direction this administration is taking and not leave the decisions to a handful of corporations and affluent individuals who can afford to spend $2,000 and up for dinner.

The president needs to hear that we want to keep our jobs, keep the schools operating and take care of the elderly. Continued spending on preemptive wars will drain our treasury, eliminate our social programs and cost too much in the loss of life.

Irene Petithomme

Burbank

*

The Times described some of the protesters outside the Century City location where Bush picked up $5.2 million as “anarchists.” In the interest of fairness, you should have described those attending the fund-raiser inside as radical conservative right-wingers.

Helen Aragon

San Fernando

*

Why is Gov. Gray Davis being held to a different standard than Bush? Davis has been vilified for always having his hands out, raising campaign money. Yet Bush is being canonized for raising $5.2 million at two dinners. Bush’s “hands out” seem to be exemplary, while Davis’ carry a negative connotation.

Roslyn Ray Freedland

Long Beach