Bush's Fantasy Camp

To the Editor:

In his recent visit to Afghanistan, President George W. Bush said the following: "I must say, I'm a little envious. If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. It must be exciting for you .. in some ways romantic."

When I was in the Army in Danang, Vietnam in 1968, Charles Robb, President Johnson's son-in-law, was out there in the jungle with the Marines getting some of that "excitement." I have always respected Robb for military service (two tours in Vietnam) that he certainly could have avoided.

But then there is a fellow named George W. Bush who used political influence to get into the Alabama National Guard, avoiding military action in Vietnam, and not even showing up for his Guard service.

How dare this draft-avoider who has led our nation into this disastrous Iraq War tell real soldiers in Afghanistan that he thinks action there would be a "fantastic experience!" President Bush's arrogance goes beyond hypocrisy - he's an example of someone who is way over his head as President, but was led to power to serve as a puppet for Dick Cheney and the Republican warmongers.

Bush is a disgraced President, but is really more a victim of the radical right wing than a perpetrator of evil. But his presidency has seriously damaged our military, disgraced our nation and made a mockery of patriotism. It will take some years after Bush has left office to repair our military and our economy, and restore our moral leadership around the globe.

MICHAEL J. GORMAN

Editor's note: The writer is a retired NYPD Lieutenant and an attorney.