George W. Bush - A Leader For Our Times
By Michael Nevin (09/30/04)
It was only one moment in a long presidential race, but nevertheless it was a moment that captured the sentiment of an important campaign stop. Standing among a group of firefighters in New York, President Bush accepted the endorsement of a union representing 8,600 firefighters. Bush held back tears as he accepted a helmet inscribed “Commander in Chief.” “It really means a lot to me because the truth of the matter is the inspiration I receive from the firefighters is something I’ll never forget,” Bush told his supporters. It seems apparent that the rank and file of New York has not forgotten the leadership and resolve demonstrated by the president in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy.
As America prepares for her quadrennial presidential election, it is surely not one that will be remembered as run-of-the-mill. It may, in fact, prove to be the election of our lifetime. There are stark differences in the direction each candidate will lead this nation into the future. The centerpiece issue in this campaign should and will focus on national security. Specifically, supporters and opponents of the Bush Doctrine will decide the fate of America’s future.
Opponents of the president have bet the house that Americans no longer have the stomach to ride out the storm in Iraq. In fact, they argue that the war in Iraq was a distraction from the War on Terror. Aided by the mainstream media, the doom and gloom crowd would have us believe that taking out Saddam Hussein and his rogue regime was a mistake and that our troops are stuck in a quagmire. Fortunately, these kinds of naysayers were much quieter during The Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944 where an average of 600-700 Americans lost their lives each day during a four-week period. The outcome of WWII may have been different if these defeatists found the political traction similar to what they have amassed today.
The Bush Doctrine is an aggressive strategy intent on making America safer at home. But it doesn’t start with homeland security—it ends with it. The fight is being waged in the terrorist’s backyard rather than the one where you keep the barbeque grill. No longer does America treat terrorism, or its sponsors, as a law enforcement problem; military might is now directed to neutralize imminent threats. The Bush Doctrine maintains that America will act with diplomacy preferably but preemptively when necessary. Undoubtedly, mistakes have been made and will continue to be made in this dangerous post-Cold War era, but these mistakes are tactical not strategic. You can’t make big gains unless you take big risks.
The 9/11 Commission described the situation in explicit terms: “We learned about an enemy who is sophisticated, patient, disciplined, and lethal. The enemy rallies support in the Arab and Muslim world by demanding redress of political grievances, but its hostility toward us and our values is limitless…It makes no distinction between military and civilian targets. Collateral Damage is not in its lexicon.”
This is not a time for nuance and fence-sitters. It is a time for resolve and straight shooters. History has never looked fondly upon men like Neville Chamberlain who allowed a gathering storm to strengthen. The Blame-America-First crowd will never support a strong leader like George Bush under any circumstance, thus they should be ignored. The majority of Americans still appreciate a leader who will not waiver in the face of criticism but act in spite of it.
Just as Ronald Reagan inspired the dissidents locked in the gulags throughout Eastern Europe, George Bush has brought hope to a region stuck in an erstwhile century. We can ill afford to shirk our responsibilities and retreat in the face of terror. France, Germany, Spain and the Philippines chose such a path, but America cannot, lest we seek chaos and calamity.
Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi addressed a joint meeting of Congress. His message was clear and concise: “First, we are succeeding in Iraq…The second message is quite simple and one that I would like to deliver from my people to yours: Thank you, America.” While America can no longer depend on certain former allies to stand firm with us, it is refreshing to hear from a leader who is grateful for America’s resolve and sacrifice. History is the final arbiter, and it will remember both those who stood with us and those who sat on the sidelines during this worldwide crisis. This brings to mind the words of Roman General Fabius Maximus: “It is better that a wise enemy should fear you than that foolish friends should praise.”
The choice is between moral clarity vs. moral ambiguity. Personally, I don’t care if my president is unpopular in Paris cafes or at United Nations cocktail parties. In fact, I like a guy who favors Texas barbeque. I support the man who reminded us, “My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.” I support President George W. Bush and if that puts me on common ground with those brave firefighters in New York, then I’m in good company.
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