Is a Third Choice Needed, or Is That One Too Many?

Now that Ralph Nader has chosen Peter Camejo as his running mate (June 22), the duty of all true antiwar progressives in the Democratic Party is clear. They should pressure their appallingly Bush-like candidate, Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), to step aside to ensure that he does not siphon any votes from the genuinely antiwar Nader/Camejo ticket.

Like President Bush, Kerry has no intention of bringing our soldiers home from the quagmire in Iraq any time soon. In fact, Kerry says he would send more of them there. Anyone who thinks that would be a good alternative to the present situation is either more obsessed with voting the Democratic Party line than voting his conscience, or is just plain delusional.

James Dawson

Tarzana

Ah, the enduring human tendency (as far back as Eden) to seek an outside factor to blame for our predicaments. Rather than face their own errors and shortcomings, Democrats continue scapegoating Nader for their losses (letter, June 18).

The voter deserves choices. Is our presidential election to continue being a farce between Tweedledee and Tweedledum? Doesn’t any citizen have the right to enter the race?

A word to the Democratic National Committee: Try swerving to the left this time.

Jan Holle

North Hollywood

Those who voted for Nader have gotten what they deserve: an ill-advised war, environmental disasters, huge deficits and a secretive government. The rest of us are suffering as a result of one man’s vanity. Nader can redeem himself with a single patriotic act -- withdrawal.

Robert Ruben

Mission Viejo

The sad reality is that a vote for Nader, who cannot win, is a vote for the Bush administration, the consequences of which will reach far into the future with possible appointments to the Supreme Court.

Are you sure, Nader supporters, that this is what you want for our country?

Hortense Friedman

Sherman Oaks