Posted on 10/24/2004 8:17:19 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
President
Though he has made major mistakes that could justify his removal from office, George W. Bush is still the best choice for president for one overriding reason: His unwavering resolve to do whatever is necessary to fight terrorism.
Terrorism is the top issue this campaign because of its threat to our citizens and our economy. This danger existed before Mr. Bush became president, but most Americans didn't consider it all that serious or imminent. After 9/11, we finally realized that America is at war with an enemy intent on inflicting as much death and destruction as possible.
Mr. Bush understands this deadly threat, and he knows we can't sit back and wait for the next attack. Rather, we must be on the offensive, rooting out terrorist cells here and abroad, and being pre-emptive, if necessary, to keep rogue nations from giving terrorists weapons of mass destruction.
That was why Mr. Bush decided to go to war in Iraq: He thought that the reckless tyrant Saddam Hussein might transfer WMDs to al-Qaida, and he couldn't allow that to happen.
As we know now, Iraq no longer had WMDs. But at the time, nearly everyone thought it did, including U.S. and foreign intelligence services and Mr. Bush's Democratic opponent.
Yes, Mr. Bush and the Pentagon should have done a much, much better job planning for postwar Iraq. Because of their failure to quickly secure the country and establish order, American troops and innocent civilians now face daily attacks from terrorists and insurgents.
But Mr. Bush is also getting results, including the removal of the Taliban from power in Afghanistan and the capture or death of many of al-Qaida's leaders -- though not Osama bin Laden.
And Mr. Bush is committed to keep after the terrorists -- even if that requires making unpopular decisions. That's one reason our men and women in the military overwhelmingly back Mr. Bush, according to a recent opinion poll.
Sen. John Kerry, in contrast, has been more muddled on Iraq and the war on terrorism. His Senate votes have appeared conflicting at times, and so have some of his campaign statements. As Mr. Bush has noted, Mr. Kerry sends mixed messages -- something a commander in chief can't do.
Mr. Kerry makes a good point that resolve isn't everything; you also need to be effective. And he argues persuasively that allies are essential to fighting a global war, and that Mr. Bush has been too quick at times to go it alone.
But resolve is required during these dangerous times. And though we respect Mr. Kerry's service to this country, he sways too much in the political winds.
On the budget, both candidates lack credibility. They have pledged to cut the deficit in half, yet haven't presented viable plans for doing so -- and both have proposed more than $1 trillion in new spending.
Also, neither candidate has offered a credible plan for reforming our nation's entitlement programs. To his credit, Mr. Bush has recommended fundamental changes to Social Security, but he hasn't said how he would pay for them. Mr. Kerry refuses to deal with the problem and has tried to demagogue the issue.
Mr. Kerry is better on environmental and race issues and social services. And he is correct that Mr. Bush's tax cuts were too skewed to the wealthy.
Mr. Bush has the edge among many Kansans on social issues, and they appreciate the sincerity of his faith.
But this election, fighting terrorism trumps other issues. And Mr. Bush is a tested commander in chief, and the only candidate who has proved that he will preserve and protect this country.
Alrighty then!!! Go Jayhawks!! Go Cats!! Go Chiefs!! (Well they're in MO) LOL
Zippedy doodah Zippedy aye, my oh my what a wonderful day!
Plenty of Sunshine comin my way, zippedy doodah, zippedy day!!!
Doodah=Wichita
That's spelled Wichita.
W-I-C-H-I-T-A
I am shocked that the Wichita Eagle would back Bush. Most of the news stories they run (syndication) are very much against Bush. At least I can't be embarassed of the Eagle too much this election cycle. I believe they endorsed Gore 4 years ago.
Thank you for the grammar lesson.
Actually i just looked it up and they indeed endorsed Bush. I guess some have seen the light/truth!
Eagle for Wichita? Wow.
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