All the votes have not been counted

I FEEL that something so terrible has happened with such far ranging consequences that the world as we know it might never be the same. I'm talking about the reelection of George W. Bush, or is it the retaking of the country? ("Internet buzz on vote fraud is dismissed," Page A1, Nov. 10.)

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Every day more reports trickle in of voter fraud and intimidation in the swing states, Ohio and Florida in particular. Perhaps it doesn't add up to enough for a Democratic victory, perhaps we'll never know. But if all the votes were counted, George W. Bush would not be able to claim a mandate.

And all you in the liberal press are falling into line, just as you did before the war in Iraq. Why dismiss legitimate questions with a headline "Internet buzz on vote fraud is dismissed"? What do you mean?

As the director of a youth-run organization, I have been pouring my heart into convincing young people who feel disenfranchised that their vote counts, that every vote counts.

But the votes have not been counted; we don't yet know the will of the people. How will I ever tell them their vote matters again if these basic democratic rights are not protected? Why vote? Coups R Us!

EVE LYMAN
Director
Boston Mobilization
Boston