Jokes Remain, but Bush Shows Signs of War's Burden

The New York Times ^ | 12/09/2001 | RICHARD L. BERKE

[Doe Eyes]

I am very suspicious of a communist rag like the New York Times. Why are they publishing this? Build the President up to tear him down later? This sort of thing really worries me.

[Slapper]

A sense of humour is vital, even in times such as these. If we stop laughing, it is then that our enemy has won.

[cactusSharp]

this is about the sorriest example of me tooism and look at the comments...This rag of a fishwrap still has its rewrite history soundbites,with allusions to maturation,jocular comments and Jimmy Carter. If for one second this liberal socialist paper and writer could find even a slight tinge in the armor that is W,that is what would be in this stories place this very second. After all ,a paper,just like a whore,has to get by doesn't she ?

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

I saw the President today and his hair is indeed turning markedly grayer. And the lines in his forhead have deepened. But it is clear that his inner joy and peace have grown, not flown. I know Laura's inner strength, beauty, and calm have helped him so much. For such a time as this - President George W. Bush was born. May God continue to give him the strength and protection he needs. No man could bear this burden alone. Thank God that He has given America this President his wife, his parents, his children, and many millions who love him and are praying for him and for all our leaders at this time. Together we will not fail, nor falter, Mr. President. We will not let you. And you will not let us.

[Verginius Rufus]

Berke is a twit, but if he can manage to write a mostly favorable article about President Bush, I'll take it. One of the reasons Lincoln was a more effective President than Jefferson Davis was that he had an excellent sense of humor whereas Davis was thin-skinned.

Gore nearly succeeded in stealing the election by throwing out military votes; he started his campaign in January 2000, during a debate with Bill Bradley, asserting that he would require the Joint Chiefs to agree that gays could serve openly in the military. He had to back down a bit on that issue but he clearly saw military effectiveness as less important than social engineering or pandering to political interest groups. We were luckier than we could realize at the time when Gore conceded a year ago.

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for the ping......As I recall, it was his Mother who suggested that perhaps he was 'called' to be president. And I believe it occured after hearing Billy Graham preach.

He definitely views his Presidency as his 'Charge to Keep'. Thank God our prayers were answered and GWB is our leader in these difficult & dangerous times.

[patriciaruth]

Bump.

Agreed.

[patriciaruth]

My respect for George W. Bush grows daily.

Impossible. Your respect is already as high as it can be without putting him above God.

/joke

[patriciaruth]

ROTFL! Can I steal your can? I LOVE it!!!

[patriciaruth]

I think it was the minister of their local church who had a sermon about service to the country. And Barbara said, "He's talking to you, George," or something like that.

Anyone got my exact details?

[patriciaruth]

my=more

[Victoria Delsoul]

"He said, `I didn't know then that New Yorkers could wave with all of their fingers!' " recalled Representative Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican who is close to Mr. Bush.

LOL!! that's very funny!

[JulieRNR21]

I believe you are correct now that my memory has been jiggled. It was after hearing a local Texas preacher.

Was the talk by Billy Graham the one that inspired GWB to become a committed Christian?

[TerryInRiverside]

If for one second this liberal socialist paper and writer could find even a slight tinge in the armor that is W,that is what would be in this stories place this very second.

I agree completely. Notice this paper reminds us of a drinking problem that GW had. I think they're just laying the ground work for future attacks.

[lawgirl]

Thanks for the ping. It's about time the libs caught on.

[BlessedBeGod]

Mr. Bush's advisers insisted that he was quite engaged in the day-to- day war operations. But they conceded that he was not by nature as hands-on as presidents like Jimmy Carter, who during the Iranian hostage crisis was involved with such details as the number of helicopters needed for a rescue mission.

Thank God -- a president who doesn't micro-manage. What a concept!

[BlessedBeGod]

I'm grateful to God that GWB has a wonderful wife and two wonderful parents to support him through all of this.

And the fact that his father used to be president, vice-president, head of the CIA, and an ambassador means that he can go to his father and his father truly understands what his son is going through.

[eastforker]

Every president I can remember ages about ten years or so for every 4 year term,some more,some less,Carter looked like he aged 20 or so and Reagan hardly at all.

[xp38]

"We can try to understand the New York Times effect on man"

[Penny1]

Was the talk by Billy Graham the one that inspired GWB to become a committed Christian?

It was a personal conversation between Billy Graham and George W. that clarified the Gospel for him and led to him committing himself more whole-heartedly to Christ.

-penny