How Bush Impressed a West Point Cadet
This editorial is the sole opinion of its author and is not endorsed by the United States Department of Defense, the United States Army, or the United States Military Academy (“West Point”), nor does it constitute or reflect an official opinion of the same.
In the midst of the 2008 presidential campaign, I discovered that my own political sensibilities had been slowly shifting towards a state of apolitical apathy. After non-stop news coverage, mudslinging, politicking, and blatantly empty promises, I realized that I was not particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming election. Politics — which has occupied my interest ever since my parents taught me the meaning of the word “propaganda” fifteen years ago — no longer held the appeal it once did. If anything, it has made me a more cautious skeptic when I hear anyone speaking at any length about any national policy.
Therefore, it was with some measure of reserve that I anticipated a certain meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. The week prior, the dean’s department — and by extension, most of my instructors — were somewhat flustered by a sudden change in class schedules and lesson plans. “Something’s happening on Tuesday and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell you,” they cautiously whispered to us. “Someone big is coming.” I thought I knew the secret already — the presidents of the Patriot League universities were scheduled to come to West Point for a conference the following Monday, December 8. But surely the administration wouldn’t upset a week’s worth of classes because a few university presidents showed up at the Academy — even the secretary of the Army doesn’t draw that much fanfare.
So on the Friday prior to the December 6 Army-Navy game — lo and behold — the tight-lipped officers finally spilled their secrets: our surprise visitor would be the president of the United States.
Now it’s no secret that George W. Bush was unpopular; it’s also no secret that he was probably more popular within the ranks of the military’s officer corps than in any other sub-group of American citizens. Thus, his last-minute appearance at the Academy, a mere month prior to the inauguration of the next president, was somewhat unexpected and met with a mixture of unbridled enthusiasm and suspicion. Was he trying to make a “state of the presidency” address at the Academy? Was his appearance at the 2008 Army-Navy game another move at garnering support from the military, perhaps to build resistance to what many Republicans feared would be an abandonment of the Iraq reconstruction by soon-to-be-President Barack Obama?
On the bus ride down to Philadelphia, the president’s pending visit was a favorite topic of conversation. When he appeared on the field, all of the energy we normally reserve for taunting Navy instead focused on getting his attention. Cadets leaned over the concrete railings, almost falling onto the playing surface at Lincoln Financial Field, all in an attempt to win a presidential handshake. For the second time in four years, the corps shouted, albeit not as wholeheartedly as in 2004, “George Bush rocket! George Bush rocket!” while trying to convince the commander-in-chief to perform the traditional West Point football cheer.
Bush, of course, declined — he still had to sit with the Navy fans during the second half of the game.
After suffering another ignominious defeat at the hands of our archrivals, one bright spot in the calendar remained: the president’s Tuesday visit. At first, the plan was to move classes around his arrival time, brief all the cadets and faculty at once in Eisenhower Hall, and then dismiss us to continue our normal routine. However, to the surprise of the faculty, the president’s advisors returned the following Monday with a new plan: he would brief the underclassmen in Eisenhower and the soon-to-be-lieutenants (the “firsties” or seniors) in Thayer Hall’s Robinson Auditorium during a separate meeting. This second meeting came with some strings — only firsties would be permitted to attend. The Academy’s administration knew that the first class, by itself, could not fill all of the auditorium’s seats, and in a move to ensure that no seat would be left empty for the president, mandated attendance for several of the academic departments.
The president’s staff demurred once more. President Bush’s instructions were explicit: only senior cadets would be permitted to attend. Not only that, he wanted as much time with us as he needed. The Academy brass then made the only logical move and canceled all Tuesday classes.
Needless to say, we were positively gleeful. Class here doesn’t get canceled for anything; most living Academy graduates would not be able to recall such a thing as a snow day.
“This was not the George W. Bush that we all thought we knew. Immediately, it became apparent why he didn’t want the press there — he wanted the freedom to be as candid with us as he knew how, as a classic Texas straight shooter down to the last word.”
Of course, he was always playing an act, as the puppet that he was of all the self-centered moneymakers around him. He’s no different from Sarah Palin. He hated being President, but didn’t have the moral guts to come forward. That’s why he failed. He paid attention to his handlers instead of listening to other well-intentioned citizens. He tried to make up for lost time at the end of his tenure, but the problems were out of control. What a legacy!
Unfortunately, if there was a whole different, better Bush that the public didn’t know about, that only emerged when he addressed privileged groups in private – that is Bush’s doing. One of his critical shortcomings. Being unable to translate his success in small groups to the national constituency he was tasked with interacting and communicating with as President.
The cadet’s posting is remeniscent of news coming from the private fundraisers and meetings with bigshots in the 2000 Republican campaign, talking about how impressed they all were with Bush. How engaging he was. How sharp he was. How at ease, eloquent, authentic and fair-minded he was.
If true, more the pity for Bush and the country he diminished himself on a larger stage.
“This was not the George W. Bush that we all thought we knew. Immediately, it became apparent why he didn’t want the press there — he wanted the freedom to be as candid with us as he knew how, as a classic Texas straight shooter down to the last word.”
Prez Bush’s untold achievement – “Credibility of the Press” (Before & after Bush). Challenging is one thing, Ignoring – another.
“There will always be dissident voices heard in the land, expressing opposition without alternatives, finding fault but never favor, perceiving gloom on every side and seeking influence without responsibility.” –John F. Kennedy
Fools…….
I was always irritated that the former Mr. President had to skip my graduation… and he came the next year. But he seemed to have a special place in his heart for USMA. Eh. It’ll be interesting to see whether the new CiC continues to come to Academy graduations, visit with cadets, and etc., given his apparent lack of interest in things military.
Beat Navy!
