1. Do you believe only Bush and Gore are 'entitled' to the votes of the American people?

2. Do you believe that the American people who disagree with Bush and Gore and do not care for them as candidates should be allowed to vote for anyone besides them, in good conscience, without criticism?

If you conclude that everyone is entitled to vote for whom they please, without having to follow the "herd mentality" and vote for Bush or Gore simply because they are "THE" candidates, then you must conclude we are free citizens, free to vote our conscience and our principles and NOT to be bullied by a bunch of whiners who's ability to think for themselves has been so corrupted and manipulated by a winner-take-all system (that has NOTHING to do with with America at all) that they no longer know what having a real choice means.

I feel sorry for those who must think negatively and place blame, but ask yourself this one question: what if Gore, instead of playing the scare-tactics game, had decided not to accepted special interest money, corporate "donations," had been more inclusive, and offered Nader a place on his cabinet (or even attorney general!), and welcomed liberal ideas (which, as a Democrat he should be representing) -- would he be able to blame anyone then, if he lost? He would have opened himself up to the largest voting group possible. Instead, he played the scare card, went negative, and encouraged negativity among his minions.

Gore spoiled himself by not exploring his options and his opportunities. If you must place blame, look to yourselves first and ask yourself what all this is really about: is it about whether or not Nader rained on Gore's parade, or whether or not Gore was such a good candidate who made good decisions to begin with?

Diana Hall lives in Vancouver, Wash.

Copyright 2000 Oregon Live

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