The people of the country (at least 51 percent) apparently have given President Bush an endorsement to continue to send Americans into harm’s way, pollute the Earth, put our economy in jeopardy with enormous debt and increase the restrictions on the way people control their lives.

Bush claims that this small majority has given him a mandate to pursue these policies.

This is a further indication that he has little understanding of the significance of certain words in our language. It is not unusual for him to either not understand or twist our language. The failure to pursue or propose policies that would unite this nation and benefit the nation in the long-term is another example of conservative Republican hubris.

This post election attitude can be seen in the House of Representatives’ protection given to their attack dog, Tom DeLay, from any political repercussions from possible indictment.

Our present political system has fostered a railroad mentality that benefits only certain segments of our society, with little consideration of opposing views. This can be seen in the current makeup of the administration hierarchy, with its composition of yes men and women. This trend is even being fostered in the CIA.

Successful CEOs will tell you that to have such people in supporting positions can only lead to disastrous consequences for the enterprise.

John Pehek, Leeds