I believe Stan Kanter and his friends and neighbors are an embarrassment to America and democracy.

Kanter described Rocky Anderson as a traitor to the nation for voicing valid and, according to Bush's approval ratings, popular opinions about the "president" and his handling of the situation against the "threats" to our nation.

To say that a man who has voiced his opinion, regardless of his office, is an embarrassment and a traitor is against the tenets of democracy and American idealism.

Kanter describes those who would question the questionable and despicable actions of the Bush administration as demented and depraved. I would put the shoe on the other foot, as it were.

I would describe someone who would support a man who condones torture, the reduction of personal privacy, squelching of opposing opinion, pre-emptive, immoral war and fear mongering, as demented and depraved.

Perhaps Kanter and his "stanuch Republican" neighbors should go back and read up on the history of dissent in the context of American freedom and our ideals of a democratic society. They might learn why Utah should be proud of Anderson.

Bryan Young,

Orem