■ Looting, random shooting, mayhem—Baghdad is looking a little like pre-Giuliani New York.
■ When President Bush flew onto the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln to declare an end to the Iraq war, liberals reacted as if they had caught him having sex with an intern. Rep. Henry Waxman fretted about the cost to the taxpayer, Sen. Robert Byrd accused Bush of “exploit[ing] the trappings of war,” pundits talked about the erosion of civilian control of the military. Everybody save your breath. Presidents go where duty calls. James Madison, one of the most un-martial souls to occupy the White House, rode to the battlefield of Bladensburg during the War of 1812 when the British menaced Washington, armed with a pair of dueling pistols. Presidents understand military trappings. George Washington donned his old uniform when he reviewed the troops he was sending to crush the Whiskey Rebellion. Bush has used force wisely and well. He was right to thank the troops, and he deserves their—and our— thanks in return.
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