Statesmanship? Debate? I think not.

Just recently, watching Ken Burns' expertly presented series on television THE ROOSEVELTS, I've been reflecting on the statesmanship that was demonstrated in the lives of both Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt.

I also watched the movie JOHN ADAMS and marveled at the examples shown by leaders of the unique and superlative democratic republic we have. I've watched several good speeches by such leaders as Obama, George H. Bush, even Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower, and I see a real value in the polite formality of civilized discourse.

Then… watching the two "modern-day" politicians in a so-called debate call each other names and refuse to listen to each other's thoughts makes me wonder if we'll ever be fortunate enough to again have statesmen for our democracy's leadership; those who can act and speak with the dignity commensurate with the station of the highest position in our Democratic Republic.

Surely the format of these "debates" did not include "interruptions and insults." I deem this one a complete "fiasco."

RON BOOTHE

Kingston