Scrutiny part of life in a democracy

The Sept. 9 Gazette included four letters complaining about the scrutiny given to President Barack Obama's recent speech to schoolchildren. These letters claimed previous presidents, such as President George H.W. Bush, did not face this scrutiny.

The truth is, Bush faced tremendous scrutiny over his speech to schoolchildren in 1991. Democrats denounced Bush's speech and ordered the Government Accountability Office to investigate its production. House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt denounced it as government-paid political advertising. Rep. William Ford ordered the GAO to investigate the cost and legality of Bush's speech. Ford summoned top Bush administration officials to testify at a hearing concerning the speech.

Bush faced scrutiny from the media and political opponents. The Washington Post published a front-page story suggesting Bush's speech was staged for political benefit. The National Education Association denounced Bush's speech, yet its Web site now posts articles describing Obama's speech as an inspirational address. Now that is a double standard.

Bush's speech was much like Obama's speech. Neither included partisan politics or radical education ideas. Both speeches were filled with common-sense inspirational words to children.

Was there a double standard against Obama's speech? Not compared to the scrutiny of Bush's speech. Both were treated unfairly by opponents. That is partisan politics, and it won't go away as long as we live in a democratic republic. The current president and party in power always seem to be under intense scrutiny. They should be. They work for us.

Bruce Tweeton

Center Point