WSJ letters about Zell Miller

[question everything]

Zell Miller's Political Style Is All the Rage
September 20, 2004; Page A21

Sen. Zell Miller, in his Sept. 13 editorial-page piece "Telling It Like It Is1," seems to have lodged himself into a corner of his own significance. His speech at the Republican National Convention was full of sound bites, stern faces, and passion or anger, perfect tone or temper tantrum, depending upon one's aisle seat. It is by the grace of the American soldier that Sen. Miller is able to speak his mind on national TV and in the pages of this newspaper. The seriousness of this moment is that rather than critically and pointedly explain the policy differences between Messrs. Bush and Kerry, Sen. Miller has exploited and exposed cracks in the American armor -- which need not be shown. It is unfortunate and reckless that he is unable to see beyond his fame that his words missed the mark.

Steven P. Flythe
New York

What do you think Zell Miller means when he chastises Democrats for their "shameful, manic obsession with bringing down a commander in chief"? Does he want to abolish presidential elections for the duration of the undeclared "war on terror?" Or will he permit elections as long as there is only one candidate?

Robert C. Embry Jr.
Baltimore

I agree with Zell Miller that we are at a "most serious moment of history." The decision we make in this November's presidential election will dramatically affect our future. But I can never agree with him that this fact justifies his "angry demeanor." Now is no time for national leaders such as Sen. Miller to rage publicly with uncontrolled emotion. The future of our country is too valuable to make decisions based on anger and hate.

Martin Cheek
Morgan Hill, Calif.

While Sen. Miller seems genuine and sincere, inherent in his message may be heard a prediction of impending doom for the U.S. This may not be helpful to Republicans; there is a danger that the Republican message becomes, to quote Monty Python, "Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth." There is a fine line between self-defense and hysteria.

Donald A. Jordan
Novi, Mich.

Rarely in my 50 plus years on this good earth have I heard such a courageous, such a brilliant, such an important and magnificent speech as that given by Zell Miller at the Republican National Convention. Zell was not "rabid and mean-spirited," as Jimmy Carter tried to portray him. If that were indeed the case, Mr. Carter would have quoted such remarks. What was "mean-spirited" was for Democrats to call Jim Jeffords "principled" when he changed from the Republican Party to a Democrat, and to show blatant hypocrisy against Zell Miller for denouncing Democrat appeasement in a time of war.

John Jaeger
Irvine, Calif.

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