Letter: Bush’s flip-flops have had deadly consequences

Friday, July 30, 2004 | 8:47 a.m.

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney continue to attack John Kerry for being a "flip-flopper."

Yet Bush has flip-flopped in major ways.

After 9/11 Bush said capturing bin Laden was our No. 1 priority. In March 2002, though, he said, "I don't know where he is. I have no idea and I really don't care. It's not that important."

In October 2001 Bush was dead-set against the establishment of a Homeland Security Department, an idea put forth by Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn. Seven months later, however, Bush began supporting the department and took credit for the idea.

In May 2002 Bush strongly opposed the creation of the 9/11 Commission. Four months later he flip-flopped and supported it. During his 2000 campaign Bush said gay marriage was an issue of states' rights. During his current re-election campaign, he called for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex unions and marriages.

During his 2000 campaign Bush repeatedly stated he would not be engaged in "nation-building." Is the mess in Iraq any clue how he flip-flopped?

Then there was the Iraqi exile, Chalabi, a convicted embezzler, who was in with Bush, then out with Bush.

How many of Kerry's flip-flops resulted in the deaths of American troops?

JAMES J. POUPARD

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