To the editor:

Our commander in thief (Bush) announced Monday that he would appoint the independent panel investigating the handling of intelligence related to weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The national press seem to take this in stride, given the fact that no agencies have questioned the legality or morality of such a move. This act begs the question of where we can find concrete proof that we live in a democratic republic, of, by and for the people. Where is it? Can anyone show me?

The investigation into intelligence handling is supposed to aim at the people who submitted information and those who used the information, which led to war in Iraq. Now, if the top figure who made the decision to go to war is in fact under investigation, how, in a democratic society, can we possibly accept that this same top figure can appoint those who will investigate him?

Often people tell me to go live in Cuba, Iran, Iraq or North Korea whenever I criticize my government. Well, when it comes down to it, we do have a better life here than in those countries, but, ultimately, how can we claim that our government is more democratic, when the head of our government decides who will investigate his possible crimes?

Chris White,

Lawrence