Letter to the editor

The mixed signals we seem to be getting from the recently formed "Democatic" Republic of Iraq (did I get that right?) and Washington is mind boggling to say the least. President Bush continues to insist that while he is determined to stay the course, he is flexible and open to new ideas. Duh. Nice work if he can get it. The Iraqi president wants our military presence gone, but refuses to be held to a time table by Washington. The latest joint declaration from both parties vows to defeat the insurgents and avert a civil war that appears to be already at hand, despite joint denials from both Presidents. Only the victims seem to know for sure. The new rapidly formed Iraqi army, numbering a few hundred thousand strong, is too busy exacting vengeance upon itself to offer much challenge to outside forces. If the Iraqi government can ever manage to propel itself out of the ring of protection provided by U.S. troops and actually mingle with the people without getting itself blown up or shot, there might be a glimmer of hope for its survival. First, they will have to scrap the word "Democratic" from the country's title. It simply doesn't resonate
realistically in that part of the world, spinmasters not withstanding.

George Morin
Auburn, Ga.