In a recent letter to the editor (April 25), John Waugh stated, and I quote, “America is in trouble … with two woefully inadequate candidates competing for presidency.”

This republic is at this present time in the most precarious position it has ever been in since its inception. We are facing an escalating situation in Iraq, where fighting and loss of life are on the rise. We here in the United States are vulnerable to terrorist attacks within our own borders. We are now one of the most disliked nations in the world, with our allies withdrawing support for us daily in Iraq.

Our worldwide image has never been at such a low point; and in the face of these catastrophes what are the political headlines? The major issue being debated by our worthy presidential hopefuls? Whether or not John Kerry did or did not throw away his medals. Or were they merely ribbons? If it were not so sad, I would laugh. If it were not so humorous, I would cry.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt was forming the OSS, he asked Winston Churchill to tell him what kind of man he should be looking for. Churchill replied he must be a man who is “intrepid.” Oh where, oh where, do we have such a man in our darkest hour to see us through into the daylight? Oh where, oh where, can he be?

John R. Lansdale