I was appalled to learn that President Bush refused to speak at the NAACP Convention this year. As a veteran, I find this sends a very disturbing message to the many minority soldiers in our military. The Pentagon estimates that blacks make up about 20 percent of our forces - many have already died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for our country.

How must the families of these soldiers feel when George W. Bush turns his back on one of our nation's leading civil rights organizations. Shame on you Mr. President.

Sincerely,
Major Robert Tormey
U.S. Air Force, Ret.