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In hearing some of the reaction to Bush’s speech today, I hear a lot of fear. That’s not how it’s phrased, but I think that’s the motivation.
In his speech, Bush has laid down a very big marker when he said:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
I think that when people really think about this they go, “Gulp.†Bush is taking on a Herculean task and I suspect much of the cynicism I heard was really people afraid we might fail in the mission.
I think that 9/11 changed Bush. He feels it is the first duty of government is to protect its citizens. It failed on 9/11 under his watch. I suspect he wants never to have that happen again.
I believe he thinks that democracies don’t attack each other, only tyrannies do. In addition, he sees that tyrannies breed terrorists. He thought train is if we can eliminate tyrannies, then we eliminate terrorists. The result is a safer more secure American.
Time will tell if Bush is right. But right now, all I can say is, “Gulp.â€
Posted by Ted at January 21, 2005 9:45 PM