What does America have to cheer about?

Once again, in his blind loyalty to the Republican perspective, Steve Hatcher is out in right field. He decries criticism of President Bush without presenting any examples of the president's successes. The reason for that is simple, there are none.

The economy, in spite of the tax cuts, is down a couple million jobs since he took office. The stock market, a barometer of expectations for the future, is languishing. In spite of the apparent upturn in the economy, the market is about 5 percent below where it started the year.

The war — we don't even need to discuss that. It's a disaster, as are our relations with the rest of the world.

And look at the people the President has let go, Larry Lindsay, Paul O'Neill and General Eric Shinseki. What do they have in common? They all brought us bad news, news that the Administration didn't want to hear.

So what's to cheer about?

Hatcher is right on one thing. We have a stable hand in charge.

BOB WYNHAUSEN

Sandpoint