Letter: War no reason to retain incumbent

Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 | 8:55 a.m.

This country is set up for the orderly transition of one presidential administration to the other, even if a war is being fought. During World War II, for example, President Franklin Roosevelt died while in office on April 12, 1945, a month before the war in Europe drew to a close and five months before the war ended in Asia and the Pacific. The war was won under the presidency of Harry Truman.

So it's not right for the Bush administration to say there must be no change while the war on terrorism is being fought. Bush has no secret formula for preventing terrorist attacks. Should they win the election, Kerry and Edwards would have the same access to intelligence and investigative agencies.

Bush has made a poor showing on these real issues: Strengthening ties with allies, health care and research, the environment and energy.

I'm concerned that a second term for Bush would produce only two classes of American citizens -- extremely poor and extremely rich. As it stands under the Bush presidency, much of this country's tax revenue is being funneled into the pockets of the wealthy, while the middle class is being totally squeezed out.

CHARLES C. BIRD JR.