Don't Play Age Card

To the Editor:

I would like to reply to Michael Gorman's letter from the March 7 issue, "Give 'em Hell, 'Bama."

Gorman once again displays an arrogance and ignorance that makes me wonder how he can be a member of the bar.

Okay, Mike, you like Senator Obama for President. That's your right, even though if I am correct on these very pages you were extolling the virtues of Sen. Clinton. That, too, is okay. This is America and you are entitled to change your mind.

However, what I take exception with is, while praising Senator Obama you sunk to a new low in attacking and denigrating the Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain.

Let me first remind you that Senator McCain has served the Senate for many years with distinction. He also served his country as a combat hero in a similar manner. That being said, what gives you the right to characterize Senator McCain as a "tired old Republican warhorse"? Your comments are disgraceful.

In this country, you cannot discriminate because of sex, race or age. If a Republican had made reference to Senator Clinton's gender or Senator Obama's race, you would be calling us all kinds of names, and rightfully so. So what gives you the right to attack Senator McCain on his age? Furthermore, Ronald Reagan has already proven - although it's something you obviously won't accept - with age comes experience, something both Democratic candidates lack, and wisdom.

In closing, I would like to know on what you base your hypothesis that "McCain is already fading"? Or that he will suffer from "terminal embarrassment" in a debate against Senator Obama? I think the Senator from Arizona has already demonstrated his ability to hold his own in debates, and as such has emerged as the chosen candidate of the Republican Party. Your chosen candidate - that is, if you don't change your mind again - has yet to win his party's nomination, and there is no guarantee at this point he will.

So once more I suggest that you put down whatever it is you are smoking. Go out and chase a few more ambulances to try and earn a living, and leave the political commentary to those who know what they are talking about and who can deliver it with a little class.

WILLIAM L. McKECHNIE, Former President, Transit Police Benevolent Association