Presidential Irresponsiblity

I get a strange sense of disbelief about relationship expected between Americans and their president. I can understand that it the office not the person held in reverence.

However when the office holders continually fail the people, it must reflect on the office itself.

“President Bush on Friday sharply criticized Democrats who have accused him of misleading the nation about the threat from Iraq's weapons programs, calling their criticism "deeply irresponsible" and suggesting that they are undermining the war effort.´ New York Times article

One of the great barriers to fighting corruption, or any other crime, is getting the perpetrators to understand the difference between right and wrong. Above all others, the ‘Office of the President of the United States’ must be seen to be transparently honest in all its dealings.

As a safety check, one of the evolved roles of an opposition or alternative government is to monitor and speak out about wrong doing. That is just what the Democrats have been doing. It is what the Republicans did under the previous administration. It is the right and proper thing to do!

As time goes by it is becoming evident that the Iraq's weapons programs were beaten up to justify a war in which many young Americans have died. The Office of the President must answer for that situation, just as the opposition must question it.

To do less is to undermine the trust of the people. It is not good enough to say “it is right because I am the president”. What is essential is that the people know that the President and ‘the Office’ are above reproach on all things.

I am not an American, but like many in the world, my life is impacted by many decisions emanating from that office. I would, at the very least, like to know that decisions are reached honestly; and if not, are exposed and dealt with.

Mr President, wrong is wrong! You diminish everything that you stand for with this bluster and posturing.