Not surprizing. Many people have said this about Pres. Bush. Most people are different in large settings than in more personal ones. Even Pres. O’Bama. Get him off-script and he kind of stumbles around looking for words. (Oops, wasn’t supposed to say that. Never mind. I think there’s some one at the door.) Pres. Clinton, on the other hand, loved the large stage. His ego fed on it. He wanted to “be” president, but wasn’t really into the “job” of president. The band playing “Hail to the Chief” when he walked into the the room, the crowds, the 60% approval rating (don’t do anything hard to upset that) all the pomp and circumstance, but unfortunately no slave to whisper in his ear that he was still a mortal after all. I heard a guest on Imus years ago saying “the present will be very kind to Clinton, but History will spit in his face.” About 2 weeks later the Lewinsky story broke. I believe the opposite will be true of Bush. The present gets off on spitting on him, but History will be far kinder.
Marc, thank you for taking the time to write this. Best wishes to you and the class of 2009. I’m sure you will do our country proud.
“Being unable to translate his success in small groups to the national constituency [was Bush's fault].”
Cedarford, and through what medium, exactly, was this “different, better Bush” to be communicated? I think Anita is more on target to address the disingenuous way the national media collectively worked to beat down, denigrate and present a charactature of Bush to the public simply, from my perspective, because he wasn’t their man. I have little doubt the whitewash pass they give to Obama (who unquestionably is their man) over the next 4-8 years will be as much a coffin nail to their reputation as the last eight have been.
As a counterpoint, though, I never had the chance to meet Bush yet also perceived him as the cadet describes, despite the media hack job. Perhaps my agreement with many (not all) of his policies has colored this opinion, but I don’t think this is the main reason, as there are several conservative politicians with whom I politically agree but would never think of as warm, caring or personable. I think my opinion was more formed by the genuineness and realness I was able to interpret in various human interest back-story pieces or personal accounts posted to the web, such as the one the cadet provides.
Consider the implications when the more reliable “news” comes from random personal stories posted by strangers instead of the big media news agencies that have hundreds of reporters and invesigators at their disposal. This is the elephant in the livingroom of this essay.
The best line of this piece, “this man clearly was not comfortable being a politician” sums up the whole Bush Presidency. He obviously didn’t want or enjoy this job. The big question, why would a person seek a position that made oneself so uncomfortable?
The big question, why would a person seek a position that made oneself so uncomfortable?
I would posit that the job he got was not the one he sought. 9/11 didn’t happen until after he was elected, and that changed the job of the presidency from what he probably anticipated, one of focus on budget and domestic policy. I can’t imagine any person wanting to be a war-time president, but it’s not like he had a choice.
I agree with the poster who said that history will be kinder to George Bush than his contemporaries. The combination of his poor big-stage communication skills and the press’ virulent opposition to him was deadly. Certainly there were plenty of legitimate complaints about him, but the invective directed his way was almost baffling in its screeching hysteria.
George Bush has some personal characteristics that I’ve always admired. His ability to stare evil in the face and recognize its danger was refreshing among so many who would appease rather than oppose. Second, despite all the vitriol hurled his way, he never batted an eye, but displayed a toughness and magnanimity that many in Washington would do well to emulate. Third, in eight years of office, there was never a hint of personal scandal or impropriety–a welcome change from the Clinton years when I had to send my kids out of the room during the news. George Bush, for all his faults, was a man of personal integrity and grace. We could have done much worse.
@caremeld
“We could have done much worse.”
And we did. Welcome the new President and his gaggle of scandals and improprieties.
The big question, why would a person seek a position that made oneself so uncomfortable?
Duty Honor Country
Vivo, you continue to amaze, and not in a good way; who was the tool of bankers and finance man; I’d say it’s your candidate. Who instead put industrialists like O’Neil and Snow at
Treasury, which seemed odd at the time, but in retrospect relating to the upcoming financial
scandals with regard Enron, Global Crossing, WordCom. Ken Lay had been a family friend, but he ultimately felt betrayed by him and didn’t throw a lifeline to him.
Already they’re trying to spin him as Nixon, he was nothing like Nixon, Nixon was uneasy with
crowds, and public contact. W. was just
frustrated at how they lied without consequence
about him, continuously, on every point; despite trying to be gracious and bipartisan. So many lies were told about Iraq and Katrina,
his National Guard status and a hundred other issues. It became acceptable to mock him, because despite his Eastern establishment background, he was more confortable in the culture of the SouthWest, and in his faith; which sustained him through the hard times.
Did he ever take the easy path, choose the fashionable way. No, you will find you were
spoiled by that. Did he accomplish every thing he set out to do, no, specially on Social Security reform and keeping the Iranians from the bomb. Just this first week shows the contrast quite clearly.
If there is somewhat of a parallel with Gov. Palin, it’s not totally an accident. She doesn’t
have the Ivy league pedigree, she came from modest means, didn’t have the resources of the party behind her, frankly had to fight it every
step of the way. But she is a conviction
politician, anchored by her faith and her family. That’s why she seemed so unflappable facing every contretempt in her way. That unfortunately encouraged the liars, the distorters to move their efforts to another level. Sadly a sizable minority bought those lies. They really couldn’t challenge the rightness of her positions, or the level of her accomplishments so they thought to tear her down, in a way that surpasses what was done to Barry Goldwater in ’64. And she wasn’t even ‘officially’ the candidate, but she was the driving force in the campaign. And I think many have come to gaze through the campaign smog and have gained a better perspective on her. Sadly, much of her warnings, on energy, defense, taxes, will have turned to be very prescient
four years from now.
E:
Just so!
13. narciso:
I feel sorry for Bush, but honest History will not save him. The secretive mode of his associates will only lead to speculation, but their actions speak very clearly of the misguided minds they have. The late shows joke about a dungeon in the White House basement. Its residents fueled the joke by hiding so much from its constituents. And you want sympathy??
