Controversy Over Tower

The current machinations regarding the confirmation of Tower have lead me to consider how fortunate the world was that the U.S. Congress had no part in the confirmation of Winston Churchill as prime minister of Great Britain during World War II. Surely Sir Winston’s fondness for a drink or two and his inability to suffer fools gladly would have rendered him ineligible, nay incompetent, to guide the civilized world through the travails of war.

It seems that the criteria for service as defense secretary are similar to those required to enter a convent--a virginal teetotaler who has never questioned authority. Good luck! The bureaucrats get stronger and the warriors get weaker. What a strange way to run the defense of democracy.

PETER R. BRISCOE

Cypress