“Apostates, atheists, agnostics and simple fools”? I thought the presidential campaign, with all its vitriolic name-calling, was over. Apparently not, as I learned from reading Bill Van Tassel’s Nov. 13 letter to the editor regarding Abraham Lincoln’s take on the recent election.

I’m moved to write because of the incivility of Van Tassel’s letter. I have met him and am familiar with his stance on certain issues, often opposite of mine.

Wherever we might stand, I respect his right to his opinion and, until this point, thought he respected mine. Having read his letter, I realize that I was naive to think that.

I’m disappointed to see him lower himself to denigrating people who hold views different from his own.

I spend more time watching television than I should, but contrary to Van Tassel’s assumption, I also spend time in “intellectual and spiritual pursuits.”

Though I voted for Barack Obama, I don’t consider myself to be a “fool,” simple or complex. I am sure that Van Tassel is sincere in his attempt to lead a Christian life, but in deprecating and sneering at people who make different choices than he does, he fails.

The rudeness and lack of civility that is experienced in this country, seen on TV, heard on the radio, and exemplified by Van Tassel’s letter, concerns me more than his question of whether Abraham Lincoln would be happy with my choice of president.

Pam Bell, Leeds