To the editor:

Before the D-Day landings, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower wrote the following note to be issued in case the invasion failed: “Our landings have failed and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”

With all the hypocritical bravado from the Bush administration about supporting the troops and personal integrity, please try to think of a single example where anyone in a position of authority had the courage to take responsibility for anything.

Who fired the federal prosecutors for political reasons? Who gave the order to release Valerie Plame’s identity? Who phonied the evidence on WMD’s? Who was supposed to help the Katrina victims? Who gave the prisoner abuse orders at Abu Ghraib? Who at the CIA destroyed the videotapes of detainee torture?

Why is no one in this administration held accountable for anything? Why don’t the Democrats have the political courage to stand up to these people? Why isn’t the press holding administration members to account for their actions?

Leadership isn’t giving speeches in front of giant flags. No one in this administration comes close to leadership. Ike must be spinning in his grave.

Phil Wilke,

Lawrence