To the Editor:
Until recently Virginia had one U.S. Senator of national repute, John Warner. National media has covered his independent, thoughtful positions on judicial nominations and the governmentGÇÖs treatment of terrorism suspects, among others.
Recently Warner won national attention for his remarks, after a sobering trip to Iraq, on the likely need for the U.S. to change course there, without taking GÇ£off the table any option at this time.GÇ¥
Now, VirginiaGÇÖs junior Senator George Allen has received national attention as well. Not for his thoughtful positions on key policy matters. And not because his presidential plans for 2008 are taking shape.
Instead, George Allen has become a national punch line. Jon StewartGÇÖs edgy GÇ£The Daily ShowGÇ¥ has had a field day with him. But so have the more mainstream Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan OGÇÖBrien shows, too.
We donGÇÖt need to rehash why. Many Virginians have seen the GÇ£macacaGÇ¥ video, heard the past remarks and stories, and are in a position to draw conclusions. Some of us saw Senator Allen defend himself on September 17, on the GÇ£Meet the PressGÇ¥ TV show with his opponent James Webb, as someone who grew up GÇ£anti-establishmentGÇ¥, and still is.
What does he mean? Is it GÇ£anti-establishmentGÇ¥ to vote in the Senate to support George W. BushGÇÖs policies more than 90 percent of the time? Does the term apply to someone who has voted every step of the way to spend major dollars for a messy war and occupation? Virginians should wonder and question.
Virginia has given our country Washington, Monroe, Jefferson, Madison, and Wilson GÇô an average of one U.S. President every 43 years. George Allen wonGÇÖt be joining that group, and doesnGÇÖt deserve a trip back to the U.S. Senate, either. Virginians can do better than a national punch line.
Sincerely,
John Romano