Webb has impeccable credentials

To the editor:David Limbaugh's recent column questions the leadership and foreign-policy credentials of Sen. James Webb. Since Limbaugh apparently claims expertise in these areas, let's compare his resume to Webb's.

Regarding leadership, Webb earned the Navy Cross, Silver Star and other decorations as a Marine infantry officer in Vietnam. (Ironically, Limbaugh, who didn't serve in Vietnam, labels Webb as "dovish" for opposing the Iraq invasion.) After Vietnam and law school, Webb served the Regan administration in various positions including secretary of the Navy where he was instrumental in revitalizing the war-fighting spirit of the Marine Corps by choosing Gen. Al Gray as commandant. As for foreign policy, Webb's travels to Asia and the Middle East have produced several nationally published articles, and his 1983 PBS report on the Marines in Beirut won an Emmy.

What in Limbaugh's resume (or President Bush's) compares with these accomplishments?

Unfair? Perhaps, but no more so than those who make support for the Iraq war a requirement for being on board in the war on terror. For those of us who believe Iraq diverts personnel and resources from the greater terrorist threat in Afghanistan (remember Osama and the Taliban?), Webb is a qualified and welcome leader. Yes, Webb is an ex-Republican, and Democrats can thank Bush, Cheney, the Limbaugh brothers and other chicken hawks for sending him to them.

By the way, "muscular liberalism" is no more an oxymoron than "compassionate conservatism."

RICK BOHN, Scott City