Bush is not a man of deep thought or great foresight. He is a man of strong belief. He basically says what he thinks, believes what he believes, and does what he does, don't bog him down with complexitiness-ness.
That is why he had tunnel vision on Iraq, and why he is opposed to gay marriage. It's just what he believes. He probably believes in the many technologies, jobs and space weapons that an active space program could bring, and coming from Texas he almost certaintly has personal feelings on the Mexican immigration situation.
At the same time, Bush is influenced by political maneuvering. That's just what politicians do to get elected and re-elected. That or use daddy's name, money, advisors and influence.
Daniel Thies's point was valid in that Bush opposing gay rights does appeal to the far-right voter base that has been alienated by Bush's immigration proposal, his high discretionary spending and deficits, etc. Likewise the Hispanic vote, an increasingly desirable constituency, certainly had at least some influence on the immigration proposal. And Bush's economic policies clearly favor the short-term profits and interests of his core Republican financial base.
So while Bush is, indeed, politically motivated at least in the timing and details of what he does, he also acts out of deeply held beliefs--either his own, or those of his short list of advisors. The problem comes from the fact that Bush's beliefs tend to be very narrow if not ill informed, and usually represent the most extreme right. That would be fine if he were a conservative editorialist, or some annoying uncle at a family reunion. But Bush is the President of the United States.
The president has incredible power, and is supposed to balance, represent and protect both the immediate and long-term needs and interests of all Americans, not just those who support his or her party or think like him or her. Whenever possible, the president has an obligation to consider all options, expert opinion, and all consequences before making decisions that shape our nation and our future.
No president does this perfectly, of course. But Bush, with his cowboy attitude and blatant ideological narrow-mindedness, fails almost completely. And in doing so, he fails the nation that almost elected him.
Written by Randy Henderson, a regular contributor to NEXT.
Respond to this posting
Back to top