Criticism of Bush Was Unwarranted

In “The Next Casualty: Bill of Rights?” (Commentary, Sept. 13), Alexander Cockburn decried the “stupidity and blindness” of most mainstream political commentary undertaken in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s tragedy. Ironically, however, in the same column, Cockburn provided perhaps the most stupid and blind bit of commentary thus far: namely, his suggestion that President Bush and his aides were “wit”-less for taking Air Force One through a circuitous, daylong route back to Washington.

While liberal commentators like Cockburn are expected to criticize a conservative president, arguing that the president is witless for following Secret Service and Defense Department tragedy protocols is shameful.

William Johnson

Los Angeles

*

I applaud the Sept. 12 commentary by R. James Woolsey and Mansoor Ijaz, “Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold,” and their wise and level-headed words, written so soon after the start of this crisis.

On the other hand, I was taken aback by the comments of Steve Lopez in his Sept. 12 column, which seemed irresponsible, even flippant. He characterizes our president in this time of crisis as “untested” and “holed up” and, worst of all, “missing in action.” Bush was none of these things. On the contrary, he made a point of overruling those who counseled against his return to Washington on the day of the attacks. He addressed the country and the world and he was reassuring, speaking of the strength and resolve of our people.

Even if Lopez thinks fit to make light of the president and his conduct, this is not the time for rhetoric such as his.

Thomas Y. Lucero

Glendale