Randy makes a good distinction between lying and being mistaken.
Most people are agreeing we were mistaken about WMD. I happen to think its still possible to find them. We found planes buried in the sand. We found their dictator hidden in a hole in the ground. So its not beyond reason that WMD are similarly hidden and difficult to locate.
Yet, to overtly declare without substantiation that President Bush's administration lied calls in to question the ethics and morality of a large number of individuals, both elected and appointed, who have heretofore been either well known for being ethical, or have had tremendous trust placed in them for their reputation of patriotism, loyalty, and belief in democracy.
On the other side of the issue, when those who are being attacked -- the current administration -- stands up to its own defense with the facts, and in turn demonstrates the opposition's clear pattern of indecisiveness and weak leadership, the original accusers whine and cry about "an attack machine." They don't respond to the allegations facing them, they only cry about how they're being picked upon and how the administration is playing "dirty politics." The rationale is simple from Kerry's standpoint. If we keep this whole line of discussion in the realm of emotion, then we needn't get burdened with those troublesome facts that would otherwise undermine their efforts to unseat the President.
The problem for them is, the nation is not content to discuss this only emotionally. And while their supporters are indeed vocal, their emotions are not being expressed any more passionately than are those who support the president (and happen to have the added benefit of being supported by the facts of recent and developing history).
President Bush has clearly demonstrated that his priorities are to protect and to prosper America for today and the future. He has asked Americans to partner together to see it happen.
Candidate Kerry, on the other hand, has tried to say that you can't trust President Bush, but you can trust him (despite what his own record has shown) although that some important details are "none of your business." He has basically advanced the claim that he's the best man for the job while we all wait for the inevitable other jackboot of terrorism to drop. He thinks that he alone is suited minimize the trauma of the fatalistic event because he'll help us coalesce with the terror-stricken European community into some scab-like pseudo-society that regroups under a doctrine of appeasement every time Al Quaeda rips us open to just watch us bleed.
Hmm...which America do you want to call home?
March 18, 2004 11:50 AMFor someone who's locked up the nomination, Kerry is acting so un-presidential.
Posted by: Douglas at March 18, 2004 2:09 PM...Kerry is acting so un-presidential.
Let's just pray he never gets the opportunity for any on-the-job training!
Posted by: Eric at March 19, 2004 11:07 PM