Bush-bashing cartoon misrepresented the facts

I am used to the downgrading of the abilities and actions of the current U.S. president, however, the cartoon on the editorial page July 31 flagrantly misconstrued (the facts).

Many of the problems with the Middle East began before the current president took office. The first attack on the World Trade Center occurred during the watch of President Clinton. Nothing concrete was done in retaliation, emboldening the radical Muslims who feel that all unbelievers in their religion should be removed from this earth.

The president at that time was William J. Clinton, who was winding down his allowable time in office. He was more interested in determining how he could convert his eight years of fame into becoming a billionaire than he was punishing or eradicating groups that believed the United States is the home of Satan. His government did what most Democratic governments are good at. They studied the situation. (If you do nothing, you can do nothing wrong).

Mr. Clinton was very successful in attaining his goals, while the president that succeeded him had to do something about the problems that were left to him and us after the same group again attacked the World Trade Center. President Bush was not concerned about his personal fame or wealth, as is true of some presidents, but he is taking many defaming accusations for doing what needed to be done.

My war was World War II. President Roosevelt did not sit back on his derriere when Pearl Harbor was attacked. I still remember his speech on the radio. I was a volunteer for that war and am proud to have served my president and country in that time of need. I am a little too old for this one.

I read your newspaper because it should be a better source of news, both locally and beyond, than sound bites on radio and TV. However, the lack of fair coverage is evident by declining size caused by reduced readership.

Edwin Y. Wheeler
Stover