Editorial: GOP off the deep end in its remarks

Friday, March 1, 2002 | 4:32 a.m.

On Thursday Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said that the Bush administration should provide Congress with a "clearer understanding" of where the war on terrorism is going. Daschle's assessment was reasonable and, if anything, mild to a fault. Nonetheless, the South Dakota Democrat's view resulted in a fusillade of criticism from Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott's take: "How dare Sen. Daschle criticize President Bush while we are fighting our war on terrorism, especially when we have troops in the field? He should not be trying to divide our country while we are united." House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said Daschle's comment was "disgusting."

Daschle and other Democrats have been strong supporters of the president's overall policy in his war on terrorism, so it is disturbing that Republicans would come unglued over what has been a valid concern about Bush's expansion of these efforts. The administration hurriedly -- without much consultation with Congress and not much communication with the public -- has sent or is sending military "advisers" to the Philippines, Yemen and Georgia. So, yes, we should be asking questions before we get in too deep.

Unfortunately the Bush administration also has wrapped domestic policy proposals in patriotism, suggesting that drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is important for national security and that a nuclear waste dump at Nevada's Yucca Mountain is essential for homeland security. These over-the-top characterizations are transparent efforts to stifle disagreements. This is dishonorable in a democracy that derives much of its strength from its willingness to honestly debate differences.