5. retrophoebia:
“It’ll be interesting to see whether the new CiC continues to come to Academy graduations, visit with cadets, and etc., given his apparent lack of interest in things military.”
The military are in a class all by themselves. They are soldiers, servants and defenders. Their behavior is not even human, or they wouldn’t survive. They do it for the adrenaline. They don’t need courtesy visits and slaps on the back. Or, do they?
Vivo’s comments (16) betray a total lack of understanding that proceeds from a stunted value system; note the parallel with racist views that justified slavery.
“They do it for the adrenaline.”
Riiight. Has nothing to do with love of countryor duty or anything like that.
That statement says tons about the author.
I’ve liked George Bush for a long time, since the presidential campaign of 2000.
A few years ago, I was visiting my brother at work, and I had to sit in a waiting room. There was a tv broadcasting a speech by President Bush to a small auditorium full of national and international dignitaries and press.
After the speech, President Bush fielded some questions, and he answered them in a natural, self-deprecating way, almost goofy at times in his humor. His presense and the content of his answers greatly impressed me.
Far from being overwhelmed or hopelessly uncomfortable, President Bush has usually appeared to me to be enjoying himself. He is the only president I know of, especially the only wartime president, not to have visibly had the vitality and good humor drained from his visage by the heavy responsibilities of office.
In short, I agree with Cadet Abbott, and strongly disagree with “vivo” above.
Vivo – The military are in a class all by themselves. They are soldiers, servants and defenders. Their behavior is not even human, or they wouldn’t survive. They do it for the adrenaline. They don’t need courtesy visits and slaps on the back. Or, do they?
The military does deserve accolades and obviously, attention now and then in a symbolic face-to-face relationship with the Commander in Chief as well as carrying out the commands of the C-i-C.
One of the false dichotomies we have in America is between Republicans that try and create a narrative where only armed agents of the government and “brave 1st responders” are heroes – and the general trend of Democrats who find their heroes in victimhood and the nurturing caregivers who “heal” the victims out of their victimhood. Which leads to exaggerated dysfunctions like Bush seeing “mere civilians” as less worthy of his attention than “heroes in uniform” and leftist Democrats only gravitating towards “supporting the troops” if they can define their lives in terms of victimhood.
Then you have politicians in both parties – their group of “heroes” defined, accord lesser status to the large majority who are outside those definitions.
“WE care so much about the troops, the children of anxious mothers, who should not have to die for mistakes and lies” – Pelosi
“Remember, work hard and study hard, otherwise you might end up in Iraq.” – Kerry
“These are children who have no jobs in their hometowns, who end up returning traumatized and maimed, sometimes dead…we owe it to them to stop this insane war, and let the healing begin.” – Kucinich
Bush, on the other hand, got so in the grip of his narrative, along with conservative Republicans who only see aborted fetuses as the only real victims in America – that he overfocused on the 2.3 million military and the 3 million “heroes of law enforcement and firefighting” and his role as C-i-C. In doing so, Bush missed his duty to communicate regularly and effectively with the “non-hero mere civilians” who elected him, ignored big swaths of America, and appears to have neglected other Presidential duties as CEO of his oft-dysfunctional Executive departments (Justice under Gonzales + Immigration, DOD under the Neocons, Homeland Security-TSA,FEMA State, Treasury-SEC, and State Dept.
One thing that was missed was that Bush flew out to CA and did not get personally involved nor was he keeping tabs on his subordinates performance for two critical days right after Katrina. His visits were not primarily fundraisers – the days were set aside to meet a few thousand “hero troops” and especially…possibly the main reason he didn’t go back ….meeting with the “Hero families of Fallen heroes” who had been invited to talk one-on-one with him.
I and many others questioned his priorities and management skills at the time.
For the dozens and dozens of times Bush met with large groups of “his heroes” he failed to meet more than a handful of times each with large groups of blacks, city mayors, small businessmen from Rustbelt states, scientific groups, healthcare leaders, educators, hispanic leaders – Or focus on problems facing the other 270 million Americans not defined as “heroes and their families”. And sorry, that was his Constitutional duty as well as being C-i-C and cheerleader and meeter&greeter to “the heroes”.
9/11 didn’t “Change Everything!”, much as that slogan was bandied about. The Chief Executive Officer of the USA has many duties and cannot leave running the rest of the country to benign neglect and the efforts of loyal party hacks…someone has to ensure accountability and veto dumb ideas and actions done by subordinates.
Let us hope that President Obama achieves a better balance.
I expect he will continue to meet with the military, but will work harder to fulfill his other duties being a Chief Executive and communicator to the American Public, the President of all the People – than Bush did after 9/11.
Then you have politicians in both parties – their group of “heroes” defined, accord lesser status to the large majority who are outside those definitions.
“Now it’s no secret that George W. Bush was unpopular; it’s also no secret that he was probably more popular within the ranks of the military’s officer corps than in any other sub-group of American citizens”
I beg to differ….One of my sons is an officer in the USMC and my other son is an officer candidate in the USMC both of them are pro Bush as are their many peers in the USMC…..
It must be an Army thing….
Mr Bush also made a big impression on many thousands of totally innocent men, women and children in Iraq who are dead or crippled for life because of his illegal, unnecessary war that has made us and the world less safe. I suppose Cadet Abbott will get some “Brownie Points” with some of his superior officers with this BS . But, I think most will look down on him as what we used to call a “brown noser”. I am inclined to think he will end up being sorry he wrote this timewaster.
