Another Point of Singularity

There he Goes!

I'm not a huge fan of the President.  I think he's a decent chap, but really a good ol boy that's way over his head.  And he's made some bad decisions in the name of vengeance, the Iraq thing being a big one.  Still, I don't think he's evil, or a tool, or the focal point of a vast conspiracy.  So I wished him well today, and he came through.  The Inaugural Ceremony was dignified, short and very classy.   W delivered a good (not great) speech-- the words were well-crafted but he only gets a B from me for delivery.  (More emotion, Mister President!) 

In a larger sense, the Inauguration of George W. Bush is only half of the story.  The other half is what has me (and many others) tuning in every year to watch the thing.  It's pride... pride that we can change our government over, every four years, without bodies in ditches, secret death squads, and people disappearing in the night.  I've been to places like that.  They make you appreciate what you have. 

To W: So congratualations, Mister President, I wish you well for the next four years, because (I hope) that means that I'm wishing the country well. 

Suggestions: remember where you came from, sir.  We're a free country, or like to pretend we are.  Go easy on the right to privacy.  The Patriot Act is NOT a good "tool".  Lots of us view it as a threat to fundamental liberties enjoyed by all citizens.  Even law-abiding people with nothing to hide, like me.  And leave some part of the wilderness for our grandkids to play in, will you?

Last and most important.  You once promised that the United States wouldn't indulge in Nation Building (campaign speech, 2000).  Try to live up to that.  Read your history.  Read about American involvement in the Carribean and Latin America from 1900 to the late 1930s, and what happened afterward.  LEARN.  Note the parallels with Iraq and other places.

Might I suggest a very HARD LOOK at the intelligence community that fed you what you went to war for?

Stay with it.. I think you're a decent person and can become a pretty good president if you work on it.  Don't trust everything you read, now!

H.