The Bush years look good to him

JANET BURNE'S Jan. 23 letter "The Bush years," in response to Jeff Jacoby's op-ed that praised the outgoing president, expressed concern about history being revised. I couldn't agree more. Let's make sure everyone remembers that history didn't begin eight years ago.

For example, during the eight years prior to Bush's taking office, the "Clinton years," the World Trade Center was bombed and a US destroyer and two of our embassies were attacked. Civilians and soldiers were killed, and perpetrators were never caught. The same people produced the tragedy of Sept. 11.

During the Bush years, perpetrators of these events were either captured or killed, with the exception of Osama bin Laden. His protection by a sovereign entity (Afghanistan ) was eliminated. He will remain hunted until he has the same fate as the others. There has been no attack on US soil since Sept. 11, while terrorist attacks have occurred in Spain, Britain, and India.

Speaking of India, if Burne studied the transcripts of the dialogue between Mumbai terrorists and their Islamist handlers, maybe she would understand what Bush understood. These terrorists have no regard for human life and no capacity for negotiation. And they would not hesitate to use any weapon to kill as many people as possible.

History will show that Bush did what he thought was necessary to make sure this didn't happen. I, for one, am extremely grateful.

Bill Klepper
Hingham