Washington Post TV critic Tom Shales trashed President Bush’s farewell address in the Thursday newspaper. Shales was so harsh in his review – headlined "A President’s Parting Words – Convincing, at Least to Himself" – that he thought it was "delusion and denial" that Bush could claim credit for keeping America safe from terrorist attacks after 9/11. Who’s having trouble with reality in this evaluation? Shales began:
Only his remaining ardent supporters would probably classify last night's TV appearance by President Bush as reality television. On the other hand, detractors -- a sizable group, judging by popularity polls -- would likely say George W. Bush's farewell to the nation, delivered from the East Room of the White House, had the aura of delusion and denial.
America is suffering what is commonly being called the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression, for example. Yet in Bush's speech, that crisis was euphemized into "challenges to our prosperity," as Bush took credit for bold steps to remedy the situation.
Then there's Bush's view of Afghanistan. He included the implication that America's presence there helped it go from a sexist to a feminist state.
And when Bush paid tribute to "those who night and day" do their utmost to keep the country safe from terrorists' acts, he implicitly included himself. Others returned to their pre-9/11 lives after the infamous attack, Bush said, "but I never did." And on this went.
Shales seemed to ignore the text in sneering that Bush implied Afghanistan went "from a sexist state to a feminist state." Here’s the Bush sentence: "Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school." Those are facts – with some rhetorical polish – but Shales wants to classify them as "delusion and denial."
Shales rubbed Bush’s face in his low approval ratings, mourning how Bush can’t have massive sales of commemorative plates like Obama. The Post’s front-page story by Dan Eggen also underlined "Although Bush's approval numbers have improved slightly as he prepares to leave office, he remains one of the most consistently unpopular presidents since the advent of modern polling."
For liberal media outlets, this is patting themselves on the back for a job well done.
Later on, Shales noticed that some anchor-people were hardly Miss Manners in their description of the departing president:
Although noting Bush has five more days in office before Obama is sworn in, CBS News anchor Katie Couric even prematurely deprived Bush of the traditional introduction afforded America's chief executives when they deliver broadcast speeches or stride out to face the press (which Bush, of course, rarely did): "Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States." Instead, Couric said simply, "And here he is, George W. Bush."
But then, CBS News as a group manufactured the "delusion and denial" known as the Dan Rather "National Guard" copies from Kinko's.
Shales seemed to like the "biting" and "lively" Bush-hater convention that assembled on the set of MSNBC:
After the speech, during biting analysis on the lively MSNBC cable channel, Chris Matthews went after Bush's philosophy with a vengeance, calling it "scary" and less faith-based than Cheney-based -- an adherence by the president, Matthews said, to the thinking of so-called neoconservatives that led to catastrophe in the Mideast, not glory. Matthews called Bush's speech "a score card that only he could design, and of course he did well on it."
Keith Olbermann, anchor of MSNBC's "Countdown," asked rhetorically whether "the only thing missing" from Bush's presentation "was another 'Mission Accomplished' banner," a reference to the banner that flew on an aircraft carrier from which Bush spoke early in the Iraq war that he championed. Even Bush has said since, in one of several farewell interviews, that the banner was probably a boo-boo.
Now with four years of a "nearly biblical pageant" of glorious "Obamavision" in his future, Shales can go on delighting in how the new president makes infomercials that are "somehow both poetic and practical, spiritual and sensible." Post readers shouldn't think they're getting a TV review so much as someone aspiring to be a dime-store Frank Rich.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
What can you say about the
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 08:57 ET by SpaceManSpiffWhat can you say about the Washington Post anymore? Liberal propagandists and mouthpieces are in their own world, and there's little I can do but ignore them. I'm glad NB reads and reports on these pieces, because I don't bother.
BTW, I thought W's farewell piece was typical W fare. Humble, and to the point. Nothing more, nothing less.
With all the unfair and
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 08:58 ET by fitzfongWith all the unfair and dishonest criticism (not to mention the small bit of fair and honest criticism) this President has had to endure over the last eight...and especially four...years, I somehow doubt that the opinions of a fat, greasy professional couch potato like Tom Shales will matter much.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
fitzfong.blogspot.com
Reliable Hate
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:06 ET by richb313You can always rely on the left to hate. I extremely dislike hate. Hate is a negative emotion and has no place in governance. Looks like we are in for 4 years of real Hate Mongering now that the left is officially in charge.
hate is a 4-letter word
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:14 ET by lotrYes, it is clearly evident that they despise him. How else could one explain such disgraceful and unprofessional contempt for this President whom millions of Americans voted for, even at the symbolic end of his presidency?
