CALL ME SNAKE

Sorry. My post of a few days back (“Wrecking Crew,” May 30, 2005), in which I took some potshots at our Fearless Leader, was way out of line. I’ve realized, upon reflection, that it was unfair of me to criticize him, because as a marginally-employed individual, situated on the fringes of our society, I haven’t had to face the tough situations he has. For example, 3&3/4 years ago, when our nation was experiencing the greatest attack since Pearl Harbor (and an even greater attack than Pearl Harbor in terms of total casualties on our soil), I did not have to decide whether to respond to that situation immediately or to continue a reading session with schoolchildren in Sarasota, Florida. He bravely chose the latter option, despite the fact that some naysayers might question his priorities. But this was, after all, the “education president”–a person who honored his commitments, above all else. Similarly, I’ve never had to decide whether to abide by the Geneva Convention or to actively seek loopholes that would permit the maltreatment of prisoners (sorry, I mean “enemy combatants”). There are so many things I didn’t do–including having to decide whether or not to fulfill my obligations to the National Guard–that it’s clear I’m in absolutely no position to judge. And for that, I sincerely apologize–another practice, in addition to knee-jerk criticism, that has become all too common these days (see “Thanks for Nothing,” April 27, 2005).