[Pokey78]

Pinging the Steyn list.

One of the few Steyn columns I disagree with.

[Howlin]

Lots of truth in here, Pokey, whether we like it or not.

[Wphile]

Wow...Steyn seemed to really want to "unload" in this one. I don't agree with it either. Some of it may be true but certainly not the whole of it. I thought Bush was terrific last week. Mark needs to get a grip. Maybe he's mad that he lost a bet on war with Iraq starting before 9/11 or something.

Mark Helprin, writing in the WSJ, has a real hit piece on W as well.

[Texasforever]

In a way he is correct but for the wrong reasons. Bush has not used his "political capital" gained from 911 because he does not want to make the WOT a political issue. There is no doubt whatsoever that if he tried that it would be screamed from the headlines "Bush politicizes WOT". I don’t know when people will wake up to the fact that GW is NOT a politician and for that reason alone he squeaks out victories on the basis of his perception of right and wrong. That is NOT a bad thing.

[kayak]

I'm with you, Pokey!

Bush has been "... going with 'C'mon, guys, let's roll!' the words of Todd Beamer as he and the brave passengers of Flight 93 took on their Islamist hijackers."

And he has been " ... talking up the virtues of courage and self-reliance demonstrated on Flight 93 ..."

... the media just haven't been telling anyone. The talking heads are the one spewing the garbage.

Those who are able to see the President's frequent speeches live on tv know what he is saying. Those who only hear sound bites get the liberal-filtered version.

[M. Thatcher]

I also disagree. But it's a good column, well argued, as they all are.

Steyn is assuming what we see is what is. But Bush knows the Art of War, and the necessity to feign incapacity.

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

[maryz]

One of the few Steyn columns I disagree with.

I hope you're right, Pokey -- but see Mark Helprin's article in today's WSJ: Written on Water.

[nicmarlo]

even a modest man needs to use the bully pulpit once in a while

Sorry pokey, but there's actually a lot of truth to what Mark Steyn wrote. Bush has squandered some of the opportunites afforded him last winter. He has caved into pressure on other issues not mentioned by Steyn, too, i.e., CFR. And yes, he could have used the bully pulpit, at least a couple of times in the past year.....to an effective end.

I still think Bush is a great President......but he has let his arms be twisted too much by those with no morals and no concern for this country (i.e., little Tommy fufu, Kennedy the murderer, and Leaky Leahy).

[MeekOneGOP]

Bump !