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Editorial: It's not much of a Day for our President Not since the Johnson-Nixon Vietnam era has a nation, a world, been so divided over a single issue. That schism derives from President Bush's threat of imminent war with Iraq. On this President's Day, perhaps Bush will take a moment to reflect on the 60s and 70s. In his final interview before heading for his last cattle drive, President Johnson - with tears in his eyes - told TV anchor Walter Cronkite the reason he didn't run for reelection was that he had looked into "the abyss" and had seen what he had done to this country. He was referring to Vietnam and the failed American policy that needlessly took so many lives. Later, President Nixon's ultimate bringing home of the troops could not salvage his presidency. Showing how little he had learned, Nixon climbed into the Marine helicopter for the last time - having resigned from office - and flashed the two-fingered sign. That gesture either means peace or victory, depending. Even at that moment of utter defeat, Nixon was tragically unaware he had accomplished neither. Watergate had sent him packing, but Vietnam had broken his back. Over the weekend, hundreds in Ashland, thousands around the state, tens of thousands across the nation, and millions worldwide took to the streets to protest America's war policy. Sadly, the protests centered in the capitals of our traditional allies. The statistics are staggering: 100,000 in Sydney; 1 million in Rome, 750,000 in London; 600,000 in Madrid; 500,000 in Berlin; 100,000 in Paris; 70,000 in Amsterdam. The numbers were boggling in America as well: 500,000 in New York; 100,000 in Los Angeles. In each case, it was the largest demonstration since Vietnam. It is apparent, thus far, that Bush is unflinching. He stands with Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair as the lone cowboys in this Iraqi roundup. It seems that dividing a world is of little matter. Somehow, THEY know better. After all, the polls still show they're popularity is intact. But what of the millions in the streets? What of the civilians who will die? What of the troops who will be sacrificed? And while we're in the area, what of the al-Qaida attackers and Osama bin Laden? What of stability in Afghanistan? What of the nuclear threat posed by North Korea? What of the missile rattling between India and Pakistan? What of the anthrax? What of the orange alerts? And what of our miserable, reeling economy? It's not like the Eisenhower era when there was nothing to do. This President's Day, Bush could actually have a presidential moment. Saddam is backing water, with our troops hanging over his back fence. The only ground the despotic Iraqi leader is taking is that of world opinion - the demonstrations. Bush needs to back away while the world is still in one piece. Then, we can study peace. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -