As a moderate who voted for Sens. Snowe and Collins, and for Gore and Kerry, I find Clem Bechard’s comments somewhat humorous (July 22). He seems upset that the Times “leaked” information that had been readily available in the public domain for several years and had even been addressed by “W” himself. Yes, they gave “detailed” info out as the defenders of “W” claim. Trouble is, the details were also available from the Internet, to which the terrorists seem to have access.

I wonder where his outrage was when this White House, for strictly political reasons, gave out the name of a covert CIA operative, thus exposing her and any networks she had that were still in place. I seem to remember “W” saying whoever did it would be dealt with. Seems the guys responsible are still at the White House and at the highest levels of trust, and “W” knows it.

Also, is he concerned that the office of the vice president is so secretive as to refuse to even say who they have working there? I thought these were people working “for the people.” I believe they’re working more for their campaign contributors than any of the “people” they claim to represent.

As for being “elected,” I have doubts as to that claim due to debacles in Florida, Ohio and the Supreme Court actions. As a last aside, there no longer exists the system of checks and balances designed by the founding fathers, as we have gone to a “one-party rule” form of government.

M. David Shain, Jay