Subject: Another incompetent appointment: George W. Bush must be feeling pretty smug about his recess appointment of Sam Fox as U.S. ambassador to Belgium, but, as usual, this president hasn't thought things through. The appointment of Fox amounts to an admission by Bush that he owes a political debt to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and the gutter tactics that group used to besmirch the war record of Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.). Finally, how must our allies the Belgians feel to be drawn into this tawdry affair? Bush and company have earned another "A" in cronyism and yet another "F" in statesmanship. David S

RESPONSE: Sam Fox was a charter member of the Swift Boat lie campaign that brings back memories of how Bush wins as in 2000 after losing the Republican Primary to McCain he had his supporters circulate the scurrilous lie the McCain had fathered a black child. Note John McCain and his wife adopted a child from Bangladesh. Trully, Bush is the scum of the earth and how the dwindling number of Republicans who support this man can justify their support is hard to comprehend.