Do I detect a note of desperation in the latest letter from our local Republican pundit?
In his letter to the editor appearing in the May 11 issue of the Record-Bee, Randy Ridgel cites his service record, re-examines the policy that led us into that war that still haunts the American psyche ? Vietnam. This is done all in an attempt to criticize President Johnson.
But wasn”t there another president who broadened that war by the name of Richard M. Nixon?
And wasn”t there some kind of scandal connected to that suspicious person?
Oops, forgot that little incident didn”t we?
But of course this is the way that dear old party obfuscates and omits history that does not correspond to their agenda.
Some of us still remember certain scenes and incidents such as that of President Bush by name swaggering, dressed like a warrior onto an aircraft carrier at great expense so he could have a great photo op proclaiming “mission accomplished.”
Mr. Ridgel conveniently forgets such egregious behavior, but it is not surprising as if I had the Trump or a half-term governor representing my party, I might find shelter in equivocation and fantasy.
I believe our present President is to be re-commended for spending a few hours to contemplate the consequences of such a perilous undertaking when human lives are at stake.
This critical pettiness and pathetic attempts to discount our president only shows how desperate and shallow are those who continue these attacks. As a veteran, however, Mr. Ridgel, I would think that your patriotism would be deeper, after all, you fought for America, not just a few people, but all of its citizens.
The fact remains that former President Bush after about seven years was unable to get rid of Osama bin Laden and President Obama only needed two and a half years.
Lets be true patriots, not summer soldiers, and give credit where credit us due.
Harold Riley
Clearlake
