To the editor:

I read that Bill Clinton is likely to speak at the Dole Center later this spring. No doubt the lecture will be well attended by those either smitten or curious. For those who are less than enthralled, let me offer an alternative.

Tonight, former Navy Secretary and current best-selling author James Webb will speak at 7 p.m. at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union. Mr. Webb provides an interesting counterpoint to Mr. Clinton.

During Vietnam, Mr. Clinton chose to leave his country; he wrote his draft board that he loathed the military. He later proved that point in his conduct toward the armed services as commander-in-chief. On the other hand, Mr. Webb went to Vietnam as a member of the military Mr. Clinton loathed. As a Marine infantry officer, Webb won the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

Mr. Clinton is infamous for his cavalier attitude toward the truth. Mr. Webb is notorious for his relentless pursuit of the truth and his insistence on sharing that truth, regardless of the cost. He has written thoughtfully and eloquently about U.S. policy after the terrorist attacks of 2001. I expect he will mention the war against terrorism and the war in Iraq tonight.

Do not expect Mr. Webb to be a spokesman for the current administration. Rather, expect him to speak the truth, no matter how painful it may be to hear.

H. Joseph Reitz,

Lawrence