Madam, - An Iraqi launches a missile at an American, and misses the target. There is worldwide coverage and some condemnation.
An American launches a missile and fails to find its target. There is little or no coverage.
In the first instance, the missile was a shoe thrown by Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi at President Bush during a press conference. It hardly registers in comparison with the many real missiles the US government has launched at targets in Iraq before and during its occupation of that country. These missiles have killed civilians in their hundreds, if not thousands. The disparity cannot be overstated.
Many countries around the world have shown the good sense not to follow the trend set by the US when it comes to the fashion of invading sovereign nations. US citizens have told their leader what they think of this behaviour and have given the president and his policies the boot. In this instance, Muntadar al-Zaidi has chosen to follow the footwear-flinging fashion. Well done, sir.
I hope he is released from custody immediately, and that his aim improves with time. - Yours, etc,
DECLAN KENNY,
Mill Lane,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.