As we Americans busy ourselves with spring picnics and summer vacation plans, the deaths of American soldiers continue to disturb our peace of mind. We wonder: Why don't the Iraqis settle down and enjoy the liberation and democracy we have won for them? The answer now appears in vile images of Iraqi prisoners being abused (''Bush condemns prison abuse,'' News, Thursday).
These pictures -- dismissed by President Bush as disgusting acts by a small group of soldiers -- reveal a void in leadership. Bush's perception that only a band of thugs opposes the U.S. presence in Iraq is wrong. Likewise, I believe his claim that only a few U.S. soldiers are to blame is wrong.
The growing scandal is producing a hatred that is spreading like cancer throughout Iraq and threatens to spread to every country in the Middle East. The Bush administration has made our country no longer the symbol of freedom, but rather a nation reviled. If we continue on this course, we will fuel terrorism worldwide.
Is there a solution? Whom shall we punish to show that we are not the monster the world imagines? How can we show that we are not spilling blood merely for oil? The best way to fill the void of leadership is to elect a new leader -- not one who fails to admit his mistakes, but one who has the moral courage to fight the evils of war.
Americans have never faced a graver duty than to vote in November.
Jack Miller
Atlanta