Bernice Manuel, in an Aug. 2 letter, expressed outrage that the president has not yet hit the ground in Iraq to bolster troop morale.

She mentions Bush’s questionable record of service and says he should “not wear the flight suit on any occasion.”

I don’t disagree on those points, as no sitting president, including those who served unquestionably and honorably like Eisenhower and Kennedy, has ever donned a complete military uniform while in office. Bush has set a precedent in history. Imagine then, another bizarre precedent: Bush as G.I. Joe.

For a mere $39.99, you can have a lifelike, 12-inch action figure called the “Elite Force Aviator,” George W. Bush, U.S. president and naval aviator. Think I am kidding? This “toy” is available next month from a major chain, KB Toys.

I imagine those who support the troops by slapping a bumper sticker of a flag on their car will camp outside for hours to be the first to rush in and fight for this toy for their kids. I wonder if Cheney, Rice and Rumsfeld action figures are soon to follow?

Sam Lacey

Mount Desert