I suppose some people would say that it is good that the “loyal” opposition (repugs) act out some sort of phony pseudo-patriotic crypto-fascist-religious parody in vain hopes of seeming relevant. I’m sure I offend at this very moment bringing these precious facts to way too many conservative attention deficit disordered minds, such as they are, as my ears have been on fire now for weeks, and surely they sit in some secret lair, mumbling something about perverts while making furtive hand gestures and waving a emaciated chicken bone or part, and for all I know, probably incoherently rubbing entrails on themselves whilst in Reaganistic thrall, mouthing ancient tribal curses of some long forgotten people that got here way before we did, before them damn Indians got automatic front-zees, and ruined it for everybody. And I won’t even go into the dearth of any very real chance of getting a decent egg cream or malted or that fantastic garlic sauce you get whence dining on Arab food or whatever. I mean you just don’t get that high quality garlic sauce to slather on your chicken parts or veggie substitute out here behind the orange curtain – it isn’t fair! But unfortunately, that’s the rusted and neglected plow we must use as an entrenching tool, horseless, across the blistered arid topography of our past electorate’s disengaged separation from any and all possible universes, a country in ruins, an eight year slide into impotent saber-rattling by conformist sheep, a virtual dust bowl days (daze?) of what essentially is the firmament of that which is truly the “us” of us. You get me? Fine, be that way!
Well, Billy Bentpecker was charming, friendly, and trustworthy in person. Rush even said he would be a great guy to have a beer with and chase chicks, but being a nice guy does not a leader make, nor a leader who obeys the Constitution. SCHIP is not constitutional, TARP is not constitutional, free prescription drugs for rich old people is not constitutional, racial discrimination is not justified in the name of diveristy, failing to enforce the immigration laws is a violation of his oath of office, etc.
Just being a nice guy or even a Christian is not enough. Billy Bentpecker also claimed to be a Christian, as did Baraka Hussein Obama.
Conservatives have to grow up. It is not about personality and apparent trustworthyness, but about adhering to the Constitution and the principles of limited government and adherence to teh law.
re: 22 shrubnose
Are you kiddin’ me? Are you a high school student lookin for a front row seat at the next assembly with William Ayers?
First of all, that’s PRESIDENT Bush, not Mr. The office demands that respect, period. How dare you even think to make an opinion of Cadet Abbott’s essay when you are not even fit to shine that cadet’s shoes.
I am inclined to think you will never regret the hate you spew at your fellow American, how sad for you.
Hey Shrubnose! Why don’t you stop smoking that stuff you smoke! I guess Shrubnose is a nickname you got for having the weed in your face all the time.
But seriously, those who have no respect for the military, a cadets freedom to express his opinion based on first hand experience, or for the office of the President, are true liberals … full of the hate and contempt for which they criticize others.
I too, have been disappointed by some decisions made by President Bush, but beyond that I have to admire his steadfastness in the face of a negative onslaught by the national and world media, and from fellow citizens in the opposing party. He hung tough to his principles to the best of his ability even though a lot of what he did was unpopular, but he made the tough decisions.
My conclusion is still that Bush > Kerry/Gore!!! Period. You know nothing about honor. And it is probably true that those who feel free to criticize the role of President have never had a position of responsibility, had to make tough decisions, or feel the weight of the office in which you would wither and die.
You don’t care about the facts, Vivo, I’m sorry I extended you that courtesy. Cedarford, frankly you’re even more pitiful, to denigrate the work of first responders, specially if New Orleans goes the way of Atlantis in the event of a Category 5 Hurricane, You’re going to blame Bush then. But those who crave style over substance, rhetoric over achievement, who would have abandoned Iraq to AQ and Iran, never learn.
22. shrubnose:
People like you are a disgrace to this country. Only by their protection will we have freedom. Weren’t you taught as a child to respect. Poor dude – your a waste.
We can never forget – President Bush kept us protected. Now we have another president that talks to the Arabic TV and tells them that America sometimes makes mistakes. How sad. If it wasn’t the Islam that blew up the twin towers, and etc. who was it? We are at fault and they have done evrything right – our president’s perspective. Now I am scared of another attack..
narciso – I am a 1st responder. Have been since leaving the military and the local firehouse saw I had all the basic training.
What I was saying is that Bush devoted an inordinant amount of time to his “heroes” – military and 1st responders – and neglected putting time in with the other 270 million Americans in meeting and honoring their exemplars.
And as ex-military and a local volunteer, my opinion is that claiming blanket “herohood” simply by job title, is silly.
Admirable, courageous, true role models exist in all walks of life. And Presidential responsibilities are to the nation as a whole, not in ignoring the issues and concerns of most to over-honor the few.
We now have a president from a state whose governor has been impeached for financial dealings. If you believe that Obama knew nothing about it, then I have a perpetual motion machine to sell you.
His treasury secretary is guilty of tax evasion.
His secretary of State’s husband has made $41 million in speaking fees. Of course, the $41 million doesn’t count the $500 million given to the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation. Much of this money came from Arab governments.
And he has been president for a whole week. I can’t wait for what happens next.
For 25.Mrs:, 26. WhyamInotsurprised, 28.Cat: and all other deadender GOpers : You GOPers are stuck between a rock and a hard place . Hate and fear are just not the selling points they once were. The American people have turned to hope and change . That, and rapidly changing demographics will lead to the end of the GOP (Greed Over Principles party) as a major party. Soon it will be a regional party with no national power . The only way the GOP can avoid this is to change . But, then it would not be the GOP ! So,all of you GOPers will continue to live in interesting times, as you slowly fade away. President Lincoln must be rolling over in his grave at what you have done to his once “Grand” Old Party. Have a nice day .
29. Cat:
“Now we have another president that talks to the Arabic TV and tells them that America sometimes makes mistakes. How sad. If it wasn’t the Islam that blew up the twin towers, and etc. who was it?”
