George Woodrow Bush

In searching the political clouds for the origins of last week's thunderclap from President Bush--his call for the overthrow of Yasser Arafat--the meteorologists of the press corps have focused on the predictable rift between "hardliners" and "pragmatists." A more accurate description would be to say this represents the triumph of--for want of a better term--Wilsonians over realpolitikers, a development of considerable longterm consequence.

From the title I though this was going to be a hit piece on Bush. However, it was a well written piece.

People said Japan could never become a western democracy, but it has been for over 50 years now. Granted Japan never had to deal with a radical Islamic population that thinks it's still the 5th century A.D.

It's going overboard to call Dubya a Wilsonian. The charge would be just if made against his father, but so far President Bush's foreign policy pronouncements have been closer to Washington than Wilson. After all, what has their substance been?

America makes her own decisions, though we'll listen politely to anyone's opinions, if politely delivered;
We intend to keep our promises and uphold our alliances, e.g., Taiwan and Israel;
If you strike us, or give evidence of preparing to do so, be prepared to face our fury.

Wilson, in contrast to the above, believed in inserting his snout into any conflict anywhere if he thought he could bring his "moral authority" to bear on it. He had no sense of his limitations, and little if any humility.

I think Dubya's essentially sensible about America's ability to impose its will upon the rest of the world. Though our triumphs at arms have been spectacular and are well known, our longest-lasting effects on the world have been by the power of example, and by the lure of our commercial success. It really will be McDonalds, rather than the Strategic Air Command, that ultimately transforms the world.

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit The Palace Of Reason: http://palaceofreason.com

Makes you wonder what Clinton really understood at all - despite his high IQ. My guess is he had been tested long ago, BEFORE he killed off his brain cells from lifestyle.

Seriously, I'm amazed at this so-called "dumb frat boy." Granted, he has set about himself some incredible advisors. But to do that requires one as dumb as a fox.

BTW, decision of Tom Delay to introduce a bill to allow our military to defy the I.C.C. and go in after any American charged with crimes is a brilliant move. It is obviously introduced at the prompting of the administration which wants nothing to do with that "rump court" (Delay's words).

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