Posted on 02/21/2005 11:45:57 AM PST by quidnunc
We live in remarkable times — and in working at the White House, one of the striking things is the sheer pace of events. Given the advent of talk radio, cable news and the Internet — good things all — I suspect it at least feels as though the pace of events has accelerated compared to just a few decades ago.
This afternoon I hope to take a step back from the rush of daily events and discuss President Bush’s governing philosophy. I’ll briefly look at three areas — foreign, social, and economic policy — and make the case for why I believe the President is making significant intellectual contributions to each.
Let me begin with foreign policy, and by stating a proposition: one of President Bush’s key conceptual contributions is the idea that expanding freedom leads to peace among nations — and that America’s vital interests and our deepest beliefs are twined.
A close reading of the President’s second Inaugural Address reveals it is an effort to break down the dividing wall that has sometimes separated American interests and American idealism. The President’s speech argues that pursuing our core principles will promote our national security — and that what happens within the borders of other nations is often of intense interest to our own.
The clearest expression of this is President Bush’s break with six decades of Western policy that accommodated the lack of freedom in the Middle East. For more than a half-century, tyranny and oppression in the Middle East were met with at best indifference, and at worst support. No effort was made to spread liberty to the Arab world. But then came what President Bush called “a day of fire” — and in its aftermath emerged a new doctrine for this new century.
-snip-
Great post, and Kudos to the President for the broad outlines of his agenda, and its Lincolnian inspiration.
Cheers,
Richard F.
Good analogy.
Let me conclude with a few words about conservatism and America’s 43rd President. Many of you in this audience are conservative because you believe it is the political philosophy that best allows societies to prosper and flourish. Conservatives understand the important role that traditions, institutions, habits, and authority have in our common life.He's absolutely correct.At the same time, there is a conservative temperament that can be politically counterproductive. For many years, conservatism was characterized by a suspicion and defensiveness toward the world in which we live. It was primarily a reactive political movement, which mitigated against boldness.
The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that for everything there is a season. At some points in history, the role of conservatism has been to stop pernicious ideologies: the excesses of the French Revolution, socialism, fascism, and imperial communism. These were monumental achievements – but we have entered a different era. Today the role of conservatism is to be proactive, bold, energetic, and optimistic – to shape history rather than to impede it.
We live in a history-shaping moment. Conservatism is the dominant political philosophy of this young century – and President George W. Bush is making significant philosophical and political contributions to it.
In late January 2001, America's new President said, "We are here to make progress, we are not here to mark time." George W. Bush has been true to his word. He is one of history’s Consequential Presidents.
Over here!....As good an articulation of the guiding philosophy of the Bush Administration as I've seen.
To those who disagree with this approach, let them say so loudly, clearly, publicly, and repeatedly.
I love this attitude.
But the Bush Administration’s policies are anchored in more than recent human experience; they are also grounded in a particular view of human nature – and in the truths articulated in the Declaration of Independence. In the “enlightened belief” of the Founders, Lincoln said, “nothing stamped with the Divine image and likeness was sent into the world to be trodden on, and degraded, and imbruted by its fellows.”
President Bush's belief in the foundation of this country and in the souls of all people informs him in a powerful and moving way. I couldn't then imagine the stage he would have to demonstrate these beliefs, but I certainly knew then he would lift us from purposeless leadership.
Thanks for the ping -- very good article.
Thanks.
On his radio program this afternoon, Sean Hannity observed that President Bush is even shaping Europe's agenda. There have only been a handful of truly consequential presidencies (both for better and worse). George W. definitely already ranks with the three or four best consequential presidencies, and he ain't done yet.
I think it's very interesting that history is already beginning to recognize Geo. W. Bush's presidency as "consequential." Perhaps it's the challenges of this point in history, but while there is certainly a lot of time between now and the start of the next administration, we can already see the way history is flowing, and W is directing its flow.
No question about it, and only the politically and historically tone deaf don't recognize it.
There've been times I've been very disappointed with this POTUS, but then thinking it all over I have to say had he gone about things the way *I* had wanted him to, he'd probably have not succeeded doing any one item.
And any slowness on his part in executing the conservative agenda had more to do with the mess he had taken over than any other single thing.
I hired this POTUS & now I'll just shut-up, step back & sit down & let him do his job.
Bad enough the mealymouthed Liberal-Socialist quisling media try micromanaging his every move.
...without my contributing to their sabotage effort(s).
I'm beginning to wonder what will happen first. Liberals admitting G.W.B. is one of our greatest Presidents, that he was RIGHT and left this world better than when he entered it.
Or conservatives getting beyond their sterotypes of G.W.'s domestic agenda and realizing the far term vision that will result at the implementation of his policies. After four years we are only beginning to see the fruits of his foreign policy. I think they are going to be surprised at the fruits of his dosmestic policies if they stop being so reactionary.
In the “enlightened belief” of the Founders, Lincoln said, “nothing stamped with the Divine image and likeness was sent into the world to be trodden on, and degraded, and imbruted by its fellows.”
I love Lincoln. My Favorite President and, imo, greatest. I find Bush to share many similarities.
Good article, thanks.
Thought you might enjoy reading this.
I'm with you on Lincoln. Truly our greatest president (although I've heard others confir that honor upon the first George W.). As to which will happen first, the probable is that the hateful left and the stiff-necked right are cut from the same cloth, personality-wise. Their collective heads would explode to have to admit they were wrong. (Although when you have some admitted liberals like Ed Koch and Ron Silver whole-heartedly supporting Bush's foreign policy, I suspect a lot of libs may eventually, grudgingly, come over to admit W was right all along.)
Very appropriate image for Presidents Day.
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.