The attack to the towers was NOT the beginning of anything, some previous actions by westerners prompted the attacks. You have to look at the whole picture. You also have to link the points. There is no such thing as isolated incidents. The American Revolution was caused by the British intransigencies. It didn’t just happened one day . . .
I’m glad O’Bama addressed the Arabs. That’ll make them think. Hopefully the good ones will override the bad ones. Transparency helps. Nobody would be surprised if there is another attack. Radical zealots exist all over the world, including the USA. Why isn’t the guy(s) in Pennsylvania who are setting fires called terrorists?
17. Benson:
“Vivo’s comments (16) betray a total lack of understanding that proceeds from a stunted value system; note the parallel with racist views that justified slavery.”
Now that you said it, the military do look like slaves. That’s the way it was designed or it wouldn’t work.
Sorry if this bothers the military because there are many good faith people there. But looking at the human race, patriotism (and greed and religion) has led to the death of millions through the ages. We still are NOT civilized. And that’s why the United Nations was created. Too bad we’re not civilized yet and know how to use it.
The U.S. military is what allows America to be free and strong and allows people like vivo (34) and Obama to talk their BS.
To #32 Shrubnose – the nose knows!
“Who is John Galt?”
36. WhyamInotsurprised? Answer= John Galt from Ayn Rand is a person who never existed. A figment of imagination. If this is your hero, you have set your sights very low . What did this fictional John Galt ever do to better the life of anyone on this planet ?
[quote]I beg to differ….One of my sons is an officer in the USMC and my other son is an officer candidate in the USMC both of them are pro Bush as are their many peers in the USMC…..
It must be an Army thing….[/quote]
You and the op are saying the same thing. He was trying to state that although the general public doesn’t like the former potus, the military does. It’s just the wording is odd.
#30 cedarford – “over-honor the few” This is the clue to your outlook. All these other groups also need to be heard. No, they don’t. There are not enough hours in the day.
Bush made the time to meet with the families of the fallen. He refused to renege on those meetings out of respect for the inordinate price that they had to pay for the well-being of this country. Katrina was urgent. The meetings with the families was important.
As CinC, he’s the one responsible for the decisions in war. Bush never let himself forget that those who were dying were people, not just acceptable losses. No other President showed such concern for the fallen and their families. I believe it was his way of keeping himself humble and avoiding a Jovian view. His decisions have consequences, and he forced himself to face those consequences by facing the surviving families.
As for your equating the political interests of other groups to the families of the fallen, that’s just the typical Leftist tactic of moral equivalency. Over-honoring the few, indeed!
#34 vivo – Patriotism, greed (capitalism), and religion all bad! Marxism good! We don’t use the UN the way we should! We’re still not civilized! We won’t be until we’re all one world! (Under communism, of course.)
What a bunch of childish hogwash!
#37 Shrubnose – you are either dense, hard headed, stupid or all of the above. Of course I know who John Galt is. If you read the book Atlas Shrugged you would know that he is a metaphor used to describe the difference between capitalism and socialism. It emphasizes personal responsibility, ingenuity, and opportunity. It also distinguishes between those that can and do, versus those who are too lazy to do for themselves and are “victims” of the oppressors. It’s all about your POV. One is a righteous POV and the other is a failed view that is seen around the world in socialist/communist environments. So keep your self-righteous “feelings” about doing good in the world to yourself. John Galt is not my hero. But he is also not a slacker who complained about his poor little life. He uses his God-given abilities to “produce” and thereby help the rest of the world. I know you think America is a bad place. But consider what the world would be like if America did not exist, and then tell me capitalism doesn’t help people around the world. You sit on your lofty perch spouting BS when fellow citizens have worked, bled and died to give you that freedom. You sir are a sorry excuse for a human being.
Bush may have been an awkward speaker to large crowds, but he was charming, intense, funny and warm in small situations and even his enemies who met him in those places came to be surprised by his sincere persona.
I think GWB was a straight, honest man history will treat kindly but whom the media, worldwide, turned on with Goebbels-like determination,to smear and tarnish. He was a right-wing silverside in a left-wing media mincer, it’s that simple.
I was personally sickened by those Americans who helped in this international hate fest. Our President deserves a modicum of respect. I am not a Democrat but I hope Obama gets the respect from Reps that Bush never got on his side.
41. WhyamInotsurprised. Ayn Rand in a nutshell – “The world would be a great place if I owned everything and the rest of you worked for me”. I do not think that is a good idea. Alan Greenspan is a big Ayn Rand fan . Ayn Rand wasted a lot of paper .
40. Marc Malone:
“#34 vivo – Patriotism, greed (capitalism), and religion all bad! Marxism good! We don’t use the UN the way we should! We’re still not civilized! We won’t be until we’re all one world! (Under communism, of course.)”
You’re putting all these words in my mouth. Your extremism shows. That’s a typical redneck reaction. Cloudy minds like yours are the ballast of the world. For your info, ideals can become real . . .
I’d be impressed at how an inept and clueless coward ,with a proverbial” Kick me I don’t fight back” sign on his butt”,and whose chief interest in 4 years of his presidency was to pimp out the USA to Mexico,could ever become my commander in chief.
Shrubnose:”Ayn Rand wasted a lot of paper”. Unlike Marx, whose works are used by the Eastern Europeans his psychotic fantasies impoverished,as toilet paper.
43. shrubnose:
The fact that you keep making straw man arguments as opposed to debating others ideas just shows how lazy you are. You refuse to even consider the ideas of others, not even to better yourself.
Every human deserves the fruits of their own labors. Every thought, physical labor, and management that you do has value. If you refuse to use your mind you will only be left with the strength of your body which is insignificant compared to modern machines.
You can reap no more than you sow shrubnose.
