WHAT BUSH MUST DO

President Bush is at this moment confronted with a critical moment of the Iraq war. A mother who has lost a son in this war waits outside his home to see him and ask what is the honorable purpose for which her son died. In her sorrow and loss, she speaks with a moral authority that no other individual possesses. Whether Bush understands his obligation, and even if he does not care, he must meet this mother and hear her plea or forever lose all legitimacy as a man and as a national leader. There is no right of refusal. To attempt to avoid meeting the mother and talking with her will brand him forever as a coward and indifferent to the human cost of his war. Worse, remaining aloof, defensive, and fearful will tell all Americans that Bush is concerned only with himself and his political interests.

What Bush needs to do is walk out to the woman, take her by the hand, and lead her into his house. He should tell her to tell him what she wants him to hear and that he will listen. He does not have to make a commitment that might cause difficulty down the line, but he must face the mother and meet her on her terms. This simple act of honesty and compassion will earn him respect all across the nation.