Friday, Oct. 11, 2002 | 4:24 a.m.
As our esteemed president, George W. Bush, nears the midpoint of his first term, what has impressed me most about him is his supreme sense of irony.
For example, during his campaign, Bush never wearied of reminding the public that the Clinton administration had devastated military readiness. In fact, he went so far as to lie to the American people, telling them an entire division was not combat ready.
How ironic it is that Clinton's "hollow" military establishment made quick work of the Taliban and is now preparing to do the same to Iraq despite its continuing commitments in Afghanistan. Strangely, Bush is now touting our preeminent military power.
Ah, but there's more. Currently, disabled retired military people are forced to forgo an amount of retired pay equal to their disability pay. Congress is now seeking to incorporate an amendment in the defense budget which would rectify this long-standing injustice. Unfortunately, there is one major roadblock -- Bush has threatened to veto the defense budget if Congress doesn't remove the offending amendment. One can only recall his solemn pledge to the military: "Help is on the way." Hmmm ... how ironic.
Poor George. All his pandering (with the help of certain retired four-star cronies) to the military and to the public's fear and he undermines it all in the service of irony.
KELLY L. KRIEG
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