Bob Lander of Mercer Island, Washington wrote this Letter to the Editors posted in the May 16 Seattle Times:

"As a combat infantry veteran of World War II, I commend President Bush for his decision to give up golf (out of his respect for veterans).  It spares military families the unseemly sight of the commander in chief goofing off from his grueling wartime schedule as their loved ones suffer and die.

"It's a compassionate decision.  Gutsy.  Patriotic.  Who among us could ask for anything more?"

Indeed, who among us in a nation of mere mortals could we ask a more demanding or agonizing sacrifice than for George W. Bush to give up golf to show his abiding respect for veterans and their families?