I (Still) Support George Bush
I thought I would say that considering that it’s somewhat expected to dis the President these days. Here’s why.
1. I give credit to George Bush for fighting the War on Terror even though it would have been much easier to lob a few cruise missiles into Afghanistan (like Bill Clinton did), or avoided conflict with our allies in Iraq (as his father did). Because of his efforts, I believe that America is safer today than it has been at any time since Jimmy Carter took office in Jan. 1977.
Al Qaeda preached that America was a paper tiger. It believed this because of Carter’s handwringing, Reagan’s disappearing (from S. Lebanon after the Beirut barracks bombing) and Bill Clinton’s disinterest. George Bush has shown this to be a mistake by the only method Al Qaeda understands: killing them before they kill us. This has come as a surprise to Al Qaeda, and one that they have yet to respond to.
2. I believe that the Iraq War is – and was – justified. I believe that Iraq is better off today than it was under Saddam, and that the Middle East and the USA are safer as a result of this action. I do not believe that 2,300 soldiers have died in vain. I believed that they gave their lives in the cause of liberty which I continue to believe is a noble cause. Unfortunately I believe that those who don’t believe in liberty anymore are the ones most likely the first to lose it should liberty be lost. Leftist Intellectuals, gays, and other liberals should take note about how their peers have been treated in areas lacking liberty – such as Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Iran.
I also believe that removing Saddam was in America’s long-term best interest, as is supporting a democracy in the Middle East. Whether the Iraqis can rise to the occasion and grasp that chance is up to them.
3. Even though I disagree with George Bush on many issues, I still respect him and the American Presidency. From his reflexive support of Free Trade to his reflexive dislike of environmental regulations, there is plenty I disagree with the president on. However that does not mean that I do not respect him as a person or the office he holds. As Gerald Ford said, “One can disagree without being disagreeable.” I refuse to mock him, call him names, or blame him for every imagined bad thing that has happened to me or the causes I support. However I do believe that I have the write to criticize him when I feel it is necessary, but only when such criticism has a point – and a possible alternate solution.
4. I believe that my nation is as strong as it has ever been in its history. I believe that one day we will look upon this period with nostalgia in the same way people view life during the 1950s and 1960s. I still believe in my nation, and continue to wonder when voicing one’s patriotism became a crime in some parts of society.