But, let's be honest: They despised him from the very beginning (much like Sarah Palin, although not quite as viscerally). They hated him because of who he was and what he stood for. And they hated him all the more because he had charm, charisma and a backbone.
Then 9/11 happened and they (the haters in the pop-media) had to retreat back into their sleeper cells. Even during this time, however, I witnessed first-hand contempt for him (in the new-liberal region of the country where I live). Slowly, as 9/11 faded, and the elites sensed the return to pre-9/11 complaceny, their bitterness toward him began to be borne out, and they sought in their hearts to dismantle him, resulting in the covert anti-Bush propaganda campaign.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
CBS wee-hour info-dunces also had snarky comments...
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:26 ET by jazbothat Bush was "defiant". Who the hell do these midnight nobodies think they are to insult our president?
Those who believe in nothing will believe anything.
CBS Radio
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:07 ET by nkviking75On CBS Radio Dan Raviv called him "defensive".
Welcome to the era of unity, you racist!
Some, including here at NB,
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:56 ET by ThisnThatSome, including here at NB, have wondered why Bush didn't bother to try to defend himself over the past 8 years. Now we understand why -- the behavior of the MSM simply distracts from his real accomplishments, and who needs that? The MSM is revealing its total incompetance and juvenile behavior.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
No Tom
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:34 ET by NorthCoasterNo Tom, you are delusional to think that President Bush had no hand in preventing attacks on US soil over the last 7 years.
The farewell speach was very Presidential and subdued when you think of the potential comments that could have been used. The Bush hating commentators are very fortunate that President Bush did not take them to task in his speach.
The MSM and anti-Bush advocates have pissed and moaned and whined and cried for 8 years. Soon they will have "The One" for President and I wonder how long the honeymoon will last. Right now it sure sounds as if they are in love with Obama but then to them he's not Bush.
The only thing that would
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:43 ET by motherbeltThe only thing that would have made the left happy would have been for Bush to come out in sackcloth and ashes and flog himself while he recounted his "sins" and begged the American people to forgive him.
Like 99% of the media, Tom Shales is shameless.
The left MSM have been
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:13 ET by kgThe left MSM have been delusional and in denial ever since Clinton had sex in the Oval Office.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
I posted this in tom
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:34 ET by SeashellI posted this in tom Blumers piece earlier and think it is appropriate here as well:
I think that the problem with the left is that they don't really have respect for the office of the Presidency. Oh sure they love it when a liberal is in that position, and do all they can to promote him, but when a republican is the President they do nothing but tear him down. They try to embarrass, diminish his character, make him look stupid, etc. I didn't like alot of the stuff that Bill Clinton did, but I still had respect for the office and therefore, respect for him. It is hard, but I will do the same for Obama.
The left can't seem to find one thing that Bush did that was "praise" worthy. The fact that they are still alive doesn't deserve a "thank you"?
(replying to
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:39 ET by Seashell(replying to myself)
Katie Couric even prematurely deprived Bush of the traditional introduction afforded America's chief executives when they deliver broadcast speeches or stride out to face the press (which Bush, of course, rarely did): "Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States." Instead, Couric said simply, "And here he is, George W. Bush."
A prime example of what I said above. They have NO respect for the Office of the Presidency. Only when the occupant meets with their approval.
Yeah, I caught that
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:46 ET by motherbeltYeah, I caught that too.
As I said above, they have no shame.
I haven't commented much the past few days because I find it hard to even read most of this stuff.
Office vs. Current Occupant
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:14 ET by Agrarian-DecentralistYou say, "I think that the problem with the left is that they don't really have respect for the office of the Presidency [sic, President]."
I disagree, and I think there may be a fundamental difference between the right and the left in associating the office with its current holder.
I remember the calls from the right during Watergate to "save the office," which really meant "defend Nixon." By contrast, people on the left made a clear separation---the office was a permanent institution, and the individual who held it in temporary trust from the people had a responsibility to uphold both its ideals and its legal responsibilities. The evidence was clear that Nixon had done neither, and thus no longer deserved to hold the office. Many of us believe that Bush has outdone Nixon in shaming the office.
on the contrary
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:29 ET by lotrNixon was about to be impeached and convicted because of clear evidence of criminal activity. When it became apparent that Nixon was guilty, Republicans capitulated, leading to the previous sentence. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Clinton impeachment.
