Letter: Make election legitimate

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000 | 9:51 a.m.

Even without a final and certified vote from Florida, the Bush campaign is claiming victory, setting up its transition team, and is beating the drum for Gore to concede for "the good of the nation."

Until the people have spoken, nobody assumes the presidency in this nation. Period.

Both candidates should back off and let the people speak and the courts decide. The people and the rule of law are supreme, not spin doctors and politicians.

The irregularities in the voting there are great enough to cast a shadow over a victory. He should not assume the presidency with such clouds of doubt hanging over it. I am sure George W. Bush wants to win the election fairly.

Al Gore won the popular vote; Bush should acknowledge that every step should be taken to ensure the true will of the American people is heard. We have to look at why we vote in the first place -- to express our desire for how the country should be governed.

If thousands of people say they were not able to accurately express themselves, it should be our moral obligation to make sure this is corrected. Make this a legitimate election.

CHRISTINE SAWYER

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