To the editor:

In response to Mr. Hewitt, I agree about stating facts. So let’s consider some facts on flip-flopping.

President Bush opposed the 9-11 Commission until public opinion and the 9-11 victims’ families demanding the 9-11 Commission be established forced him to agree.

In January 2004, President Bush opposed granting a two-month extension, even though commission members said the extra time was necessary to finish their work. Two weeks later, after a public outcry, the White House capitulated and announced on Feb. 4 that it would allow the commission to have the extra 60 days it needed.

Homeland Security: President Bush opposed the formation of a Cabinet position for Homeland Security until the public opinion forced him to accept the idea. From November 2001 to June 2003 President Bush either fought to prevent or at least limit funding for Homeland Security. To this day Homeland Security has not been fully funded by the administration.

United Nations involvement in Iraq: Once the U.N. balked at going to war without further inspections, President Bush made the decision to go to war in Iraq and he didn’t want any help from the U.N. Later, he turned to the U.N. to select the interim government for Iraq.

I wonder if Mr. Hewitt believes that it is OK to call someone who disagrees with the policy of the president unpatriotic. If so then I guess he feels that Kerry supporter-bashing is OK. I wonder if Mr. Hewitt believes that free speech applies just to those who parrot the president’s policies.

Larry M. Brizendine,

Lawrence