A REPLY

The Rev. Dana Prom Smith, S.T.D., Ph.D. (1/01/08)

In his letter saying that it was time to get over political rhetoric (Dec. 28), the writer defends the Republicans and President Bush on the grounds of incompetence, urging us all to “forgive them their mistakes” and assuring us of their “good intentions.” As Samuel Johnson said, “Sir, Hell is paved with good intentions.” The phrase “meant well” is polite code for “messed up.” The Iraqi War and the inept response to Katrina can’t be put down to mistakes.

In the letter, “Hyper-partisanship deserves a rest,” (Jan.1) another writer argues that both the Democrats and the Republicans agreed about invading Iraq. While some Democratic politicians were dupes and voted to authorize the war, as did Sen. Clinton, it was the President and the Vice-president who did the deceiving. Blaming weenies doesn’t work.

Now, that the truth about this catastrophe has hit home, the Republicans are trying to blame the Democrats, asking for mercy, or accusing writers of partisanship, being ministers of the Gospel, or veterans. I was criticized as a clergyman, but never ridiculed for having served my country as a soldier. I don’t know anyone stupid enough to buy that argument or vitriol.

Any President and Vice-President, no matter how well-intended, who without purpose incompetently pursued a fraudulent course in which 3,200 American military are killed and 29,000 are wounded and maimed with nothing to show for it save a decimated nation don’t deserve forgiveness for their “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Politics aside, they should be impeached and convicted.