The Plight of the Kurds
I supported military action in the Persian Gulf and I rejoiced at the return of our troops. But my welcome home celebration for the troops was tarnished and quickly replaced by the sadness and shame of the Bush Administration’s failure to respond to the plight of the Kurds.
President Bush’s unrelenting quest for photo opportunities is matched by the Administration’s efforts to distort and mislead our country about this issue. The essence of the matter is food, blankets and medical supplies for the thousands of innocent Kurds who have fled from Saddam Hussein’s terror.
Yet the Administration distorts the issue as “no U.S. troops will be committed.” That was never the issue! Pressured by the media and caring citizens, the Administration’s position then shifted to “we are doing a lot for the Kurds,” when in reality the Kurds had been ignored for weeks.
Where is the compassion and the morality and leadership of the Bush Administration? Is this “kinder and gentler”? Or is this the “new world order”? If so, I want neither. We need leadership with character and conscience. We need truth rather than distortions. Sadly, these are not the qualities of the Bush Administration.
DONALD J. CHAMPINE
Walnut
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