What any of you deadender GOPers may think about my world view is of zero interest to me. What should be of interest to you losers is what the American people think about YOU ! And the answer to that will be found in the results of the Nov. 2008 election . You can expect more of the same in the future. Let me repeat – rapidly changing demomographics spell the end of the GOp (Greed Over Principles party) as a major party in the USA. Soon the GOP will be a regional party with no national power. Maybe you do not believe this. I would advise you to do a little research – by 2042, the majority of the population in the USA will be non-white. Do you think people of colour are goung to vote for the GOP . People do not support those who hate, fear and despise them . The GOP is finished. If it changed to adjust to the new reality, it would not be the GOP. Deal with it . Buh-bye GOP. Have a nice day. And try to survive in the mess you and your kind created . Me, I am doing fine. I have a beautiful home and quite a bit of land in Europe. I grow almost all my own food and heat my home with solar and wood from my forest . Right now I am laughing at you GOP losers . You guys should try laughing at yourself, it’s good for the soul.
To all of you Naysayers,
I don’t really think you want to understand the man. You are the kind who love to talk about someone shortcomings while choosing to ignore your own. You don’t know the burden he has dealt with and moreover you wouldn’t want it if the true hell it is to be the man. The the biggest decisions you make day to day are probably “do I buy skim or 2%”. You can’t even imagine what decisions he had to make. It’s not easy, he doesn’t have a do over button. And he couldn’t just turn Baghdad into a glass parking lot. You have to make decisions you and a lot of other people don’t like, that in and of itself doesn’t mean they were the wrong decisions.
shrubnose, couple of observations:
If you were in any way secure in believing in the bankruptcy of conservatism – and let’s be honest, you’re using GOP as the label for conservatism – you would not feel so compelled to post such nonsensical charactizations of the election.
Two things are apparent in your faith that demographics will guarantee the demise of conservatism. One is the mistaken belief that people do not mature. The second is that despite all evidence to the contrary, you believe that conservatism equates to bigotry and so to hating, fearing and despising ethnic or racial groups. In the same paragraph your use of the phrase ‘Do you think people of colour…’ reveals the projection on your part. That whole portion of that paragraph as a matter of fact reveals a lot more about you than you realize.
If you have the worldly goods and lifestyle you claim you have, you were given it by someone who themself, or whoever gave it to them, worked hard to get it in ways you don’t seem capable of appreciating. I rather think that you’re just lying about it. Your muddy thought processes have the distinct characteristics of a pampered college dweeb.
48. shrubnose:
Yeah, you keep changing the topic. At least you’re consistent in the point that you have no desire to improve yourself or even others around you. If you think you’re somehow convincing us otherwise, change your teaching method because it isn’t working.
If you live like you say then that’s great. Many would love to have that lifestyle one day. But don’t kid yourself in saying that you don’t care what we think. Otherwise you wouldn’t bother responding to us.
50. Just Passing Through, 51. e and GOPers : Here is where the GOP is right now – This is from a current AP article by Liz Sidoti (well known GOP shill ) – ” The results of the two recent elections are real, and so are the obstacles we face as a party” Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY, told the RNC Thursday ” My concern is that unless we do something to adapt, our status as a minority party may become too pronounced for an easy recovery . ” WOW, this is almost word for word what I have been tried to tell you GOPers. You did not want to believe me. There it is from the top Senate Republican. Tell HIM he is wrong, does not know what he is talking about. But wait – there’s more ! – Senator McConnell’s cure for the GOP’s problems ? Be MORE conservative, MORE GOP ! Well, I am sure that will work out great . I was laughing so hard when I read that, I scared my dog . I have noticed a lot of GOP congress people have been retiring to spend more time with the family, etc.. A word to the wise, when you see the Captain of your ship running around with a life jacket on, you should start looking for YOUR life jacket ! Have a nice day.
52. shrubnose: WOW, this is almost word for word what I have been tried to tell you GOPers.
No it isn’t. Not even close. What you’ve been spouting is the mistaken assumption that you and all the people who have been programmed to think like you are now on top to stay. Irregardless of the general electorate’s future wishes. Again, not even close to what McConnell is saying.
The general election wasn’t won by the votes of people who think, or rather don’t think, the way you do. You did have an effect on the nomination process, specifically the caucuses that sunk HRC. Not the general election though. That was won by the Independent vote. The major media far over reached it’s usual 15% to deliver that and may have fatally wounded itself. Changed it’s paradigm at any rate. Even that would not have worked in any other year than 2008. Didn’t in 2004.
Be that as it may, it wasn’t your BDS crowd that delivered Obama. He saw the opportunity in 2004 and gladly courted and manipulated you infantile nuts for what you were worth. But his focus, the traditional long on guile short on integrity viewpoint of any political machine product, was on the payoff and the payoff was the major media’s shift from reporting to opining.
And that is who he will keep happy. Not the former BDS crowd. He won’t trust you or do more than posture to your self-importance. He knows just how quickly you’ll turn in lockstep when you get your minds made up for you.
One thing that I’ve noticed in the last couple of months is the loony left’s comic desperation for validation of their claim to have been the movers and shakers on the past election. The growing disappointment as you’re coming to realize that Obama intends to do no more than toss you bones must be disillusioning.
53. Just passing through. So, I take it you don’t think Senator McConnell knows what he is talking about ? I would think you would have a little more respect for one of your party leaders. But, hey, who wants to hear bad news ? On the other hand, ignoring problems does not make them go away. And the GOP has a big problem .
No. McConnell knows exactly what he is talking about. I know exactly what he is talking about. YOU don’t know what he is talking about. Which is in line with why your thought processes considering the actual meaning of the election are so challenged. Reading comprehension leaves a lot to be desired also if #54 is what you gleaned from my comment.
