Editor, the News-Herald:

It seems like the TV and radio commercials for governor have been going on an eternity; however, I’ve heard nothing from either candidate to make me want to vote for him.

The commercials are demagoguery at its worst or maybe best. Anyone who knows anything about politics in Virginia knows that there is not a snowball’s chance in hell that the death penalty will be changes, no matter what Kaine believes; nor will there be any kind of bill passed by the legislature to ease up on crime or criminals; nor any bill passed to take away or limit guns; therefore the TV coverage could have been used to give information about some of the real issues instead of solely to play on people’s fears.

If Kaine did something illegal during the Million Man March then he deserves to have it pointed out. However, to put a picture of Rosie O’Donnell to discredit the women (and men) who have lost loved ones to gun violence is despicable. Rosie O’Donnell is just one in thousands to believe that there should be restrictions on specific types of guns. Her picture showed up in the corner of the TV spot to degrade all of those who were in the Million Man March just by her being in the group.

Sarah Brady would be the woman to show in the picture as the leader of the gun control advocates. She has devoted her lift to gun control. No one would use her picture or some kind of deviant to discredit anyone who had the audacity to stand up what they believe in.

It doesn’t matter which side of the gun control issue one is on. The Bradys have taken lemons and made lemonade.

Both candidates could have used some of the money spent for TV coverage to explain the issues that are really important: Transportation, health care and what if anything they intend to do about persons with brain disease such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and a host of others that many people pretend are not real. Caring persons know that these diseases can be seen in images of the brain are real; not caused by lack of will power, bad character or not belonging to the right religious group.

I’d sure like to see taxes cut anytime they can be, but can that be done and still take care of the disgraceful mess of all the above problems?

It is a given that legislators will take care of eminent domain. They should. They always take care of matters that could effect them or their families.

I know just how far-fetched this will sound, but candidates could explain the issues they believe are important and how they propose to bring them to fruition. Then mail a copy to every registered voter. It would cost much less than TV and radio coverage. Of course that would be so simple that only someone who doesn’t have any politically savvy would be so stupid as to bring the subject up.

Of course there would be a record that might be permanent – what politician wants that?

Voters would understand that some modifications might have to be made due to unforeseen events.

I am so angry and discouraged by the mean spirited way that persons who are supposed to work for the best interests of everyone instead look out for themselves and their cronies.

There is one spot of humor in all the TV coverage – the Republicans have Kaine running against Warner. That the Republicans admire Warner so much that Kaine can’t live up to him should be very helpful. when Warner decides to run for the Senate or whatever he decides to run for.

Hazel Liverman

Suffolk