Dear Senator McCain:

I voted for you in the Republican Primary in 2000. I believed then, and believe now, that you were the best GOP choice for President. I applaud your efforts in campaign-finance reform.

However, I have become aware of a television advertisement attacking Democratic presidential candidates. The language of this advertisement implies that anyone who questions the President sympathizes with terrorism. I also read that you called this language a "very legitimate statement."

President Bush gave a speech shortly after September 11th reminding us that it is Americans' right to disagree with each other.

Theodore Roosevelt had even stronger words. "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

Senator, I am shocked that you, a man whom I support and admire, could stand with the Republican National Committee on this issue. The values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the source of America's greatness. God has given mankind the right to life and liberty, the right to free speech, a free press, freedom of worship and assembly.

True patriotism means that you stand up, question, and criticize the President if you truly believe he is wrong. History teaches us about dictators like Hitler, Stalin, and Castro. They preached the opposite, that patriotism means you obey orders without question.

This country needs respected men such as yourself to stand up and reclaim the Republican party's American values. I sincerely hope I have not been mistaken in my admiration of your character.

Yours truly,

C. Colvin