Letters: Nov. 27, 2006

A President in Isolation

In the run-up to the midterm congressional elections, we reported how President Bush's dogged insistence on sticking to his guns had left him a lone rider. Readers argued over whether Bush is an embattled hero in a white hat and whether he and the nation need to change horses

TIME's cover headline referring to President George W. Bush as "The Lone Ranger" [Nov. 6] was like calling Donald Rumsfeld Mahatma Gandhi. Don't you know your pop-culture history? The Lone Ranger was a gallant man who helped people in distress. He then rode away, not waiting for accolades. The only thing Bush has in common with the Lone Ranger is that he is from Texas.

R. LEE LAWRENCE

Los Angeles

I could accept that President Bush is, as you put it, "faltering in Iraq," "out of favor with his own party" and "increasingly isolated." But to refer to "the world he's created" was just too much. The present state of affairs was created by the terrorists of 9/11, not the President.

GEORGE R. OURS

Petersburg, W.Va.

Like a coach using an old playbook, Bush has shown how mediocrity can take hold when an agenda begins to get stale. The elections were a clear referendum on his leadership. He seemed to ignore criticism and was ineffective in achieving any of his goals, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republican Party paid the price on Election Day.

JETHRO SINGER

Santa Monica, Calif.

I admire a leader like President Bush, who stands up for what he believes, regardless of the effect it has on his popular support. I believe that World War II would never have taken place had there been leaders like Bush around to stop Hitler in his tracks.

BOB BUCKLEY

Benoni, South Africa

Bush's political isolation is not his fault. The central challenge in dealing with militant Islam has always been the tentative resolve of most Western nations to defend their interests and values. Europe, in particular, just sits on the fence and snipes while watching the U.S. take a stand. Real friends would be there to help, advise, plan and even make sacrifices on behalf of a shared destiny. These fair-weather friends actually seem to want Bush to fail. What would they do if they got their wish?

GARTH KLATT

Calgary, Alta.

As Americans finally awake from nearly six years of misrule, we are recoiling at the damage done to our institutions, the rest of the world and our future. Let's hope this election marks the first step in repairing that damage--or at least checking the power of those who would inflict more.

BRAD JARVIS

Arvada, Colo.

Throughout history, great men with vision and courage have stood alone in the face of political opposition. Hurrah for the Lone Ranger!

JOHN WIEDERSATZ

Jeffersonville, Ind.

This Bud's Not for You