A Presidency on Review
Regarding "A Damning Portrait of Bush and His Team" [June 9]: Four past press secretaries said you should remain true to the administration that gave you a job.
How about the oath of office the president took to uphold the Constitution and to be what we the people look for in a leader? I only pray for a president who will tell the truth. You do not have to be a genius to be president, but we expect honesty and integrity from the administration and subordinates who will tell the president when they think he is wrong. We didn't need What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception by Scott McClellan to confirm what went wrong with this administration. I wish he had had the guts to blow the whistle sooner.
Hunter A. Poole Sr.
Raleigh, N.C.
"A Damning Portrait of Bush and His Team" was honest enough, but the title was misleading. I admit I haven't read McClellan's book and wouldn't lower myself to do so. But everyone I talked to who had read it said McClellan offered no proof for any of his statements, that it was all sour grapes. That's hardly a damning portrait.
John Waugen
Anaheim, Calif.
The photo of President Bush at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation sums up the problems with his presidency. Our nation is at war, our national treasury is being drained, jobs and homes are being lost. It is a time for serious thought, discussions, decisions, and work, but our commander in chief, before the future military leaders of our nation, acts like the frat boy in charge. He still does not realize or acknowledge the effect of his decisions on this nation.
Doreen Suran
Bellevue, Wash.
Tools: 
Share
|
| Comments (2) | Print
Reader Comments
Gettysburg: Our National Resolve
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth a on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal..."
Lincoln gave his memorable address in November of 1863 as he surveyed the hallowed fields of Gettysburg. This first week of July marks the 145th anniversary of what was one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. history. Both the carnage and the poetic eloquence of the sixteenth president teach us some valuable lessons as to what we are as a nation.
First we are a nation conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition of equality. This part is quite obvious and our struggles over the past 200 plus years have proven our determination to make this a reality. What is not so obvious is the insight that we are a nation of practical and higher idealism. When confronted with obstacles, Americans have found a way to surmount them. From pulling out of the great depression, to finding the necessary technology needed in the advancement of medicine and science, we have found the right solutions.
"...Now we are now engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure..."
Second, testings will come. Today is no different than the 1860's. With foreign issues becoming more dicey and domestic problems increasing, this country is headed straight for a storm that may prove just as volatile. Are we so conceived and dedicated so that we may endure? We have passed these tests throughout the history of our constitution time and time again. Our greatest woe may very well be just over the horizon. In his second inaugural address, Lincoln revealed the profound answer for securing peace in every trial, no matter how severe: "...with malice toward none, with charity for all..."
"...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall have not died in vain...."
Third, our struggles are not in vain. Americans fight for what they believe is right. Yet, right or wrong, the effort, blood, heartache, is not in worthless. When "We the People" seek positive solutions, and healing, then our dire experiences, ere they may be, are not without purpose.
On this anniversary of one of the most horrific battles in the Civil War, we can take heart from Lincoln's address as we move through the ominous days looming over us. Liberty, dedication, honor, victory are awaiting this nation when we choose to seek for them. A new day... a new birth.
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, will not perish from the earth."
sliming is in bad taste! A story about the personal lives of the political figures in this world pale in the broad spectrom of the problems of the planet as it exists at this moment in time.
A story about the personal lives of the political figures in this world pale in the broad spectrom of the problems of the planet as it exists at this moment in time. I felt compelled to state my opinion because of the sensastional ridiculessness of Gloria Borger's inept mention of some association between Barack Obama and an other womnan. We Have bigger fish to fry! The only way to achieve change in the upcoming election is by becoming active in the movement. save the planet!!!!!
advertisement
