THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 1994 TAG: 9409200006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Finally, my feelings have found a voice. Jim Wright's ``Let's act like we have only one president - show respect'' (Another View, Sept. 16) means more to me than he will ever know.
I am a Democrat married to a Republican. I consider myself to be fair-minded and open to all opinions, but I find that I no longer respect most of the Republican politicians and, quite frankly, a lot of the Democrats.
My once-consuming inferno of political fire has dwindled to a mere ember - all because of the disrespect and open contempt shown toward the man who is now our president.
I agree with Mr. Wright: You may not have voted for Mr. Clinton; he was, nevertheless, elected. His presidency does not belong solely to those of us who voted for him. It belongs completely to all of the American people. In that regard, he is deserving of everyone's respect - the same respect you would show someone for whom you had voted.
It boggles my mind when I think of the positive things the Clinton administration might accomplish if only the Republicans in Congress would judge Mr. Clinton's policies on their merits, instead of attacking them simply because they did not come from their party.
I am embarrassed and ashamed that the American people have allowed elected officials to behave in this manner. We are a country divided among many lines. Until we start giving respect, those lines will get wider and stronger and our country will crumble.
SUSAN M. NOVAK
Portsmouth, Sept. 16, 1994 by CNB