LETTERS: BUSH WON FAIRLY; SUPREME COURT UPHELD THE LAW

To the editor:

George Bush won the presidency fair and square. He should not have to make any apologies to anyone for his victory. The presidency was not handed to him by a 5-4 vote in the U.S. Supreme Court but by the votes cast in each of the state elections. The Supreme Court merely upheld Florida election laws as approved by the Florida legislature prior to the election in that state.

The Florida court was practicing the activism set forth by liberals. It amounts to no more than the judiciary making law. The U.S. Constitution reserves this power to the legislative branch of government, and so does the Florida Constitution.

Many Democrats feel the election was unfair, but none has brought forth any evidence supporting that opinion. The county election boards, made up of both Democrat and Republican members, approved the ballots used in the election process. There were clear-cut rules in place to maintain an orderly election. Both Democrats and Republicans approved of these rules.

Many Republicans as well as many Libertarians thought that the liberal bias of the media distorted the news to help ensure Al Gore won the presidency.

Many Republicans were upset that the media called the election in Florida for Gore before the polls were closed in the western part of the state. The news media (liberal or conservative) have the right of free speech. They may report whatever they choose to report. It is the responsibility of the viewer or reader to determine the accuracy of the report. If he tires of what he considers inaccuracy in their reporting, he should search for alternatives. If Republicans in the western part of Florida chose not to go to the polls based on the liberal media reporting the victory of Gore in that state, they have no one to blame but themselves.

This Libertarian believes Bush won and that the election was fair. As it stands, I will have a Republican to disagree with most of the time instead of a Democrat. It's not easy being a Libertarian.

JAMES NALL

Marble Hill, Mo.