I'm writing to respond to Mr. Nazarete's letter to the editor Oct. 22 titled "Why can't Palin say 'nuclear'?"

Although I personally prefer the term "nuclear" over "nucular," the facts are that (1) either word is acceptable and (2) Palin's use of the latter is not unprecedented among "educated" people.

According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "Though disapproved of by many, [this pronunciation has] been found in widespread use among educated speakers, including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen ... and at least two United States presidents and one vice-president ..."

The Oxford Engish Dictionary states that the word nucular "is commonly given as a variant in modern dictionaries."

Presidents Eisenhower and Bush both used this alternative spelling and pronunciation. Former vice-presidential candidate Walter Mondale chose to use the term "nucular." Former President Carter, who earned a degree in nuclear physics, also preferred the variant "nucular."

Although I very much question the political views of both Mondale and Carter, I don't question the education of either.