BTW: I’m one of those independents I was talking about. (Not one of the ones suckered by the media.) I am a conservative though. (So not too enamored of McCain.) Since you conflate conservative with GOP your confusion is understandable. Where you fall down completely is missing…ignoring..not have been informed of…incapable of understanding…the fact that unaffiliated independents, whether conservative, moderate, or liberal, made the difference in this election just as they always have. They were not convinced by you or your fellow travelers. They were mislead, misinformed, manipulated, (take your pick) by a media bait and switch. For that matter, had many independents been so willing to get their news strictly from the MSM (being involved in making a living rather than marching behind paper mache puppet heads) and had the time and inclination to truly look at your crowd, I suspect that the resultant revulsion might have been the end of your lads campaign.
You talk about the GOP like a real moron. The other side of the ‘I hate democrats’ coin. You’re obviously young or you would gained a sense of political dynamics over a few election cycles, obviously have been spoon fed a narrow viewpoint or you wouldn’t conflate every apprehension about Obama into one GOP bugaboo, and obviously have little real world experience as evidenced by your ignorance of capitalism and how it works in America. It’s the stark contrast between all that and your story about your living arrangements etc that leads me to believe that at best you’re the beneficiary of someone who would have disdained your nonsense, or just lying.
Several other firsties confirm they were impressed with the meeting and with Bush’s openness and accessibility, but they don’t all share Abbott’s adulation of Bush’s respect for the military.
Many recall how his administration contemptuously, arrogantly and consistently dismissed the advice of military leaders.
Eric Shinseki, who was publicly ridiculed and forced out as chief of staff for (correctly) predicting anarchy after the invasion, was on the West Point faculty when Bush visited.
Abbott also seems to uncritically accept the nonsense that the news media mistreated Bush. In my opinion, that view is held only be people who resented news that contradicted their prejudices or more often wanted to rationalize their own lazy ignorance of the news.
No doubt history will think more highly of Bush than the world does now. When you’re ranked barely above Hitler, there’s not much risk of losing popularity.
55. Just passing through So – you say you are an independent, but you are also conservative however you do not belong to the GOP. And you think McCain is too far to the left. Yeah, you are a REAL independent . Those on the Far Right like you either vote GOP or throw their vote away on minor party candidates . They rarely vote Democratic nowadays. You could be an exception, but I doubt it. Back to the future ( if any ) of the GOP – looks bleak to me. But, that would not matter to you, because you are an independent ! May you and all other supporters of the far right continue to live in interesting times until you fade away like the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland, leaving only a number of nasty grins as a reminder that you ever existed . Have a nice day .
56. West Point Anonymous:
‘Several other firsties confirm they were impressed with the meeting and with Bush’s openness and accessibility, but they don’t all share Abbott’s adulation of Bush’s respect for the military.’
Firsties. Which would have made them..what, 12 or 13yo?… when the invasion started. Say 14 when Shinseki was dismissed?
Politically precocious bunch of junior high students, weren’t they? Must have been as ‘Many recall how his administration contemptuously, arrogantly and consistently dismissed the advice of military leaders.’
‘West Point Anonymous’…West Point…right. Another liar.
58. Just Passing Through… “IF” you are an independent,who just happens to be a conservative, but NOT a member of the GOP – Why do you get your panties in a wad because someone has the audacity to criticize Pretzylnitwit Bu$h. Why would you even care what anyone has to say about Mr Bu$h ? I would think as an independent you would be defending independents not loser GOPers like the BuShman .You assume that all those who attend West Point go there directly from high school – WRONG.( Here you expose your ignorance of the military ! )But, let’s say these cadets WERE only 13 when Mr Bu$h’s illegal, unnecessary war of choice against a country which was no threat to the USA started(A war which went on to cause the criminal death of many thousands of totally innocent men, women and children, and which created thousands of new terrorists enraged by the murder of their kin and friends ). Do you think they are unable to remember what was going on at that time ? If so, maybe you are judging them by your own limited abilty . Not a good idea. Mr Bu$h’s Iraq attack was NOT a good idea. But, if he had listened to Gen. Shinseki it would not as been as bad as it has turned out so far . May you continue to live in interesting times until you receive that which you so richly deserve . Have a nice day .
To “WP Anonymous”:
Your passing mention of Shinseki’s presence on the West Point faculty is a meaningless non-sequitur. His only presence at the Academy is the Class of 1951 Chair on Leadership, but he doesn’t actually teach there on a regular basis.
And what crime is there in questioning the media, in understanding bias when you see it? I doubt that any of the cadets are intellectually lazy whether they believe media bias for or against Bush was actually true. Your argument is little more than an ad hominem attack.
Third, try and realize that this essay is a generalization. Of course not everyone will feel this way. To use anecdotal evidence – “a few firsties” – proves absolutely nothing. One person’s opinion of what he saw does not automatically create a general consensus.
Fourth, I invoke Godwin’s Law. Let’s not devolve our arguments into Hitler comparisons, as that only inflames emotion while accomplishing nothing.
Just Passing Through:
Please check your arithmetic before calling me a “liar.” Twenty-two minus six is not 14. If you don’t believe me, find a third grader you trust to confirm that.
Besides the average age of a firstie (senior) is higher than 22. Some firstied served in Iraq before entering West Point nearly four years ago. Some had already graduated from civilian colleges before entering West Point.
And yes, even if they had been 12, they would really have been precocious. West Point is one of the most difficult colleges in the world to get into. The year that today’s firstied were accepted, it was ranked as the MOST difficult of all schools in America to get into.
I can imagine how desperately you want to deny things that conflict with the way you want to believe, but you need not call me a liar. Just rely on your faith that whatever you believe is true because you believe it your heart. Twenty-two minus six equals twelve. Sure. Why not? Faith is all you really need. Let me enjoy my own faith that the difference is greater than that.
