Letters to the Editor

McCain ready to carry conservative torch

In response to your opinion piece titled "Republicans lacking turnout" (Feb. 12):
I have been a supporter of Sen. John McCain since he first ran in the Republican primaries in 1999. I am not an affiliate of either party and I have voted in every election since 1996.
First, to call McCain a "straight-talking leftie" seems to be an offhand endorsement of other candidates and, although you proclaim not to "like the idea of calling presidential elections almost nine months in advance of the election," it seems that is exactly what you are attempting to do.
Your statements that Democratic turnout has been about double that of Republicans, although it may be true, has a simple answer. Sixteen states in the United States have an open primary, such as Virginia. In this sort of primary, an individual can choose to vote in either primary regardless of party affiliation. Now that the Republican candidate, McCain, has been chosen by the people, I am sure that some independents are voting in the highly competitive Democratic primary.

In another 12 states, the Democratic party either allows for independent voters to vote in their primary, where the Republican primary is limited to those who have joined the party, or they have some other form of primary that allows independents to vote in their choice of primary. This information is all easily accessible, and would clearly show why there could be come discrepancy in party voting.

Before your paper, like much of the media, makes the mistake of claiming that there is "conservative hand-wringing over McCain" and that "McCain is the last man standing in no small part because so few conservatives stood up to be counted," let us also make clear that McCain is the conservative nominee. In 34 states the Republican nominee is chosen by registered Republicans. He has been embraced by conservative leaders and, although the media has tried to sway the vote by stating that the "conservatives" have abandoned McCain, I believe the opposite is true. McCain will have the conservative vote and, if the trend holds up, he will win the independent vote as well.
Eric Laurenzo
Waynesboro

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Real angel makes church appearance

An unlikely guardian angel appeared in the midst of the congregation of St. John's Episcopal Church during Sunday morning service just past.

She was dressed in a policeman's uniform and carried big iron on her hip. She had identified the owner of record who was illegally parked with the butt-end of his car partially obstructing the public alley outlet behind the church. She would correctly and expeditiously have been executing the letter of the law by calling for tow service to clear the alley. Instead, she entered the church and asked of knowledge of the perp. He was readily identified and quickly cleared the alley, thereby saving his bacon.

This action by the officer was above and beyond the call of duty-a very charitable act. The perp now recognizes more than ever the excellence of character of our public servants in Waynesboro.

Thank you, ma'am.
Powell Anderson
Waynesboro