George Bush and Iraq

So George Bush is worried that another military action against Iraq could damage his standing in the polls (“Bush Caught in Dilemma on Iraq Standoff,” July 23).

Even given that we live in a superficial age where image takes precedence over substance, it’s disheartening that the President of the United States is more concerned about his public appearance than he is about being a strong leader.

Harry Truman had the right idea. The Presidency has a responsibility to act in the best interest of the nation, and thus very often has to make tough decisions that, in the short term, the public will disagree with but which will, in time, benefit the nation and the world. Thus, Harry Truman dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima, and public opinion be damned. In the long term, history has proved that he did the right thing.

If it is in our best interest to take a strong stand against Iraq, this is what the President should do . . . and public opinion be damned. Even if it cost him the election, history may prove that he did the right thing.

BRUCE SCIVALLY

Los Angeles