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Monday, November 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Bill Ayers talks back

Sarah Palin called him a terrorist, Barack Obama called him an acquaintance. A Salon editor who knew Ayers back when talks to the ex-Weather Underground member turned Republican talking point.
By Walter Shapiro

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  • Monday, November 17, 2008 11:57 AM

    ayers is right about not relying on presidents to lead the country.

    democracy isn't just voting for leaders, that's the least of it. democracy means choosing policies and laws presented as referenda, often presented by citizen groups through the initiative process.

    bad people get into the presidency, and wreak havoc on the nation. that's because the president has the powers of a king.

    the cure is democracy.

    —al loomis Read al loomis's other letters

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