"Many of us believe that Bush has outdone Nixon in shaming the office."
"Shaming the office" is a subjective matter; evidence of criminal activity is an objective matter. And until incontrovertible evidence of criminal activity is brought to light, Agrarian-Decentralist has nothing but the subjective feeling that the sitting lawfully elected president "shamed the office." Sorry, but in spite of Agrarian's spin, I find it the other way around: It is the Left that does homage to the Cult of Personality.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
people on the left made a clear separation
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:38 ET by SickofLibsThe implication being because they're just so much smarter?
Agrarian-Decentralist
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:49 ET by bassndude"Many of us believe that Bush has outdone Nixon in shaming the office. "
Do you mean, like turning the Oval Office into a whore house? Or perhaps having the rug cleaned with Chinese money???? Or maybe selling super computers with Nuclear infromation to China? Or, giving China access to our satellites and communications? Or, perhaps he gave pardons to the likes of Mark Rich?
Of course that is what you mean.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
AHH
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:19 ET by NorthCoasterAAHHH JUST LOVE THIS CAHRPEHT
So said President Clinton. Just what was he refering to AG?
Bass
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:29 ET by choselife3xThank you for that tap dance on AD's head. Saved me the trouble.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Choselife; My
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:57 ET by bassndudeChoselife;
My pleasure.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
So you're not just wrong
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:02 ET by BlondeYou're the grammar police too.
We need a better class of troll, here.
A typical lefty Blonde. So
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:33 ET by SeashellA typical lefty Blonde. So eager to point out anything to try and "put down" a republican. They are so much smarter than us you know.
Oh I know it, Seashell
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:39 ET by BlondeAG is one of our garden variety post-and-run trolls.
It's bad enough that they post their idiot talking points here, and sometimes I'll take one of these idiots on (although this one never sticks around).
I was just totally disgusted at the bad form...so I laid my tried and true troll line on the jerk.
So, Agrarian-Decentralist is drive-by troll-bot?
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:57 ET by lotrI did not know this, but I will make a mental note of it for future reference. Let the word go forth.
But nevertheless, it is important that drive-by troll postings do not go unanswered for the edification of other readers.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
lotr, Uncentered Farmer Guy is a true believing Marxist puke.
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:06 ET by R D HelmI am talking flaming, as in hair-on-fire, red underwear-wearing, red star tattood to his a$$, freedom-hating commie of the first order.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
Dave fires up the flame thrower
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:11 ET by choselife3xDetails at 11:00.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Well said Dave!! As usual....he.............
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:19 ET by BEGRUNTroll's through....drops his grenade and splits.......another troll I truely loathe!!!
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
LOL
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:24 ET by lotrSo, Dave, in essence you're saying he's flaming in more ways than one??
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
lotr,
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:44 ET by R D HelmLOL-If I had to guess, I'd say a strong, unnatural affection for farm animals, but I could be wrong. :-^)
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
Agree, lotr
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:16 ET by BlondeFeel Free to use my instant troll identifier:
We need a better class of troll, here. ©
Short, sweet, and to the point.
JJ.....got your.....
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:21 ET by BEGRUNT"Troll stompin" boots on? I'm in a mood today..........I really am.....I'm not going to take this nonsense today.
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Troll stompin boots
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:30 ET by choselife3xSo it's not just me, huh?
Obama help the next lib to cross my path.....
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
OK, thanks the permission
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:28 ET by lotrOK, thanks the permission Blonde.
We need a better class of troll, here. -- © Blonde, NB.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Oooooh, I like!
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:56 ET by BlondeThat looks terrific.
Off to see Marley in a bit.
AG
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:12 ET by NorthCoasterHow can you honestly make those comments unless you are delusional too?
I disagree, and I think
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:26 ET by SeashellI disagree, and I think there may be a fundamental difference between the right and the left in associating the office with its current holder.
I think you are way off base here with the right/left in any elected office. The republicans are the ones who get rid of their "bad apples" when they mess up. Look what republicans did to Trent Lott. I never thought he deserved to be "demoted" for what he said, but he was. Mark Foley-out. Yet, the dems keep their bad guys around. Look at Barney Frank, a disgrace (not to mention his responsibilites in the financial crisis).
Nixon resigned, remember?
