To the editor:

I am writing in reply to Mr. Robert Walzís editorial in the Jan. 5 edition of the Post Review. First off, I respect Mr. Walzís opinion, as he has every right to have it and express it. However, I am very offended at the tone of his many, many editorials bashing President Bush and the Administration. The tone is one of anger, arrogance and vindictiveness.

I was particularly offended by the last editorial regarding the way President Bush handles the horrible Tsunami tragedy. Mr. Walz said, ìGiven what other nations had pledged, the administration was shamed into increasing the amount tenfold to $350 million.î

Shamed by whom? Does he know for a fact that President Bush acted out of shame? He then should tell the media, because it is a fact that Mr. Bush was conferring with heads of state of other nations, such as Japan, Australia, England immediately after the tragedy. No one at that time knew the horrific damage and loss of life, and no one knew at that time how much would be needed in aid.

The first monetary amount of aid by the U.S. of $35 million was just a start, and after assessing the needs of the region, the amount would go up. That was stated right away. Could anyone imagine the scope of the destruction, tragedy, unreal situation confronting the people trying to comprehend the unimaginable occurrence that just hit them? Yet, you say President Bush was slow in responding?

Now, about the inauguration. Would you still be wanting to cancel it if Mr. Kerry had been elected?

Why the inauguration? Why not cancel the Super Bowl? Or at least cancel the lavish half-time festivities? How about suggesting that McDonaldís, Arbyís, Burger King, Wendyís, Dennyís, etc., have a designated day and hour and take the profits from that hour and donate to the Red Cross. How about Wal-Mart, Cub, Rainbow, all businesses doing the same thing?

How about every employed person in the U.S. donating one hour of their paycheck to the Red Cross? Can you imagine the money that could be raised?

How about all the movie theaters in the U.S. donating one hour of ticket sales? Again, have a designated day and time. The possibilities are limitless. There are grocery stores, Mall of America stores, stores in every city and state in the U.S.

Just think of the profit that could be so beneficial.
Another idea. Why not have a group or business adopt a destroyed business in a devastated area and rebuild it? How about George Soros and Michael Moore funding a refugee camp?
The possibilities are endless.

I donít see why we have to not celebrate the inauguration of our 43rd president. Those of us who voted for him are very proud of him and your suggestion of canceling the event makes me think that you are still not over his win. Mr. Walz, Mr. Gore lost in 2000, Mr. Kerry lost in 2004. Please get over it and quit bashing President Bush and his administration. Many of us find it tedious and find you have a tendency to bloviate when no one really cares. Some of my friends and I were discussing your editorial and one of them mentioned that you were a gadfly.

I wasnít quite sure I knew what that was, so I came home and looked in the dictionary.

Gadfly ñ intentionally annoying person who stimulates or provokes others especially by persistent irritating criticism. someone who stirs the pot, bristles at the status quo, bucks the norm. Mr. Walz, are you a gadfly?

Nancy Hult
North Branch

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