Don't be stupid, Bush's wise insights are worth heeding

The Australian ^ | 22nd September 2006 | Frank Devine

[naturalman1975]

HAVING been reasonably diligent about splashing around in the torrents of commentary that marked the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 air raids on New York and Washington, I employed a refreshed mind to conclude that the best commentary came from President George W. Bush.

This includes his main 9/11 speech and comments made privately to a small group of conservative journalists. Who else gets invited to the best parties these days?

Bush's commentary was distinguished, I guess, because he had access to more information than other commentators and a larger audience, including many opponents and enemies keen to rip into him. He had to watch his step.

In his speech, the President defined the enemy the US and its allies have fought since 9/11 as "a global network of extremists who are driven by a perverted vision of Islam: a totalitarian ideology that hates freedom, rejects tolerance and despises all dissent". Their goal, he said, was "to build a radical Islamic empire where women are prisoners in their homes, men are beaten for missing prayer meetings and terrorists have a safe haven to plan and launch attacks on America and other civilised nations".

The war against this enemy, Bush declared, is "the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century and the calling of our generation".

[wastedyears]

Hooyah to the President.

[kenavi]

Australians generally appear to have a clear-eyed view of the world. Through history, they have not used their geographic remoteness to isolate themselves from the world's great struggles, but have more than borne their share of upholding the West's cause. Too bad we Americans generally cannot appreciate equally our own leader George W. Bush.

[dirtboy]

In his speech, the President defined the enemy the US and its allies have fought since 9/11 as "a global network of extremists who are driven by a perverted vision of Islam: a totalitarian ideology that hates freedom, rejects tolerance and despises all dissent".

My only quibble is to ask to what extent radical Islamism is a perversion of Islam, or whether it is merely an extension of core Islamic beliefs. That in turn defines the essential nature of the conflict that faces us.

[GBA]

Regarding President Bush, he says:

"Stupid young men don't get respectable degrees from great universities (an undergraduate degree in history from Yale and an MBA from Harvard for Bush) or learn to fly hi-tech warplanes."

"Stupid Republicans don't serve two successful terms as governor of Texas, a dedicated Democratic state that, in 120 years, has elected only six Republicans among its 47 governors."

This is one guy who doesn't misunderestimate the President.

[happilymarriedmom]

Thank you for this...its nice to hear somebody talk highly of the President for a change. Too bad we don't hear more of it from people in THIS country. I've never understood where people got the idea that Bush was an idiot. To me he always seems genuine and real.