The Editor, Calgary Herald:

It's no exaggeration to say that in the 1992 U.S. presidential election three words President Bush declaimed -- "Read my lips" -- turned him into a one-term president. With these words Bush punctuated a solemn pledge to American voters that he would not raise their taxes. But, in fact, taxes were raised, and the unkept promise was effectively used to defeat him.

Now a similar three-word display of bombast from this President Bush is also likely to cause him grief in November 2004. I refer of course to his "Bring 'em on" challenge to resisters of the American forces in Iraq. Resisters do appear to be coming on gangbusters, delivering about one atrocity every week. So far American forces have been spared. But how long before the Beirut 1983 scenario is rerun, and U.S. soldiers and officials are suddenly and massively killed in ruthless and daring operations?

Surely, thereafter many Americans will be deeply resentful the younger Bush had presumed to strut and posture so, while not having ever to risk his own life in combat situations; resentments they will carry into polling booths.

Sincerely yours,

Orest Slepokura
Strathmore, AB