I hate to be the wet blanket in this love fest, but can someone tell me what Sen. William Cohen actually did during all those fat salary years in Washington? I’m astonished at all the fawning, seemingly without justification.

OK, we know he played basketball, baked bread, looked like a U.S. senator, minded his manners, sat on committees, took trips to foreign places, did some writing. That’s all right, although I’m amazed a U.S. senator feels he can waste his time writing spy novels.

I have nothing against Cohen personally; I’ll take your word for it: he’s a nice guy. But that’s no criterion for sending someone to Washington. Many of us could look and sound good making that kind of money and with a large staff.

Can we get over this “personality cult” stuff? What I want to know, and I’m serious about this: how did he make a positive difference in our lives? What are his genuine accomplishments? Without the lovey-dovey stuff, enlighten me, please. Thank you. Anna Andresen Machias