Robert Klose, in his nasty little hit-piece, “John McCain is no George Washington” (BDN, Oct. 22) is as careless with his facts as he is with his language. George Washington died in 1799, not 1797 (ref. “His Excellency George Washington,” Joseph J. Ellis, Knopf, 2004, p.268). But what’s an important fact when your main point in writing is to spew political vitriol?

As to Klose’s language, describing Gov. Sarah Palin as “that silly cluck” is as careless and mean-spirited as anything someone might have said at a McCain “town meeting” about Hillary Clinton. Palin, unlike the former, gained high office entirely through her own effort and talent, and rose to national prominence by successfully battling special interests.

Klose’s piece could be “Exhibit A” in an indictment of today’s liberal and often sloppy academic arrogance.

Alan W. Boone

Bangor