Letter: Arrogant Clarke discredits himself with behavior

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 | 8:47 a.m.

Even if it is true, as the Sun asserted in its April 9 editorial, that "there has been a concerted effort by top Republicans to attack the credibility of Richard Clarke." such effort has been totally eclipsed by Clarke through his own behavior and statements.

It has become well known that Clarke, the former national coordinator of counter-terrorism, is the person who at the time of his resignation one year ago wrote a letter praising the efforts of the Bush administration in the war on terrorism. Yet during recent public appearances and in a new book, Mr. Clarke has expressed considerable disdain for these same efforts.

In addition, Clarke apparently believes and resents that he had less stature and less access to senior government members during his tenure with the Bush administration than he had during his participation in the Clinton administration.

Clarke's apology to the families and friends of the victims of 9-11, not merely on his own behalf but also on behalf of the entire government, was so egotistical and arrogant that it may constitute delusion. If anyone might have the authority to apologize for the United states, it presumably would only be the president or a designee of the president.

The Sun editorial contends that Condoleezza Rice's recent testimony to the 9-11 Commission failed to discredit Richard Clarke and that his credibility remains intact. In fact, Clarke has been fully discredited through his own behavior and statements, resulting in the destruction of his credibility by himself.

JORDAN BODENSTEIN