Letter: We haven’t seen true Bush yet

Sunday, July 11, 1999 | 9:26 a.m.

He declares that the George W. Bush position as a "compassionate conservative" is an oxymoron. Check your dictionary. Compassion is the sympathetic consciousness of others. Conservatism is a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability. These two views appear to go hand in hand.

I implore your readers not to confuse conservatism with the radical right views that have dominated the Republican Party for the last two decades. George W. and Liddy Dole are the first viable candidates (so far) to stand against the radical right views. It will be interesting to find out if they have the fortitude to continue.

We have been fortunate that during the past six years Clinton has displayed the courage to fight the far right and keep toward the middle of the political spectrum. Otherwise we would have lost too many valuable social programs instead of overhauling those that needed it. If "Daddy Bush" and Ronald Reagan had stood up to the overspending Democratic Congress, maybe the excessive deficits could have been avoided.

Don't get down on George W. yet. Give him a chance to take a position. (He has to eventually). Will he hold true to his beliefs or be blackmailed by the right with the threat of a splinter party? That's when we will see the true George W.

KYLE L. TINGLE

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