[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

Again, I am not saying that you don't understand what is at stake. I have not said that...

Where you and I disagree is whether the President has gotten across why the Bush doctrine is important. I think he has. I think he has told us over and over again what he is doing, why it must be done, and what is at stake, why we must stay, and why we cannot leave.

There is not going to be a Hollywood moment where he will speak and the people as one will embrace what he says. He has been stating the Bush Doctrine since 9/11...he keeps repeating it... I don't think it is his fault that we are not listening.

[goldstategop]

I think Americans would like to take a time out. As I observed at the outset of the thread, the real world won't be kind to us since our enemies will regard a breather as a sign we lack the resolve to defend ourselves and are weak and decadent to the point where we are more interested in being self-absorbed in the lap of luxury rather than securing our own survival. The question is what choice we will make. It will have a tremendous bearing upon our future.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[Siena Dreaming]

There is not going to be a Hollywood moment

Agreed. No matter what Pres. Bush says, the anti-war, intellectuals will attack it.

He could tweak his rhetoric and alter his phrasing, but it would make NO difference whatsoever as that would be the new phrase du jour to parse and spin.

Pres. Bush should continue with his approach. It's been extremely effective so far IMO, despite what the propogandists say.

Also agree with you about Rumsfeld. The thought of Rummy being tied up for months in Dem congressional hearings with Carl Levin and Conyers overseeing the inquisition is odious. The stepping down was a good decision IMO.

[outofstyle]

"Where you and I disagree is whether the President has gotten across why the Bush doctrine is important."

He has done a good enough job explaining it to you and me. However, in the face of a hostile media and a soft culture, he has not done a good ENOUGH job. The elections are proof of that. Too few people understood the consequences of dem control. I respect the president and I will keep doing what I can. However, it is hard to be optimistic.

[OldFriend]

If we are too stupid to know what is at stake we cannot put that blame on the President.