The `grim' state of the economy

Regarding the Opinion page article "The Case for Bush," August 7: The author seems to believe that the press and media have overreacted in portraying the contemporary economy as "grim." One need only glance at the current statistics involving unemployment and consumer confidence to ascertain how debilitating the numbers actually are.

If Bush has filled the criteria for being a fine president and "has generally met the example-setting demands of the presidency," then why are the American people convinced that his leadership has failed them and that an alternative solution must be sought? Barry J. Williams, Covington, Ky.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.