To the Editor:

I’m sure most would agree being President of the United States is not an easy job. I recall President Lyndon B. Johnson speaking of the awesome responsibilities of the Presidency during one of his addresses to the American people on the Vietnam War. I believe his statement was made shortly after the Tet offensive which should have been a turning point in the war for us, but turned out to be a turning point for the communist North Vietnamese. All hope of winning the war ended after the Tet offensive due to public opinion changing and public demonstrations in the streets against the war.

I believe whomever is occupying the position of President, there will be those who find fault with almost everything the President does.

There is no one perfect or infallible, even the President. However, we elect him to act and direct in the best interest of the country. The litmus test should be, does it benefit the country as a whole?

I find it rather sad our divisions are so deep and wide in America. There just seems to be no middle ground anymore, no compromise or benefit of doubt even when we aren’t privileged to all the facts. Almost any topic you bring up will render half for and half against. You are either far right or far left of center depending on the subject matter.

It is near impossible to chart a course acceptable to everyone. Personally, I believe President Bush is doing the best he can under very difficult circumstances. I also believe the decisions and actions he has taken reflect his strong desire to keep America as safe as possible. After all, the No. 1 obligation of government is to protect the people. Presidents serve at the approval of the electorate. If a President commits an offense that rises to the level of impeachment, and it is provable, he can be removed from office. But, it has to be more than conjecture and accusations. There is a presumption of innocence in America that even applies to the President.

Hopefully, what is accomplished in Washington by either the President or Congress is based on what is good for the country as a whole. This may be a little unrealistic considering the political posturing and the special interest lobbying that is prevalent there. However, idealistically it should be for the good of the country.

I just believe we can all agree to disagree agreeably. If not, a constant state of anarchy and conflict will exist. We need only look at Iraq to see the lack of wisdom in that approach. If a better country is what all patriotic Americans seek and desire, and I believe it is, perhaps we should follow the admonishment of President John F. Kennedy who said, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” If we all followed this advice, our country would be a much better place for all our people.

James G. Smith