Reader Would Like To See 'A Balance Of Ideas'

Opinions expressed in articles posted to the "From our readers" section do not necessarily reflect those of WEAC. If you would like to contribute to this page, please send your e-mail to OnWEAC Editor Bill Hurley at hurleyb@weac.org. Not all articles submitted to OnWEAC will be posted, and some may be edited for length.

To the Editor:

I have been a proud Wisconsin teacher for over 26 years. I have enjoyed many of the articles in the WEAC publication and have used many of the ideas presented. I feel that I represent many of my collegues in the ideals and goals of education.

However, I do not feel that the WEAC publication represents a balanced picture of the ideals of its members. Specifically, I am referring to the article in the December 2003 edition and the spin of Bob Wodward's speech.

Woodward correctly stated that "9-11 shaped the Bush presidency." He also stated that the "Bush White House had many shortcomings and failures" relating to the 9-11 threat. Why is this logic faulty? President Bush took office in January 2001. He subsequently met with George Tenet, the CIA director from the Clinton administration. How smart of President Bush to keep Tenet as the CIA director in order to keep the flow of information accurate. At this meeting in January 2001, Tenet warned the president of the threat posed by Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda network. Would it have been prudent to mount a full offensive on Afghanistan in February of 2001? Would Mr. Woodward have supported this? Does anyone think that this "serious threat" was not known the previous eight years? Does anyone honestly think that this warning was not given to Bill Clinton? Does anyone think that Bill Clinton successfully addressed those warnings? Only naivete would result in one thinking that this warning was new or that it had been addressed by the previous administration. I find Woodward's insinuation quite ironic that less than one month after taking office, this warning by Tenet was something new to be dealt with. I find Bush's response, "My blood was not boiling about bin Laden, and it should have been," refreshingly honest.

There are many WEAC members who strongly support our president and are proud of the work he is doing. He is a leader we can look up to with high standards for himself and his cabinet members. President Bush sets a tone for the entire country from executives to laborers. We no longer have to wonder what the definition of "it" is. Now students look to the job of president as one of honor. Since WEAC is a political voice for its members, it would be nice if the WEAC publication would offer a voice for those of us who support our administration. Remember, education is open to all points of view. A balance of ideas would give an honest picture of who WEAC members really are.

Respectfully,
Terry Hemschik
Dousman

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