It's time for President Bush to depart Fantasy Island

It's time for President Bushto depart Fantasy Island
EDITOR:
Is the Bush administration living on Fantasy Island? Cheney and Bush continue to say there are WMDs in Iraq and Saddam was linked to Osama bin Laden and 9/11. David Kay, weapons inspector, found no evidence of WMDs, and the 9/11 commission found no link that Saddam had anything to do with bin Laden and 9/11. Let's explore some more fantasies coming from the Fantasy Island also known as the White House.
They continue to blame the CIA for faulty intelligence or lack of intelligence or use George Tenet's announcements that WMDs were a "slam dunk," excusing their invasion of Iraq. Which is it? Shouldn't a competent president and his appointed staff make certain of information that puts American military in harm's way, loses thousands of lives, wounds thousands -- both Americans and Iraqis -- and spends $200 billion of American taxpayers' money?
Recently, Iraq was handed complete sovereignty. Sovereignty means supreme and independent power or authority. Iraq has no control over re-construction, insurgents or its oil resources and is told when its elections will be held. Obviously, the occupying powers had no control over insurgents and had to symbolically hand over the country in secrecy. If the occupying powers couldn't control the violence, how can a small, poorly trained Iraqi army keep control? Also, all American contractors are not subject to Iraqi law. Now that Iraq is sovereign, any violence can be laid at their doorstep.
Bush says the world is a safer place because Saddam is no longer in power. Colin Powell had to admit terrorist attacks have increased in the past year. There have been 130 attacks on the oil pipelines, hundreds of Iraqis killed and wounded, nearly 880 American lives lost and thousands wounded since March 2003.
At the NATO Summit, a note was passed to Bush, and he had another photo op announcing the hand-over by Paul Bremer. Bush went before the world saying NATO would now be helping in Iraq. They'll help train the Iraqi security forces, but they won't send troops to Iraq. If many nations are sending troops to Iraq, why has the Defense Department called up 5,600 Independent Ready Reserves for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Seems to me it's about time the administration admits the Iraq invasion is a huge debacle and fiasco. Bush says repeatedly, we aren't leaving Iraq and we'll stay the course. Spoken like a true conservative. Resist change when the truth hits them square in the face unless it's to their benefit.
JANET WALLS
Youngstown
Area law enforcement workstogether to apprehend thief
EDITOR:
This letter is in my express appreciation to all those who helped me after the theft of my purse and credit cards.
I noticed my purse had been stolen after 5:30 p.m. June 29, at which time I contacted 911, who then put me in touch with the Boardman Police Department. The response was overwhelming. Officers were here within moments after my call and handled the situation completely.
After calling to cancel my credit cards, I was notified that my credit card had been attempted to be used 1 mile up the road. I notified the officer, and he was on it immediately. Shortly thereafter, I was notified by a Struthers shop owner that he was in possession of my credit card, because someone tried to use it. He called Struthers police, who were on the scene within moments. The suspect was apprehended and taken to jail. I understand that both Boardman and Struthers police were on the spot, working together to apprehend the suspect.
The gist of this letter is that all parties involved worked together in an exemplary manner. It is also a relief to know that there are fellow business owners out there watching out for this type of problem. My sincere appreciation to Cigarettes 4 Less in this case.
VIRGINIA DUNCAN
Boardman