We are surprised, and disappointed, at Governor Mike Easley's apparent decision to play stealth partisan politics when our nation is at war, and a lot of North Carolina homes are helping fight that war.

It is understandable that the governor might miss one of President George Bush's trips to North Carolina.

Two might even be acceptable, under the right circumstances. Easley does have a rather fractious legislature, and a huge budget deficit.

But four? That's just rude.

Governor Easley has failed to offer so much as a handshake at any of the President's four visits to our state. The most recent snub involved Bush's visit with Marines, sailors, and their families at Camp Lejeune.

Many of the President's most bitter political foes are standing beside him as our troops are at war, showing that dissent does not have to mean disrespect.

But Easley, a Democrat, apparently couldn't put aside the fact that Bush is One of The Other Party long enough to welcome the president to our state.

Again.

Easley's latest excuse for being a no-show was that they couldn't get airspace clearance for the governor's helicopter.

We have to believe that if Easley had asked, he likely could have gotten permission to land his chopper at any of the other airports around Camp Lejuene and ride into town.

He might even have taken the two-hour journey from Raleigh in a car, like normal folks. With today's technology, the back seat of a limousine is easily transformed into an office away from the office.

The governor apologized and said he hoped that next time, maybe the President's schedule would be better coordinated with his own.

Wait a minute, Mike.

Not even the leader of the finest state in the nation has the right to expect the leader of the free world to adjust his calendar for the convenience of said governor. He deserves more respect, and he has a few things going on right now that are a bit more important than kowtowing to one of 50 governors.

Easley also said he would again visit some of our state's military bases, when it was convenient.

To an over-sensitive audience, smarting from tax increases and cut services and broken promises and the theft of franchise fees from towns, the governor's tone could easily have been used to reassure a kindergarten class that he'd come see them sometime.

Easley's disrespect for the President borders on disrespect for our armed forces, many of whose members live, work, and vote in North Carolina.

Many were hesitant about Easley when he became governor; more than a few Democrats and many Republicans hoped he would be able to boot some of the violent partisanship of previous administrations out of the governor's mansion.

Instead, it seems to be the same-old same-old, except with less money and less polish.

Many of the problems Easley is dealing with were inherited, and would be daunting for anyone. No one can blame anyone who makes an honest effort to solve problems, especially large problems that will be painful to the taxpaying public.

That's part of the job of being governor, our leader. If he makes an honest flub, or a plan fails, or the legislature won't budge, at least he tried in good faith to execute the job of governor.

Another part of the job, though, is to be the state's chief executive. Among the duties of that office is to represent our state in meetings with other chief executives, such as governors, major industry leaders, and yes, the President of The United States of America.

Maybe the governor has forgotten the billions of dollars the military pours into this state, through bases, personnel, and contracts. Maybe he has forgotten the services the military provides our state as well, in time of emergency, or in time of war.

Since N.C. Sen. John Edwards announced his intention to run for president, speculation has been that Easley would run for Edwards' Senate seat. If Edwards won the Presidency and vacated the seat, Easley would be responsible for appointing a new senator, and he wouldn't be the first governor to take the job himself.

That is still some distance in the future, but even if the election were next week, it would be no reason for the governor of our state to embarrass all of us by shunning the President of the United States.

Mr. Easley, if you have eyes on a Senate seat in Washington, then you'd better pull your governor's chair up to the table and get Raleigh straightened out first.

And don't embarrass our state by showing disrespect for the President, especially during a war. Disagreement and dissension are to be expected, because that is the American way, but disrespect is another matter entirely.

Shame on you, Governor Easley. Shame on you.

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