[Perlstein]

OK. Perlstein here. Let's discuss. Everyone seems to agree that it's a fair piece, that it reports a fact that people are comfortable with: that Bush sees no reason to question his policies, because he believes them to be in concert with his faith.

My question: let's just assume, for the sake of argument, that George W. Bush did something you didn't like, that you thought was disastrous. Even in the face of bad results, he kept at it. You get frustrated, and hope he will hew back to a course you do agree with. But then you realize he will never change, because Bush thinks his course is divinely ordained.

Assuming that
1) Bush is human, and will make mistakes;
2) That when you make a mistake, the best course often is to CHANGE course;
3) The depth of Bush's faith makes him so imperturbable that it's unlikely he will ever change course because he never admits to making a mistake;

then isn't this an abuse of faith, not a way of honoring God?

[My2Cents]

A self-described "puppy-doggish neurotic person," the 30-year-old left-leaning Milwaukee native has just completed a book about the rise and fall of Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign

OH! So you're THAT Rick Perlstein! I thought the name was familiar. Great book about the rise of conservatism, and Goldwater.

[texasflower]

President Bush doesn't claim to never make a mistake.

He just doesn't parade apologies and groveling in front of the media and those that would like to destroy him.

I don't blame him and I'm grateful that he doesn't take that bait.

What you don't seem to understand is that we know that BEFORE he makes a big decision, he prays about it. He takes all things into consideration, facts and faith alike, then makes the best decision he can.

Yes, sometimes he may make a wrong step, but the fact that he tries to do what is good for this country and pleasing to God is comforting and encouraging to us.

He listens to God and if he is in error, he will alter his course.