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"A collaborative political resource." |
The shockingly liberal legacy of George W. Bush
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Candidate
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| Contributor | Don't Tase Me, Bro! |
| Last Edited | Don't Tase Me, Bro! Aug 22, 2008 11:08pm |
| Category | Analysis |
| News Date | Aug 22, 2008 11:00pm |
| Description | On an icy Jan. 20 in 2001, a youthful George W. Bush, his hair not yet all grey, flanked by daughters not yet grown, stood in front of the U.S. Capitol and delivered a high-minded inaugural address that invoked America's "grand and enduring ideals," appealing to civic duty and compassion, and referring repeatedly to the guidance of angels. He called for national unity, civility and "forgiveness" after the bitter 2000 election fight with Al Gore that was ended by the U.S. Supreme Court. "I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity," he pledged. Bush warned Americans, who were coming off of the longest economic expansion since the Second World War, not to get too fat and happy. "What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort."
To read that speech today is to be struck by the distance, both historical and rhetorical, that his presidency — perhaps the most controversial since that of Richard Nixon — has spanned. Midway through, Bush felt the need to argue that even in "a time of peace" the stakes are "never small." But the policy agenda laid out that day by the former Texas governor was modest and inwardly focused, emphasizing first of all his desire to reform public education. "Together, we will reclaim America's schools, before ignorance and apathy claim more young lives," said Bush. He also mentioned his goal of overhauling entitlements for the elderly and reducing taxes. He didn't dwell much on foreign policy, but vaguely noted he would "build our defences beyond challenge" and confront weapons of mass destruction. |
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