First Door on the Left

What was George W. Bush’s reaction to the news that at least 16 of our soldiers were killed today fighting his war?

President Bush, who was at his Texas ranch Sunday, refused to personally comment on the attacks. He spent the day out of public view — a “down” day between campaign appearances Saturday and Monday.

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The White House, reluctant to pull Bush into the politically perilous fray, initially let Rumsfeld do the responding in a series of TV appearances Sunday morning. Later, White House officials directed spokesman Trent Duffy to read a statement that reacted generically to continuing attacks on Americans.

Duffy declined to describe Bush’s personal reaction to the helicopter downing, but said those killed “served the highest cause to defend freedom and protect Americans from dangerous new threats before they reach our shores.”

I’m sorry, but that is disgraceful and inexcusable. There are only a few conclusions that can be drawn:

1. He doesn’t care and couldn’t be bothered.
2. He had no reaction because his handlers hadn’t had the opportunity to brief him on his reaction.
3. As I’ve always suspected, he is not the one in charge but merely the mouthpiece and front man for those who are.

Anybody who still supports this man should be thoroughly ashamed. Anybody who still believes he is doing a good job as the leader of our country needs to reexamine their way of thinking.

“The more successful we are on the ground, the more these killers will react.” — George W. Bush

FALLUJAH, Iraq — A U.S. Chinook helicopter carrying troops en route home for leave was struck by a missile Sunday and crashed near the Fallujah, killing 15 soldiers and wounding at least 21, the U.S. command and witnesses reported.

It was the deadliest day for American troops in the six-month-old occupation of Iraq, and came amid threats attributed to Saddam Hussein’s party of a wave of violence against the U.S. occupation.

In a separate incident, a U.S. soldier from the 1st Armored Division died after being wounded in an overnight roadside bomb blast in Baghdad.

By Mr. Bush’s standards, today was indeed a successful day for our troops in Iraq.

Warren Gammel writes Why I Like and Support Howard Dean.

One of the most common criticisms I hear directed at Howard Dean is that he waffles on the issues, as if the GOP or anyone else *never* does this! This indicates to me that Howard Dean is someone of conscience who is not so ingrained in a rigid belief system he can’t admit he just might have been wrong about something in the past. Two of the most prominent groups who *never* admit mistakes or allow themselves a change of mind or heart are far right wing wackos and far left wing wackos, the fringe extremist elements. Howard Dean has a conscience, admits his mistakes and like the rest of us, he is human. Only those with extremely narrow perspectives do not allow themselves to ever change their minds. We should celebrate, not condemn, Dean’s diverse opinions and perspectives.

(Be sure to check out today’s Doonesbury.)