In reply to Andrew Mason (“Iraq: John Kerry’s last stand” Nov. 2), I think Kerry’s first response was completely appropriate. The man butchered a joke and suddenly Democrats are scampering to and fro trying to “repair the damage” as though one verbal gaffe is going to lose elections nationwide. All this while a president sits in office who once said “[Our enemies] never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.”

This administration has shown callous disregard for the well-being and safety of our troops in almost every possible fashion. Henry Kissinger, who still advises Bush on issues relating to the war and national security, said in his book that “military men are just dumb stupid animals to be used as pawns in foreign policy.” Instead of sticking to their guns, it seems the Democrats will continue to allow irrational and politically convenient outrage on behalf of Republicans to control the national debate. So the question remains: Are our Democrats learning? Sadly, it seems not.

Joel Tadmor

Senior in LAS