Letter: Read the news today ... ?

Editor, Daily News:

I have one question for Joe Kiernan, whose letter to the editor published Tuesday faults your editors for their selection of headlines.

And one answer.

The question is, "Why should another recital by George Bush of his accomplishments in Iraq be considered headline news? The "Mission: Accomplished," the courage of the Iraqi people during the election and the adoption of a constitution were all headlines when they happened. Since then, the president has regularly assured us of the progress that is being made — in spite of some "setbacks" — in the preparation of Iraqi troops to take over the security of their own country, of his confidence in the new Iraqi government and of the ultimate victory over the "terrorists" who are trying to destroy it, provided we stay the course, as the Iraqis want us to do.

Does more of the same deserve headline status because Tony Blair was standing beside him?

But when he said he had made some "missteps" in Iraq, that is news! When the press had asked him about possible mistakes some time ago, he needed more time to think of one. And he finally thought of one: He shouldn't have said "Bring 'em on!"

Congratulations to your editors for putting the headlines where they belong.

And there is no need to pity those of us who depend on the Daily News for our news. We are quite aware of Bush's accomplishments in Iraq, even if we missed the news conference.

John F. Malley , Naples