The American Spectator

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p> TAKING OFFENSE br> Re: R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr.'s John Pierre Kerry's Offensive Diatribe : /p>

I just read your essay "John Pierre Kerry's Offensive Diatribe." Given how the invasion of Iraq has turned out, it seems a pity you did not respond to the Senator's statements with a bit more regard to the reality of the situation. The fact that the president puts the American military in harm's way does not absolve American citizens from evaluating the wisdom of this action and voicing their concerns. Your Roosevelt analogy was particularly offensive, given that America was engaged in fighting those who actually attacked us (We did not respond to Pearl Harbor by attacking Denmark). As for President Reagan, his calm confidence in policy decisions in the face of opposition can only be vindicated in hindsight. We're not there yet.

p>Referring to the Iraq invasion as "a war made inescapable by the attacks of September 11" appears to reveal some delusional transference of responsibility that simply does not square with the facts. Actions based on grand fantasies rather than how the world really is are bound to have disastrous consequences no matter how fervent one's resolve. It's not to late to take an "eyes-open" look at the Iraq situation and come to some realistic conclusions that don't leave you in that "what were we thinking ?" mode too late in the game. br> -- L. Rotunno /p>

I would say the only thing "offensive" is comparing FDR to the bewildered man-child that "occupies" the White House. This post 9/11 "flag-waving" and "rallying around the President" no matter what your opinion is also horribly "offensive." In reference to "exploiting the normal anxieties that exist in time of war," this is nothing more than this President has done, maintaining a perpetual state of "war" so that we can all be distracted from his failure and irresponsibility at home. This system of "orange" and "yellow" alerts always seem to come in conjunction with more news of jobs lost, and record deficits. Furthermore, the "liberal media" has given this President a free ride, possibly fearful of what would happen if he was actually required to field unscripted, and pointed questions. Who knows maybe that is a bonus of the Patriot Act, the effect of its ever-present intimidation dormant since J. Edgar Hoover's time. The "nags and faultfinders" Tyrrell is nagging about and finding fault with are true Americans. It is our duty to challenge our Government and hold them accountable as they represent us. As you must know, America was founded on dissent, and in my view, the more the better. Lord knows President Clinton was not spared any dissent from the "nags and faultfinders."

p>Finally, the "French spin" on Kerry's name is further evidence of the conservative right wing's immaturity and lack of class. The French had their feelings and opinions when it came to Iraq, as did the German, Russians, and, oh yes, Americans and British. Truth be known, this was a conflict between the Bush Administration (and inexplicably, the Blair administration) against Hussein's regime. American polls were split about 50/50, and England's majority opposed it. Now, we are sold polls that show people feel that it is better Hussein is gone, and the "War" was worth fighting. Personally, although the world is better off without Hussein in power, the ends, never have, and never will justify the means. After all, remember that polls showed that a majority of Europeans and a large percentage of Americans feel that Bush is more of a threat to world peace than Hussein. br> -- A.L.

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