George,

More than the words Sen. Allen used that he claims not know the meaning of and which have no meaning to him, I find his behavior more disturbing.

To feel it is alright to make fun at the expense of a person in his audience who he thinks is different from the audience he is in front of at the time, is unforgivable in a candidate who wants to represent ALL Virginians.

In the past, I have been in meetings when he has done something similar. One in particular, occurred at a forum sponsored by the Senior Statesman at the Northside Library. Most of the audience were staunch supporters of Allen, but a few environmentalists and other more liberal persons were also in the audience. When one of the young men challenged him about an environmental issue, he dismissed the question with a flip answer and made a remark about "those tree-huggers" who were a fringe group.

In another incident, he met with constituents at a breakfast meeting in a local restaurant that serves breakfast and other meals buffet style. When he arrived a large part of the restaurant was filled with citizens but he chose to speak to a small group in a back corner room. He completely ignored those who were not immediately in front of him in this small area. He carried on private conversations with his supporters, told jokes and generally had a good time with this chosen group, leaving the rest of us out of his remarks and answers to questions.

I find this unacceptable behavior in one who ostensibly speaks for the citizens of the state. He who would be Senator or president, must speak to all the people, not just those who value denigrating people or leaving people out of the action because they are different and applaud and encourage his biased behavior.

Martha Wood (electronic mail, August 17, 2006)