January 30, 2004
My letter to Peter Jennings/ABC in response to Jennings' comment that the report that Bush was a "deserter" was "reckless" and "not supported by the facts."Dear Peter Jennings/ABC:
If charges that George W. Bush did not show up for duty at the Alabama National Guard unit to which he was assigned are "reckless," and "not supported by the facts," then what are the facts?
The commander of Bush's Alabama unit is on the record as saying Bush never showed up, and there are no records of him showing up. So what is the answer? Why is this not worthy of your attention? Is the president's military record irrelevant in an election year during war? If, in fact, Bush's military record is unblemished, then is it not ABC's job to establish that, to clear him of charges?
I remember the zeal with which you went after Bill Clinton for sexual indiscretions that were irrelevant to his job as president. Now we have a president who has led the country into a lethal war on false pretenses and whose own military record raises serious questions, and you seem to find this uninteresting.
Why is that?
ABC may be a private corporation, but the airways are public property and you have an obligation to fulfill your function as a public news source. I think you are derelict in your duties.
It is important for you to address these issues. If Bush's military record is not relevant news, then you should explain why and resolve these questions once and for all.
Sincerely,
David Cogswell
Hoboken, N.J.Write to ABC at netaudr@abc.com.