Spiritual/Political/Philosophical Blog on the Nature of Truth and Falsehood and Heaven
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| Sunny Days in Heaven Spiritual/Political/Philosophical Blog on the Nature of Truth and Falsehood and Heaven |
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Saturday, October 08, 2005 Bush's Picks Many conservatives were ecstatic over the John Roberts choice for SCOTUS while others considered him a stealth candidate. Particularly after he coyly suggested to the Judiciary Committee that Roe v. Wade was settled law while leaving unsaid whether he would vote to overturn it if he had the chance or simply let it stand. Fair enough. He couldn't play his hand on that, but there was nothing in his "paper trail" to suggest how he would rule when he faces that issue on the bench. Still, we have a good idea of where he stands constitutionally on any case that will be new to the court. Harriet Miers is a cipher, though. Not only does she appear unqualified as a legal expert, she has no discernible constitutional philosophy other than a vague set of axioms iterated by Bush. Her appointment is a real insult to those who have labored very hard for a very long time to deliver the Court from evil. The people in the White House aren't stupid. Certainly they had to know something of what the reaction on the Right would be, yet they have no plan to defuse it. I guess Bush simply figures that she'll be confirmed and that will be that. Which is true. Once confirmed that will be that. She may even turn out to be a decent appointment. But God help us if she is less than mediocre. What is as troubling to conservatives is Bush's seeming contempt for the people who elected him twice. Frankly, Bush was never that strong a Republican candidate. He barely won against a hapless and idiotic Al Gore (lost in popular vote), and should have trounced John Kerry despite the MSM's campaign for the Democrat which undoubtedly increased his percentage of the vote. He was slow to go to war in Iraq when he had momentum on his side, and has failed to follow through on destroying governments that are still sponsoring terrorism like Syria and Iran. He campaigned for an amendment to define marriage. Heard anything about that lately? And you never will again. During his five years in office, millions of illegal aliens have entered the country with his approval. I mean that literally. He has completely approved of the invasion with his baseless rhetoric about such people doing the work Americans won't, improving our economy, and practicing good family values. At some point you ask yourself, who is this guy? What makes him tick? Exactly what does he believe in? He appears to a sheep in wolf's clothing. Some talk about his managerial style as that of a Harvard MBA, but I am more inclined at this point to give his former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill's observations greater credence; that is, that Bush sits and listens and gives no indication of what he hears as registering. Others say Bush is deeply engaged in meetings, but that comes from loyalists. Conservatives have tried to excuse Bush's speech impediments, his inarticulateness, and verbal bumbling as being a matter separate from his leadership skills. He's just not a great communicator, he's a nervous speaker, he's not facile and glib which is good. He's an authentic, regular guy. But when you start adding up all the minuses, you begin to assemble a picture of someone deeply out of his depth. Many thought that Bush grew in office after 9/11. For the moment it appeared so. He was strong, resolute, determined, and serious. Yet, on further examination it doesn't appear he has grown at all, and proves the adage that presidents don't grow in offce, they are struck with the skill set and temperment that they came with. In many respects, Bush has bungled the war in Iraq. Not so much militarily (although there have been major bungles, but that happens in war), but politically in allowing his opponents to undermine the cause. He has consistently failed to inform and rally the nation to his banner. Fortunately for him, Americans aren't lacking in committment to their self-defense. Bush is baffling. He is popular with our servicemen and women because he is genuinely one of them and concerned about their welfare. But to his Party, he seems indifferent. He doesn't connect with your average, working American. People loved Reagan because Reagan loved people. Some people love Bush because Bush only seems to love some people. In his dance with America, Bush has two left feet. He sincerely tries to lead, he's earnest enough, but he can't get over his awkwardness and uncoordinated manner. For the moment, he gives every sign that for the next three years he will be a caretaker President, since he shows no interest in the Republican agenda. Possibily his greatest chance to steer the country back to judicial sanity has been squandered with his choice of Roberts and Miers; and his unwillingness to engage in fierce partisan politics, to fight for conservative candidates and policies is thoroughly demoralizing. Look around the political landscape, though. See any Republican with backbone or a dyed in the wool appeal? Neither do I. posted by Mark Butterworth | 9:46 AM | |
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