Since He's (Not) An Expert

We should tell him to mind his own business.

AP: Cronkite: Time for U.S. to Leave Iraq---

PASADENA, Calif. - Former CBS anchor Walter Cronkite, whose 1968 conclusion that the Vietnam War was unwinnable keenly influenced public opinion then, said Sunday he'd say the same thing today about Iraq.

It's my belief that we should get out now," Cronkite said in a meeting with reporters.

Now 89, the television journalist once known as "the most trusted man in America" has been off the "CBS Evening News" for nearly a quarter-century. He's still a CBS News employee, although he does little for them.

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We had an opportunity to say to the world and Iraqis after the hurricane disaster that Mother Nature has not treated us well and we find ourselves missing the amount of money it takes to help these poor people out of their homeless situation and rebuild some of our most important cities in the United States," he said. "Therefore, we are going to have to bring our troops home."

Iraqis should have been told that "our hearts are with you" and that the United States would do all it could to rebuild their country, he said.

"I think we could have been able to retire with honor," he said. "In fact, I think we can retire with honor anyway."

There is no honor in retreating ignominously, leaving a job unfinished. There is no honor in glorying in our freedom while leaving others to suffer without.

Walter Cronkite ought to shut his mouth and enjoy his retirement. He has no business "advising" the Pentagon or President Bush. Why not play some shuffleboard, Walter, or work on a crossword puzzle?