Letter: Voters may see beyond Bush’s failed policies

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2003 | 8:48 a.m.

President Bush would like Americans to brace themselves for additional efforts in Iraq, anticipated to last at least two more years, conveniently beyond the date of the next presidential election.

In addition to destroying the infrastructure of their country, the Americans have sacrificed the lives of many of their own countrymen, not to mention thousands of Iraqis, and we are hearing regularly that many Iraqis feel that we have already overstayed our welcome. Despite all of this, the Bush administration has only lately acknowledged that United Nations assistance is needed.

Many questions remain unanswered as to how such extensive efforts in Iraq will substantially impact the threat of world terrorism, not to mention the fact that both Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden remain unaccounted for and that, hungry to see a success, the Bush administration declared victory long before cessation of the hostilities.

The cost is staggering and comes at a time of major job losses, of states being unable to fund basic services, and at a time when tens of millions of Americans lack health insurance. Bush's proposed solution of providing tax breaks for the wealthy, in hopes of stimulating the economy, reflects a lack of sensitivity as well as practicality.

Perhaps Americans are ready to question the basic tenets of Bush's plans to address domestic problems and foreign policy and are looking for an alternative approach and new, more credible leadership.

ERIC STEFIK