Remember, Swanson Wants to Lecture, Not Listen

Dear Mr. Swanson,
   I too would like to thank you for your attention ["Postmarks Online," July 8]. I cannot say for sure, but I would surmise that Mr. Clarke kept quiet about the 9/11 situation (at least in public) for his own reasons just as Paul O'Neil did until he left the secretary of the treasury post. Yes, they both wrote books that portrayed Bush and his boys in a negative light. One thing that you're missing, though, Mr. Swanson, is why did this current administration essentially not value what Clarke knew until it was too late? I'm not saying that this would have prevented 9/11, but the fact is that they had this tool to utilize, which past presidents did, and they just didn't seem to care. Paul O'Neil wrote a book, too, and financial motivation was not his goal. I have friends that worked for him at Alcoa for years, and believe me he'll never have to eat beans. They describe him many different ways. Cold, ruthless, aloof, ethical, but anything except a liar. He'll tell you the truth whether you want to hear it or not. That's why Bush fired him, because of his opposition to that second round of tax cuts which put our deficit in high gear just as he warned. I don't think, Mr. Swanson, that either one of these guys wrote books solely for financial gain. I believe that they are both ethical men. Unlike our foul-mouthed vice-president and the rest of that bunch. Sometimes writing a book is the only way to get the truth out about what is going on behind the scenes of your government. Also, I'm very tickled that Michael Moore has struck such a raw nerve with you. That was his intent, and you're comment about going to see a Rush movie if there ever is one, take my advice and take a pair of earplugs and a pillow. I tried listening to him for a very short while years ago and believe me, his shit gets old real quick as with the rest of those talk show guys.