Posted on 01/17/2007 7:00:03 PM PST by NormsRevenge
It would be helpful, I believe, if reflexive Bush bashers took a time out, caught their collective breath and considered the consequences of some of their actions and positions. Sure, I know that they are exercising their constitutional right as Americans to criticize their president and any other elected official with whom they disagree whether their criticism is based upon fact and logic, blind emotion or, as is commonly the case today, just visceral hatred of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and all who support them.
It’s time for us as a nation to decide whether or not we are really a nation at war or just a nation at war with itself. By war, I mean the real kind, fought by real soldiers who are dedicated to achieving a mission, not the make-believe, civilian kind such as the war on drugs or the war on poverty.
If we really are at war, then we should endeavor to rally behind the troops who are fighting it and the wartime president who is their commander-in-chief. That’s the American way, isn’t it? It doesn’t mean you have to agree with the war or love the president. Feel free to vote against his party whenever you get the chance but meanwhile, at the very least, refrain from saying or doing things that weaken the nation’s image, harm morale of the troops or provide comfort and encouragement to the enemy.
Egregious examples of the latter include demonstrations demanding return of the troops now and threats by Congressional Democrats to deny funding for military operations deemed necessary by the wartime commander-in-chief. Lesser examples include the unremitting condemnation of the president’s plan for a last ditch military effort to salvage something out of the Iraq fiasco without offering an alternative plan which the president has said time and again he would consider. By alternate plan, though, I mean something more substantive than recommending that we consult with our enemies in the region, Iran and Syria, both of whom are sponsors of terrorism which we are supposed to be at war against. Why on earth would we do that, knowing how they feel about us?
The anti-war protests are starting up again and nothing good for America will come from them. Protestors may truly feel that they are acting in America’s best interests but here’s a reality check. Ask any active duty soldier or marine who has seen combat in Iraq or Afghanistan how the anti-war demonstrations back home affect troops in combat. They are at best disturbing and unsettling to the troops and at worse, downright harmful to morale. The troops are, for the most part, too dedicated and disciplined to complain or to let it affect their performance but everyone I’ve asked has told me that it is important to know that the folks back home support them. Supporting them, however, entails more than just saying the words. It includes supporting the mission that they are putting their lives on the line for.
I’m certainly not going to bet the farm on the prospects for the president’s latest plan to succeed. Our troops will, of course, do everything in their power to achieve some manner of success in this so far mismanaged war. They deserve solid support from the home front and restraint from the Bush bashers while their lives are on the line. In the final analysis, though, success depends on the Iraqis themselves and their performance to date gives little cause for optimism. I personally have little confidence in their ability to put aside religious and tribal hatreds long enough to salvage their country.
Given the low regard that large numbers of Iraqis seem to have for Americans, it has become a matter some indifference to me and probably to most Americans whether Iraqis live happier ever after or whether they go on killing one another after we leave. I am far more concerned with the safety of our troops and with American interests in the area. A precipitous withdrawal, such as advocated by some, including Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. John Murtha, would be inimical to both concerns and any attempt to deny funding for wartime military operations would be an outrageous infringement of a wartime president’s authority.
I wish Steyn had his own show, or maybe a regular appearance on one of the national shows every week.
A Good article on the history of "compasssionate conservatism" which is really liberal lite.
"I would really be willing to listen if he would just explain it so "we" could understand."
That is the main complaint of many Conservatives that voted for him. Conservatives, I might add, that are now labelled as "Bush Bashers". He has destroyed his base supporters faith via his elitist attitude.
Who are we to question his apathy and total disregard for secure borders and our safety? You are right, he has not even attempted to explain his stance on the border issue to us. When asked, he ignores the question and immediately responds with the worn out "War On Terror" speech that we've heard a thousand times.
I, too, think that he is basically an honorable man, good husband-father and probably an all-around nice guy.
I have supported the Iraq conflict since day one and will continue to do so as long as our soldiers are there. God bless our troops and our country.
But something must change with Rush and Hannity especially. The constant ridicule to which they resort, and their overbearing self-righteouness and sanctimony only serves to energize the "opposition". That is the last thing that we need.
****
Hannity has a radio commercial that runs periodically during the day here in Pittsburgh: “........... I know I’m right ...................stay on the high ground , keep the personal out of it.” — (BARF)
Sean never stops calling names, nearly always makes it personal, and ridicules callers and continually takes the low road, and, generally he is incapable of a proper interview.
"Compasssionate conservatism" was a mistake.............. about as bad as LBJ's "The Great Society".
;-)
I stopped listening to Hannity after Bush's second election. The man is so pompous I can't abide him.
He is by far the worst ........ and that nasally voice of his is just bad tasting icing on the cake.
There was a guy back around fifty years ago...... a very entertaining guy named Arthur Godfrey. I swear Hannity sounds like him often ......... but Arthur had something to say.
Arthur Godfrey! There's a name I haven't seen in years! I was actually watching the show the day he fired that singer! I was only a little girl, but I remember it very well!
For the most part the rest of the loudmouths have low intellect and it shows!
There's more than a whiff of elitism and bigotry from the so called elite talkshow hosts.
Along those lines, I think I saw that original show on Talent Scouts when he "found" The McGuire Sisters.
Godfrey had a wonderful, amiable ambling way on TV and radio but it is said he could be a bit of a tyrant to some of his associates. Oh well..........
;-)
Back to classical music!
I don't listen to any of them any more.
Good for you, you wise lovely lady.
May I suggest:
http://www.geocities.com/darnbi/pieces.htm
Opus 27 No. 2 in D flat major4.54
My most favorite piece of music ...... I want to hear it on my death bed......... (hurry up)
If you hear it, I hope you enjoy it. Chopin was one interesting fellow.
The fate of Iraq, and the WOT depends on the result and he only has this year to succeed before the 2008 Election Cycle brings out the weasels in Washington.
With this much at stake I fear 21000 more troops may not be enough.
President Bush - courageously and honorably protecting us in dangerous times, . Praise the Lord!
Good one.
Oh, I am certain Mr. Burgler loves it. LOL
Lesser examples include the unremitting condemnation of the president’s plan for a last ditch military effort to salvage something out of the Iraq fiasco without offering an alternative plan which the president has said time and again he would consider.
Who led our armed forces into this fiasco?
--
begs the question..
Who stood in the way of getting the job done first go around?
Allies with selfish interests and presidential groupthink advisers are only good for use as doorstops or so it it seems once the bullets and missiles fly and the enemies are on the run for their lives.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.