Posted on 05/13/2005 10:38:56 AM PDT by FeeinTennessee
Rooting Against America by Pat Sajak Posted May 9, 2005
A distasteful glee emanates from the Left upon the arrival of any bad news from the Middle East. Its as if they are saying, So, W, where is all the Democracy were supposed to be spreading through the area? See, we were right, and you were wrong. And deceitful. And dumb. And as bad news is welcomed as an indictment of the President and his policies, good news (and there has been plenty) must be minimized or ignored.
Its one thing to oppose an Administrations foreign policy, but its another to publicly gloat over and appear to smugly enjoy any of its setbacks. The long tradition of a Loyal Opposition in this country now appears to be an old-fashioned notion. There may have been widespread resistance to Americas entry into World War II, but once we were in it, there wasnt much doubt about whom Americans were pulling for.
If our countrys Middle East policies prove to be the disaster some claim, there will be plenty of time for recriminations. And while theres certainly nothing wrong with voicing concerns about these policies, what is to be gained by actively working to undercut them or rooting for their failure? Wouldnt it be better if they succeeded? Isnt bringing millions of long-oppressed people a chance to live in freedom a noble achievement? Isnt ensuring women the right to vote and the right to an education something to be celebrated? Wont the world be a safer place if hope replaces despair in the lives of that regions youth?
Democrats continue to puzzle over their losses. They blame them on people who are too addlebrained to know they are voting against their own interests. Then they go to these same voters theyve trashed and ask for their support. They seem to revel in any American setbacks overseas and yet protest when they are characterized as weak on defense issues. They stereotype Christians but cry foul when they are accused of not sharing their values.
Ronald Reagan brought hopefulness back into vogue in this country. Sophisticates mocked Morning in America and gasped at the phrase, Evil Empire and chortled over the notion Mr. Gorbachev would tear down this wall, but Americans are a hopeful people. And, while optimism is not a policy, it can help form policy.
There are plenty of issues over which you can disagree with George W. Bush, including Iraq and his push for democratization throughout the world. You may find him wrongheaded or naïve. You may think his policies will blow up in our faces. But if you feel that way, shouldnt you at least hope youre wrong and hes right.
Mr. Sajak is the host of "Wheel of Fortune" and PatSajak.com.
Way to go, Pat !
Great article! I liked his take on arguing with liberals and internet goons as well.
Yeah, and I tell ya...when people glory in stuff like that, it makes me ill.
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