Fund for Afghan Children Has Strong PR Ring to It

Newsday columnist Sheryl McCarthy had a queasy feeling as she watched President Bush with D.C. school children promoting his newly created America's Fund for Afghan Children. "I get nervous when public officials trot out the children. What president whose country is involved in a dicey war, what mayor whose approval rating is down doesn't look good when flanked by a group of earnest and trusting kids?" McCarthy writes. "The children's fund is pure public relations. Yes, it could make children feel they're contributing to the war effort, help allay their fears and bolster their confidence in their government. I just hate to see children used this way."