A logical fallacy

Re “My president’s better than yours,” Opinion, July 17

Jonah Goldberg commits the basic logical fallacy of “two wrongs make a right.” President Bush’s may not be “the most radical presidency we have ever had,” and Bush may be matched in his transgressions by other presidents, both Democratic and Republican, but that does not excuse his assault on the Constitution. Goldberg implies, “This is the way we’ve always done things, so it’s OK” (another fallacy).

The balance of powers established by the Constitution is one of the most important pillars of our governmental freedoms, a balance that we, the people, must insist on if we are to remain free. When elected officials overreach their power, as Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have done, they must be checked. Because Goldberg glosses over this imperative, it is truly subversive. Impeachment should no longer be off the table.

CATHLEEN CLAY

San Pedro

*

Hillary Clinton declares that the Bush administration is “the most radical presidency we have ever had,” and Goldberg snarls, “This is, quite simply, absurd.” Goldberg is obviously blinded by his right-wing politics. Bush took office and systematically began to destroy this country as we have known it. He put anti-environmentalists in charge of protecting the environment, and the results have been disastrous. He used any excuse to invade Iraq, and he and his vice president repeat their idiotic mantra that Iraq was a haven for terrorists. It wasn’t a haven for terrorists before they invaded, but it is now. Bush has appointed judges determined to roll back the liberties we’ve taken for granted. He has tried to blur the line that separates church and state. Bush is not just the most radical president we have ever had; he’s without a doubt the most dangerous.

RON HARDCASTLE

Los Angeles