Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Numbers and Definition Disagreement
RECEIVED Thu., Aug. 12, 2004
Dear Editor,
I'm a little disappointed by the reply that was tacked to the end of Linda Curtis' letter regarding Ralph Nader's fight to get on the ballot ["Postmarks," Aug. 6]. Curtis brought up several valid points. None of which are addressed in the reply. The only point the writer makes is to cite the number of certified signatures and listing a different number than in Curtis' letter without explaining the difference. Curtis cited the number of raw signatures, he cited the certified ones, although both numbers are technically correct. His pointing out a different number and failing to explain the difference is obviously meant to portray Curtis as wrong. To me this seems disingenuous.
He then went on and attacked an individual he claimed was not an "independent activist." If they are working to get an independent candidate on the ballot, then I would say they fit the definition.
His response should have addressed the point Curtis brought up. Instead of trying to change the debate with smoke and mirrors and personal attacks.
If you want to have an honest discussion of the issue and report truthfully, you shouldn't stoop to these tactics.
I'm a little disappointed by the reply that was tacked to the end of Linda Curtis' letter regarding Ralph Nader's fight to get on the ballot ["Postmarks," Aug. 6]. Curtis brought up several valid points. None of which are addressed in the reply. The only point the writer makes is to cite the number of certified signatures and listing a different number than in Curtis' letter without explaining the difference. Curtis cited the number of raw signatures, he cited the certified ones, although both numbers are technically correct. His pointing out a different number and failing to explain the difference is obviously meant to portray Curtis as wrong. To me this seems disingenuous.
He then went on and attacked an individual he claimed was not an "independent activist." If they are working to get an independent candidate on the ballot, then I would say they fit the definition.
His response should have addressed the point Curtis brought up. Instead of trying to change the debate with smoke and mirrors and personal attacks.
If you want to have an honest discussion of the issue and report truthfully, you shouldn't stoop to these tactics.
Sincerely,
James Hammett
James Hammett
[News Editor Michael King responds: I'm sorry James Hammett considers disingenuous my attempt at simple clarification. The number of "raw signatures" on a petition is meaningless. As the Texas Nader plaintiffs acknowledged in court, they had not accumulated by the state deadline the legally required number of signatures of registered voters who had not voted in a primary – their case rests on the unfairness of the requirement itself, greater in number than that imposed on third parties. As for the rest, he and I clearly disagree on what constitutes an "independent activist." I stand by what I wrote.]
