I read Erica S. Schacter's February 27 column about Pat Buchanan with some interest. Being well-aware of Mr. Buchanan's history of bigoted remarks, nothing really caught me by surprise until the final paragraph.

Ms. Schacter wrote, "Those who did not beforehand will then recognize that our political filtering process needs reforming. They will then realize the grave implications of the New Hampshire primary--that out of the popular vote can come one whose very platform is utterly antithetical to our constitutionally-based political system." This is a startling and frightening statement.

As much as I despise Mr. Buchanan and his views, his success is not due to some conspiracy, but the votes of ordinary Americans. This final claim is as truly bizarre as her comparison of Mr. Buchanan to Barry Goldwater was false.

Has Ms. Schacter read the Constitution? The last time I checked, there is considerable language in there about the right of citizens to elect their leaders. There may even be a word or two about free speech and free assembly, but I'm not sure. In fact, as strange as it may sound to Ms. Schacter, I've even voted in elections--two of them, actually and, unless people start listening to her, I plan to vote again in November. I would even vote in a primary of all things, but there isn't much of a race in my party.

I agree that Mr. Buchanan's views (although well-hidden in this campaign) are contrary to much of our tradition of civil rights and equality. But there is another tradition in America that I am rather fond of--free elections and selfdetermination. I wasn't in New Hampshire, so I can't be sure, but I don't think there were armed soldiers forcing people to vote, against their will, for Pat Buchanan. Please correct me if I'm wrong. People have a right to vote for whomever they wish. Would Ms. Schacter disqualify Jesse Jackson from ever running for public office because he once called New York "Hymietown?"

There are many reasons for Buchanan's success and no doubt his bigotry is one of them. But people are voting for him of their own free will. Perhaps Ms. Schacter needs a refresher course in the equality that is at the foundation of our political structure--everyone's vote is equally powerful. Thousands of Americans are using that sacred right to vote for Pat Buchanan. I think they are wrong. But I will fight endlessly for their right to do it. That is what democracy is all about. --Michael T. Marcucci