Huffington on Government

* Re “Republicans Must Define the New Center,” Column Right, Nov. 17: I suppose I am biased as a middle-of-the-road “dead armadillo,” as stereotyped by Arianna Huffington’s commentary against the “mushy middle,” but I find it difficult to side with her as she argues against smaller government that does what the majority actually wants it to. A moderate government may not have the same flamboyant appeal of a Bible-bashing, gun-yielding Republican government or a welfare-embracing, pot-smoking Democratic government, but a moderate government moves, and yes, it does move, in a direction that is actually beneficial for the country.

As Huffington insists that a government headed by “dead armadillo” Bill Clinton will not move anywhere, I somewhat painfully quote his campaign promise to “build a bridge to the future,” not a future for Pat Buchanan and not a future for Jesse Jackson, but a future for the rest of us.

CHRIS SCHULZ

Valencia

* Great! Another call for civil utopia: “citizens caring for one another, communities that sustain those most vulnerable and strengthened civic institutions.” Who wouldn’t want this!

What we need are not prophets, but models. Instead of telling us what to do, inspire us, Mrs. Huf- fington, with the “revitalized” community you belong to. Teach us through the microcosm of your experience how a community “sustains those most vulnerable”; how economic, racial and gender issues are resolved; how your community makes decisions and resolves differences. In other words, instead of a sermon, give us a demonstration.

DALE W. O’NEAL

Laguna Beach