Misleading Use
Of Bernie's Vote

After six long and sorrowful Bush years, I have no more tolerance for politicians' use of fear and deceit to gain votes and approval.

Richard Tarrant, Republican candidate for US Senate, says that Vermonters should know the truth. The truth is that many politicians will say whatever they need to get elected. The truth is that controversial bills are often passed, without appropriate scrutiny, by attaching them to popular bills as amendments. One candidate criticizing his or her opponents voting record must be taken with a grain of salt.

Tarrant's TV ads related to "protecting our children" are a perfect example. In one, an elderly spokesman with a thick New England accent and an honest face happens to be the Republican County Chair for Windham County.

Tarrant knows that Bernie Sanders supports the Amber Alert program and fought to get it fully funded in Congress. Sadly, viewers were only told that Sanders voted against the provision but not that Republicans added the Feeney Amendment which took away the role of an existing independent sentencing commission.

These provisions had already been declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court (Boston Globe 5/30/03).

I am proud of Bernie Sanders for having the integrity and courage to stand up against these political shenanigans. In my view, Tarrant is a coward for distorting crucial facts necessary for Vermonters to make informed decisions. I was going to vote for Bernie before, now I have more reasons to do so.

Joy Gaine

Thetford Center