MY FIRST REPLY TO THE BUSH SPEECH

I sent this to my local paper but I don't think it will be published.

“My greatest responsibility as President is to protect the American people.”

Neat. Then why did you ignore all the warnings about an Al-Queda attack on the U.S. before 9-11? Why are our borders and ports still open to terrorists? Why do our troops still lack armored vehicles? Why doesn’t the FBI have a modern communication system? Why hasn’t anyone been fired over the horrendous intelligence failures since you took office?

"After September the 11th, I made a commitment to the American people: This nation will not wait to be attacked again. We will defend our freedom. We will take the fight to the enemy. "

They weren’t in Iraq.

"Our mission in Iraq is clear. We're hunting down the terrorists. We're helping Iraqis build a free nation that is an ally in the war on terror. We're advancing freedom in the broader Middle East. We are removing a source of violence and instability, and laying the foundation of peace for our children and our grandchildren. "

Playing whack-a-mole is also clear. Why are only 400 soldiers assigned to guard 10,000 square miles near the Syrian border? Why is the road from Baghdad to the airport still so dangerous? How do you know the Iraqis will be an ally in the war on terror?

"Some Americans ask me, if completing the mission is so important, why don't you send more troops? If our commanders on the ground say we need more troops, I will send them. But our commanders tell me they have the number of troops they need to do their job."

Gen. Shinseki recommended at least 300,000 for the post-war. Why was he ignored? Bremer asked for 50,000 more troops in the summer of ’03 but was turned down. Why?

"And we fight today because terrorists want to attack our country and kill our citizens, and Iraq is where they are making their stand. So we'll fight them there, we'll fight them across the world, and we will stay in the fight until the fight is won. (Applause.) "

Why did your own advance team start the applause?

"And to those watching tonight who are considering a military career, there is no higher calling than service in our Armed Forces."

When will Jenna and not-Jenna be enlisting?