Bush Vacations as Soldiers Die

In one of the deadliest periods for U.S. soldiers in Iraq, with 54 American soldiers killed in the first 14 days of August, President Bush is on vacation. Not a one- or two-week vacation like the rest of us working-class people, but a five-week vacation. Yes, I know he still makes time for his daily briefing and occasional trips for press opportunities or $2 million fund raisers at his neighbor's ranch. But five weeks away from the White House and the business of running the country? Come on now.I'm sorry, but the president of the most powerful nation on the Earth, who is currently engaged in two wars, has to have more pressing things to do than clear brush, ride bikes and drive visitors around the ranch in his pickup truck. Remember, he's only got three years to retirement.Our sons and daughters are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan every day because vehicles still don't have sufficient armor; our soldiers still do not have the upgraded bullet-proof vests promised them over a year ago; and nobody can travel safely in Iraq, not even the six miles from the Baghdad airport to the Green Zone in Baghdad.President Bush, I'll even give you a week or two off, then let's get back to the job we are all paying you to do. Be this country's leader. For starters, why don't you make a few calls or visits and see what you can do to speed up production or cut through the red tape to get our troops the protective equipment they need and deserve. Remember, you are the one who sent them into harm's way. How about staying on top of the Veterans Administration and making sure it gets all the funding it needs to take care of the thousands of physically and mentally wounded soldiers returning from the war.And on your way back to work, stop and talk with Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a slain soldier. She's been waiting for you outside your ranch, in a ditch.

GEORGE REMENTER

North Cape May

Letter printed in Press of Atlantic City, August 20, 2005

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