Bush showed his leadership qualities after 9/11
Where would we be without those willing to fight for our freedom?
Did Hitler go away after negotiation? Did Ireland become a Republic through discussion? Did Japan listen while we were negotiating?
At least in those days there were governments with which to negotiate and others who were able to sustain the fight.
Mr Fenton should take a closer look at the facts. First, after 9/11 there was no single country or dogma with which to negotiate. After 9/11, Bush took a leadership position, put it to Congress which agreed and funded the plan, and assembled a willing coalition of other countries at a time when Iraq was defying the UN.
That is what a leader does, amass a consensus to follow the plan. President Bush does not have power over that many countries and people. Though at the time I marvelled because I lived through the Vietnam war and knew how weak our country was in the face of the real meaning of war and the courage and determination it requires to wage it.
To Herb Stark (‘Bush doesn’t defend high standards — he lies,’ Letters, June 23), I would say I am very proud of my country and its constitution which, I believe, is used as a model all over the world, even here in Ireland.
Are we perfect? No. Were there mistakes? Yes, of course?
The easiest thing is to write and talk.
In the US, after the game on Sunday, we call those folks “Monday morning quarter-backs”. They know exactly how the game should have been played. That is what critics do. Critics are not leaders. Leaders are those who can handle all the blame, even for many things over which they have no control. Most of the press, I think, is jaded and wary of real leadership. The rest of us have a sad need to find someone to blame.
Joyce Anderson Gleasure
Carrigdownane
Kildorrery
Co Cork
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