Letter: We deserve better

Editor:

Editor:

Re: “What’s happened to my country?” from North Forty News December, 2013

The writer begins with his great pride in country after seeing the movie, “Captain Phillips,” (Somali pirate attack). He then despairs, comparing the terrorist attack at our Bengazi consulate.

Many of us would agree with his title of what’s happening to our country – but, not for the same reasons. Instead, it would be anger, frustration at the gridlock of Congressional political partisanship. Additionally, few can analyze the clever distortions, manipulations, claims and counterclaims from both sides.

Sadly, the writer chose two prime examples which are, in themselves, prime examples of this disinformation.

CBS News recently fell victim and had to retract and apologize for a segment appearing on “60 Minutes.” A man who claimed to have been at Bengazi during the attack and to have witnessed cries for help and lack of response was proven not to have been there. Furthermore, the attack was over so quickly, help was not possible.

During Congressional hearings on Bengazi, Hillary Clinton presented FBI, CIA etc. findings. After repeated badgering, her response, “What’s the difference” (if more details are given in comparison to the dreadful tragedy of the loss of life, burning of consulate?) The “What’s the difference,” taken out of context, was used to suggest callous indifference.

Yes, it’s difficult to separate truth from misstatement – far easier to play the blame-game, to blindly accept finger-pointing. But, aren’t we, thus, part of the problem? Shouldn’t we put aside ideological differences to demand congress cease political bickering, work together for good of our country?

In my over 80 years, I’ve never seen it this bad.

We, and our country, deserve better.

E. Hayes
Wellington