Bush's spotty record on terrorism

To the editor:

Dan Balz writes that although many Americans wonder whether Bush cares about domestic issues, "few doubt his willingness to act and act aggressively in the face of terrorist threats" ("Domestic Questions Remain," 9/3). This view is selective, at best.

No one doubts that Bush, as the author of a new doctrine of "pre-emptive" invasion, does not flinch from war-making - but aggression alone will not protect us. The administration showed no interest in fighting terrorism despite specific warnings in the summer of 2003, and the Iraq war and occupation have so overstretched American troops that we are left poorly prepared for further threats. Bush also caused offense worldwide by loosening the safeguards that could have prevented Abu Ghraib.

As I watch the Republicans exploit the anniversary of September 11, I recall my father's dismay that Bush didn't even visit New York until three days after September 11. President Clinton, he said at the time, would have found a way to get there by nightfall.