Posted on 01/20/2005 2:21:15 PM PST by Pokey78
ah, and God.
Ping to Fred's interpretation of the inaugural address.
I disagree.
He has joined the two concepts together. However, when you join something, you combine the elements.
This means he would not be as aggressive as somebody who was solely an idealist.
It does not follow then that he is 100% a realist just because he is not 100% an idealist.
He has not done anything about SA since the gain at the end of the day would not be worth the cost. Ditto with Pakistan, plus they are not quite the despotic regimes of Iran and Iraq.
Bush will spread freedom where it is needed most for the countries in question and our security and where it will have the greatest impact for influencing OTHER nations without our military intervention in those other nations.
This does not make him a realist.
The fact that he supports regime change at all requires that he be called at least part idealist.
This may interest you.
Even the best publication has typos and errors.
All you can do is do your best to minimize them.
He wrote that quickly!
We were at a noisy party and I didn't hear what FNC or any of the other commentators had to say about the Inaugural address. We all thought it was fantastic but I rather doubt it was well received by the MSM media.
I don't think they are at the present time, though some say they are. China is quite debatable.
However, if you look at the demographic data, most of China is still rather underdeveloped. I am hesitant to call them a superpower just because of Beijing.
I like Fred Barnes too.
In that context, bunkering up ain't no option any more. The fight must be proactive, and true conservatives of any stripe (except the most off-the-deep-end Libertarians) know it.
Lincoln's early speeches consistently celebrated LIBERTY and the LAW, as dual components of the nature of America. One could not survive without the other. Bush has made it somewhat more "Christian," juxtaposing liberty with compassion and tolerance---not in a PC sense, but in a Christian sense. It's quite brilliant.
I shouldn't have "quibbled". Upon reflection, I was being anal...
ya'll seen this? Good read!
When a couple more countries adopt democratic government selection, the Saudis will get a "Magna Carta" presented to them and they will be able to be the "monarchy" in a Brit style setting.
Shopping at Harrods, diddling little boys,drinking themselves stupid at every opportunity will still be available to the trackable "immediate" monarchy.
Fred Barnes (and GWB) ROCKS!
Thank you for the ping. Today has been *such* a great day! :-)
I agree....I really enjoy listening to and reading what Fred Barnes says.
I applaud the goal, but I worry about that line. It sounds utopian. As a Christian, I know such a thing won't happen until Christ returns. Perhaps I am reading too much into this.
I confess do like the idea of telling some of our "allies" to put up or shut up on human rights.
Well said!
Think of Ron Reagan and the Berlin Wall....raise your vision, I would not bet against GWB....the man is hitting his stride!
I agree. While words are meaningless without action to back them up, they DO mean things. G.W. isn't just instilling in the hearts of the oppressed across the sea that they can be Free. Powerful enough if that were all he were doing. He is also causing Americans to yearn for the ultimate expressions of Freedom within their own land.
Consider, has the conservative movement EVER been stronger in decades? Are we to think this coincidental? No. It is happening because G.W. has created an atmosphere where we feel free to debate and express. When released from constraint conservatives florish.
People will complain that his policies are not conservative enough. They miss the larger picture. G.W. has constructed policies that implement responsibility and individual liberty. Once these become wedded to our thought Americans become increasingly embolded to demand more liberties. Unions, Public Education, political parties, Judicial... This may not all happen under his watch but he has begun esstential movements that will continue its progress.
I am Thrilled at his emphasis on Liberty and I continually find similarity with Lincoln. I would move further. I would state any American Patriot, no, further, all human souls that pride their value should be thrilled that Liberty has been advanaced for all peoples.
Fred, Good job.
You cracked something vital I don't believe anyone else caught, though I'm still catching up on all today's events. Well done and magnificent piece!
OK, Allrighty then. That would make Bush preeminent over Lincoln in terms of greatness.
Lincoln was famous for how expedient he was, acknowledging that the Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in rebel territories. Of course, that neglects the fact that he set the course of the nation towards abolition, knowing that once the Union won, slavery was over. Bush's approach has not been the easy path.
That expression, "no true conservative", reminds me of the "no true Scotsman" fallacy.
I agree with sealing our borders, AND spreading democracy. At the same time. They are not mutually exclusive.
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