Letter: Critics can oppose Bush without ‘hating’

Friday, Dec. 19, 2003 | 9:36 a.m.

Bush forces are trying to shame critics of the president into silence by calling them Bush haters. But disagreeing with people hardly means you hate them. For example, Bush claims that he made America safer from terrorists by sending our armed forces against Iraq. Some think the results were the opposite -- telling countries of the world they were either for us or against us may have increased rather than lessened the threat. That doesn't mean we hate Bush. Do we think he made a stupid mistake? Yes. But do we hate him for it? No.

If someone sticks his nose in my face and says, "You are either with me or against me," my reply is: "Buster, I have my opinions and you have yours. Either convince me yours are better than mine or go fly your own kite."

Almost overnight, world sympathy for America over the 9-11 terrorist attack turned to hatred of America. Bush bungled the opportunity to unite the world against the terrorists and their rogue religious ideas. Instead, he divided the world and each country is on its own fighting terrorist cells until we can restore civilized respect and cooperation among nations.

No, we Bush critics don't hate Bush. We just wish our country had been in the hands of more intelligent leadership at this point in history. And it is not unpatriotic to want intelligent people in charge of your government.

PAUL GWIN