Vets' testimonials
The Democrats at their convention had veterans who served with Sen. John Kerry in Vietnam testify to his judgment, leadership and courage. I assume that the Republicans at their convention will bring in men who served with President Bush in the Air National Guard, to speak about his traits.

NATHAN HERSHEY
Squirrel Hill

Ignoring the truth
John Kerry says he cried at the birth of his daughters and witnessed a true miracle. Although believable, he obviously has not learned the true appreciation of life by supporting the right of a mother to end any possible hope for a baby in her womb. I find it very hard to understand how such a hero cannot rise to the occasion to speak and support the truth and to defend the defenseless and most innocent victims of unjust murder.

If Mr. Kerry cannot be trusted to support the basic premise of life and human existence, how could he possibly expect to be trusted in any other capacity?

TOM PYO
Greensburg

Remember Carville?
Dennis Roddy again displays his conveniently short and selective memory with his July 29 column about the Republicans' response team in Boston -- Roddy's so-called "Ministry of Truth" ("GOP Monitoring Democrats From Occasionally Disclosed Location"). The truth is, modern campaign "response teams" trace their roots back to James Carville, President Clinton's adviser and attack dog. Of course, unlike Roddy's sinister spin on the Republican efforts in Boston, Carville's hard-hitting, respond-within-minutes approach was celebrated by the Democrats and largely credited with helping Mr. Clinton win his first term.

This time around, a quick response is necessary given that John Kerry is incapable of maintaining a position on any issue for more than 30 minutes. It's kind of like the old gag about Pittsburgh weather -- if you don't like it, give it 30 minutes and it will change.

MICHAEL SWEENEY
Mt. Lebanon

Content over form
Further to your July 27 editorial "Democratic Spotlight," advising Americans to watch and read the speeches of the candidates at the conventions, I would add a caution. As we "watched" the speech by former President Bill Clinton on Monday, we were impressed by the charismatic delivery. He is truly a fabulous speaker.

However it's the steak we must be interested in, not the "sizzle." Let's not be over- (or under-) whelmed by the manner of delivery of the speeches we hear from candidates. The content is what matters!

NICK BUTERA
Monroeville