President Dodd: It has a nice ring to it. There are two particular issues that are vitally important and Dodd's views stand out front and center: world respect and the rule of law.

As a Peace Corp member in his youth, Chris Dodd got a look at poverty in Third World countries. He came away not only speaking Spanish but also knowing how important it is to help other countries by eliminating poverty. As a result, Sen. Dodd has deep relationships with world leaders, and they in turn respect him.

Sen. Dodd's father was a lead prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials. In the aftermath of World War II the entire world hated Nazi Germany. The feeling was to just execute, but the United States, under the influence of Sen. Dodd's father, prevailed in having legal trials that included defense attorneys and an open process for the world to witness.

This influenced Dodd greatly. The abuses of the Patriot Act, Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, divulging Valerie Plame's name, political abuses at the attorney general's office, warrantless wiretaps and the slaughtering of habeas corpus are rampant today.

Dodd voted no on the measure last week that gave President Bush the nod to attack Iran without further approval by Congress. Sens. Dodd and Leahy of Vermont championed a measure to reinstate habeas corpus, which is vital.

We must develop mutual respect around the world and demonstrate democracy through the use of lawful acts and not pre-emptive strikes. Sen. Dodd can accomplish this because that is what he has always done.

PAT CLARK

Tilton