Don't Stereotype!

Editor,
    In regards to "Letters @ 3am" [Nov. 12].
   Mr. Ventura begins his most cogent passage with the admonishment, "Don't demonize people who disagree with you." That's good, but his piece is rife with examples of him doing otherwise.
   When discussing a theoretical economic chaos, he says progressives must "present them [economic alternatives] in a way that badly educated people can understand." Do I detect a rather obvious and odious inference that those who don't vote "progressive" are automatically classified as "badly educated"? I.e., vote my way or continue to take your stupid pills, yes? He goes on to describe those who voted conservative as "Irrational," likening it to cases where "whole peoples go insane." This is far from the case.
    Despite his own acknowledgment that progressives shouldn't "talk down" to white working stiffs, he continues to do so. As a former 17-year member of the United Steelworkers union, I take umbrage at the declaration that I, and my fellow blue-collar workers are "unequipped for the complexities and paradoxes of the 21st century," and have, in some way, been "left behind." Bull. We are as able as anyone to do our own research and make fully informed decisions as to whom we wish to place in leadership positions. Just because our actions confound Ventura's thinking doesn't mean we're not entitled to take them; we'll choose our own path.
    As to the war in Iraq, I also take umbrage to the notion that the "rural poor" are fighting this war. Tell that to my 21-year-old son, a Marine serving in Iraq. Our family is neither rural nor poor. He joined the Marines after 9/11, with his eyes wide open as to all the possible negatives that might come his way. He went to serve and protect all Americans, even those who would denigrate his efforts, like Michael Ventura.
    And, finally, I'll really look forward to Ventura standing by me, and other firearm owners, the next time the leftists/elitists try to ban or otherwise restrict our right to keep and bear arms. I'll hold him, and all of his "progressive" friends, to his statement, "Progressives must stand passionately with all who seek their fair share of the Bill of Rights." We'll see if, when the moment arrives, they're really willing to deliver! Personally, I'll bet they come apart like a cheap suit!