60. haibane: General Shinseki gave Pretzylnitwit Bu$h excellent advice.Mr Bu$h ignored and fired General Shinseki. This was one of the major factors in creating the ” Mess In Mesapotamia” ( ignoring the fact there was no reason to go to war in Iraq, an unnecessary war that caused many thousands of innocent people to die only because they were in Iraq – and has made the USA and the world less safe )….. You say you doubt “ANY” of the cadets are intellectually lazy.THAT is absurd on it’s face. If you cannot find at least ONE lazy cadet at West Point – YOU are lazy ! ….. I agree with “haibane” on one point – “One persons opinion of what he saw does not automatically create a general consensus”, but I would say : “one persons opinion on what he THINKS he saw does not create a consensus”(notice how my version is concise and correct)….. OK, moving right along – Godwin’s Law -sometimes, I might agree with Godwin’s Law, but only when it is correctly applied. In the case of the Bush family/crime dynasty(take your pick) it does NOT apply. Viz. In Oct.1942 Prescott Bush (GW Bush’s grandfather/der Gottvater) was managing partner of Brown Brothers Harriman. On Oct. 20, 1942, the US government ordered the seizure of Nazi German banking operations in New York City which were being conducted by Prescott Bush, under the trading with the enemy act, the US government took over the Union Banking Corp., in which Prescott Bush was a director. ….. Now, I am sure a lot of you conservatives will say the US goverment should not interfere in free trade. But, I say, sometimes to protect our country the government has to step in. Even if the Bush family ( which I highly respect) is involved…..In conclusion, I can only say, I have the highest respect for Pretzylnitwit Bu$h, who did so little and earned so much ! He is an inspiration to slackers all over the world. God Bless America, and don’t spare the cheese. We’ll catch you on the downside, Bushbaby. Or as they say – what, goes around, comes around.
West Point Anonymous,
No, you’re a liar. No more a ‘West Point Anonymous’ than I am. I’ll give you that I wasn’t clear about ranging the ages of the cadets 6 years ago, or opening it up to all the cadets. But it’s still 16yo by your rules…
‘Many recall how his administration contemptuously, arrogantly and consistently dismissed the advice of military leaders.’ – nonsense. Prove it. You can’t because while it’s ok to speak positively of the commander in chief, it is not allowed to do the opposite.
‘Eric Shinseki..was on the West Point faculty when Bush visited.’ – nonsense. he was not. He was posted there with a ceremonial assignment.
‘Eric Shinseki, who was…forced out as chief of staff for (correctly) predicting anarchy after the invasion…’ – nonsense, his job was to advise on then to implement policy, not try to set it and especially not take his case to the public. The last is why he was dismissed.
The rest of your comment was the usual BDS nonsense, but the point is that you know less about West Point than usual, and far less than someone who is a ‘West Point Anonymous’
Comes back to what I pointed out about shrubnose and the BDS crowd in general. Claiming to be a well-to-do landowner as a measure of success while disparaging merit economics. Claiming to be ‘West Point Anonymous;, then coming up with ignorant nonsense. The sad/tragic/comic need driving you both try for the veneer of experience or inclusion to validate your viewpoints. But not self-disciplined enough to prevent your BDS from giving the game away.
Does anyone really believe this argument is accomplishing anything? Fortunately, we still live in the United State of America where we have the freedom to voice our opinion, no matter how who agrees with us. Don’t be fooled…no matter how liberal you are, you cannot get past the fact that this is the direct result of our military protecting our freedoms. Think history before responding negatively to this comment.
63. Just Passing Through You are whistling past the graveyard. You and your kind will soon be in the ash bin of history. Don’t think so ? If you are still around 20 years from now, you will see . You are a LOSER. Continue to live in interesting times until you receive that which you so richly deserve . Have a nice day and the life your karma gives you .
63. Just Passing Through: I am going outside to round up some of my cats to help cover up up what you are spreading. The smell is getting bad.
Several have commented about Bush “not wanting to be a politician”. Personally, I find that a virtue, not a flaw. A wise man once said, “Any who strive for power should be denied, and power given only to those for whom it is a burden.”
Bush, for all his faults, understood the limits and responsibilities of the power he wielded as President. The sad fact is that many of our recent Presidents have been more enchanted with what the Powers of the President allowed them to do, then in what the Responsibilities of the Office required them to not do.
Just passing Through and other Reich-Wingers should take a look at the Gallup Poll website. There they will find that Pretzylnitwit Bu$h and his crime gang have made a different impression on the vast majority of Americans than Bush made on Cadet Abbott ,viz., At present 5 states are solid (Utah,Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska) or lean (Nebraska) Republican in voting preference…..In contrast, 29 states plus DC had Democratic advantages of 10% or more. 6 states had Democratic advantages between 5 and 9%. This is excellent news for the GOP ! (John McCain DID say he liked being an underdog, and he IS in the GOP, right ?) Looks to me like Mr Steele has a tough job ahead of him. Not impossible, but very tough.My read – Democratic advantage will increase , GOP may hang on in a few states with high % of WASP’s in population. I believe in 20 years the national government in the USA will be totally controlled by the Democratic party. Remember, you read it here . You say you doubt this ? Tell me about it in 20 years. I do NOT advocate this . One party rule is NOT a good thing, even if it’s my party. But, I see it coming. And we can, in large measure, thank Mr GW Bush for this. This is his legacy, this is what he has done to the GOP and the USA. I wonder what President Lincoln would say to Mr Bush about this. Any thoughts ?
To the so-called “West Point anonymous,”
General Shinseki is not on our faculty. Every cadet knows this for a fact. Everything you say from this point will have little credibility since you are obviously not a West Pointer.