Rosenthal: Surprises, But Not Disappointed

To the Editor,

Let me begin by saying I am 100 percent in support of the choice of Senator Joseph Lieberman for Vice President. I believe he possesses the qualities and abilities to make an outstanding Vice President. Therefore, it was with great dismay that I read the article in last week’s Newtown Bee which somehow portrayed my surprise with his selection as disappointment or disapproval of it.

First of all, Connecticut citizens of all political affiliations should be proud that after 212 years we will finally have a Connecticut resident on the Presidential ticket of a major party. All Americans should be pleased that with Senator Lieberman’s nomination to the second highest office in the land one more barrier has been crossed in the struggle to have a person considered solely on ability without regard to race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

In the article, some of my comments were either taken out of context or misunderstood so that issues I viewed as potential areas of strength for the Lieberman candidacy were presented in a negative light. Among those is the fact that Senator Lieberman is somewhat more conservative than I am and I have differed with a few of his positions. However, I have always admired the fact that he is a man of great integrity and he votes according to conscience and not the latest opinion poll. His record might help to win the support of moderate Republican and Independent voters. My position on his criticism of President Clinton’s behavior was misstated. There is no question that the President’s immoral behavior deserved criticism. The Senator’s criticism will probably be viewed positively in the eyes of the general electorate.

Finally, it is healthy for a Vice President to bring a different perspective to the debate on some key issues during the decision making process. Senator Lieberman is widely respected in Congress and will have the ability to bring people together on both sides of the aisle to work for the best interest of all Americans.

Sincerely,

Herbert C. Rosenthal - First Selectman

45 Main Street, Newtown                August 14, 2000