It is a remarkable irony that this newspaper has chosen to endorse (Oct. 27) a man who in word and deed shuns newspapers.

Early in his administration, President Bush proudly told the press that he avoids newspapers and relies on his advisers for the facts. The facts of his presidency bear this out.

Throughout his presidency and this campaign, he has been absolutely unwilling to rethink any of his positions or actions in light of new information. The absence of weapons of mass destruction, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, the worsening social chaos in Iraq, the recent weapons disappearance, his policy failures with North Korea, and the worsening job economy here at home – none of these facts matter.

On environmental issues, he has buried his head, refusing to recognize reports by his own Environmental Protection Agency about global warming and mercury pollution.

This is a president who decides by impulse and “gut” and he never looks back to reflect. Is this leadership or persistence in folly? Decision making uninformed by curiosity and knowledge is nothing less than dangerous in these times.

Editorial opinion should not reflect some imagined straw poll. This paper should help shape opinion through its studied approach to the issues. To say that Bush is the only choice is a disappointing endorsement of a man who has shown a callous disregard for informed participation in the world.

Steve Bien, Jay

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