Smile

The Straggler (the always entertaining John Derbyshire) makes a strong argument for the celebration of the 18th century (“The Glorious Eighteenth,” October 19). But P. J. O’Rourke had a wise and ready rejoinder for anyone who looks back upon the olden days with too much longing: modern dentistry.

Robert Sterling

Via e-mail

John Derbyshire replies: Having been raised in England, I did not encounter modern dentistry until I settled in the U.S.A. in my 40s. If I could cope without it, I am sure others can too.

Fight

My compliments to Mark Steyn on his article about the September 12 march in Washington (“Right Turn on Main Street,” October 5). The people who showed up represent millions of us who view the president’s policies as a threat to our liberty and are tired of the way some in the Republican party dismiss us. Sarah Palin fights for what we believe in; that’s why there were so many handmade “Palin 2012” signs there. Unless the GOP drops the gloves and figures out where its base is, it cannot win the next election.

Chuck Draksler

Collegeville, Pa.

Approximating the Essence of Romney

Ramesh Ponnuru’s cogent analysis of how Mitt Romney could position himself for 2012 (“Romney Reboots,” October 19) was lulling me into taking a Romney candidacy seriously until it hit me: That’s the problem. It’s all about positioning himself, reinventing himself. And there’s the rub. Ronald Reagan never had to do that. He ran on principles he believed in, take them or leave them. We need that in 2012.

Andy Saylor

Elizabethtown, Pa.

Ramesh Ponnuru replies: My article discussed changes in Romney’s emphasis, tone, and self-presentation, all of which would help him campaign in a way that is truer to his personality than he did in 2008. Reagan certainly made such changes; compare his attitude toward Social Security and Medicare in 1964 with the one he took in 1980.