Ten reasons to fire George W. Bush.

• Author: Conte, Anthony
• Position: Letters - Letter to the Editor

The short-sightedness of libertarians like Jesse Walker ("Ten Reasons to Fire George W. Bush," October) never ceases to amaze me. Granted that George Bush is no prize from the libertarian perspective, but when it comes to the most important issues for libertarians--namely those having to do with the size and scope of government--there should be no question that the Republican Party presents the best alternative for libertarians.

Of course, the Republican commitment to limited government often is more rhetorical than real, but the Democrats don't even offer rhetoric. Is there any doubt that the Democrats' solution to every problem involves a greater role for government?

The next president will likely name as many as four Supreme Court justices. Does anyone really think that the libertarian cause would be better off with the likes of four more big government activist justices like Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg as opposed to a Clarence Thomas, who is the closest thing to a libertarian to be found in authority anywhere in the federal government? Bush is the only rational choice for any thinking libertarian.

Anthony Conte

Winchester, MA

One can empathize with Jesse Walker's rationale for firing President Bush. However, given the alternative, it might he more amusing to keep the same team in office so they can continue to handle the chicken, geese, and assorted fowl returning to roost. As things deteriorate it wouldn't be nice to saddle a President Kerry with the blame.

John Michaels

Parsippany, NJ

There are ample reasons for disappointment with the Bush administration, and I agree with many that Jesse Walker outlined. I disagree that John Kerry would be even slightly better. He would be disastrously worse in almost all policy areas, not only for his term, but also by setting up statist structures that might endure for decades.

The steel tariffs were just bad policy; they clearly cost more...