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:17 ET by CobraManNixon resigned, rather than have the country suffer through a impeachment proceeding and Senate trial. Although the Articles of Impeachment would have been passed by the House, it is doubtful that the Senate would have removed a sitting President, just like what happened with Clinton, even though Clinton also committed crimes like perjury and obstruction of justice, the same crimes Nixon allegedly committed.
None of this happened though. Nixon, far from the power hungry demon the left portrayed him as, RESIGNED from office, saving the country the political spectacle an impeachment would have cause, and destroying the perception that Nixon was power-hungry once and for all.
This bears repeating: Despite the fact that left promoted the perception that Nixon was a power-mad dictator who would NEVER voluntarily leave office, Nixon took the honorable route and resigned.
Does any of this matter to the left? No, they STILL demonize him every chance they get. Just like they have demonized every Republican since I was a child. You, yourself, STILL resort to demonizing Republican Presidents, thus proving your 'enlightened" outlook and your commitment to equality and respect, as long as they are liberals anyways.
Obama: My job is above my pay grade
A total waste of mental
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:30 ET by SickofLibsA total waste of mental energy and keystrokes to respond.
Sorry I bit. Mea culpa, won't happen again.
It's going to be interesting to watch...
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:43 ET by c5thenThe nasty and "unamerican" behavior that is being chastised and castigated now will miraculously change to new and innovative ideas and actions the day after Jan 20, 2009. It will be interesting to see of some of these "journalists" will snicker or smile as they change their tune because they are now talking about the Chosen One. The first ever unconstitutional President.
Getting his daily security breifings, G.W. Bush knows just EXACTLY how many attacks were discovered and averted over the last 8 years. Very few others do. He also knows what went into discovering and averting them. We, the american public, will probably never know how many people gave their lives to prevent any Americans from being attacked in the last 8 years. G.W. Bush knows EXACTLY how many.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
Getting his daily security
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:52 ET by SeashellGetting his daily security breifings, G.W. Bush knows just EXACTLY how many attacks were discovered and averted over the last 8 years.
I just wish (as a way to stick it to the left) that this info. could be published for all to see so people could know just what President Bush did for us.
It really makes me ill the way the press has treated Bush and Cheney. No appreciation what so ever.
What is worse....
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:02 ET by Prester John...is the way that the same Republicans who were more than happy to be seen with W in 2002 and 2004 all but disappeared after his re-election.
Loyalty goes both ways. The Republican Party, with very few exceptions, really did show how spineless it is and shows no sign of growing one any time soon if you take a look at the way they've rolled/are rolling on Hillary, Holder, Geithner.....
Agreed. That is one thing
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:28 ET by SeashellAgreed. That is one thing the democrats have going for them. They stick together like glue. You are right, the republicans are spinless scaredy cats. If they had openly and whole-heartedly supported Bush things may have been different.
Prester, Sea
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:15 ET by NorthCoasterKeen observations from both of you. We really need someone with stones to stand up instead of folding and acting Senatorial, or Presidential. All that has ever come of meeting the Dems part way when they want support, is that next time or for an extended period, we get stuck in the back with a shiv.
Food for thought...
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:47 ET by unkeeafUnless you're politically savvy - like the members of NB - this type of consistent hammering of Bush would have impact on your world view. That's what makes the liberal press so dangerous. They shape thoughts and minds of those around us (aka - voters). Let's face it, how many people do you know that you would consider politically sharp - 10%?
These scoundrels need to be regulated, eliminated or sued for malpractice.
MSM = PR firm for the Democrat Party
These scoundrels need to be
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:00 ET by SeashellThese scoundrels need to be regulated, eliminated or sued for malpractice.
As I said yesterday the only way to stop these people is to hit them where it hurts: in the pocketbook. We need to stop watching news on the bias networks (that's about all of them), buying their magazines, newspapers, going to their web sites, etc. When they start losing $ then and only then will they change. All we ask for is fair reporting. Just report the facts and let us decide for ourselves.
I sent Fat-Boy Shales an
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:52 ET by mattmI sent Fat-Boy Shales an e-mail telling him to get bent - although I kept it vulgar and profane, because libs can't understand anything unless there's plenty of vulgarity and cursing in it....But I didn't take God's name in vain, so...
I think we should all contact these media pukes whenever possible to let them know of our utter disdain for them... (Tom, in case you're reading this, "disdain" means: I hate your ^%$#%$ guts.)
(BTW- isn't shales come kind of disease?)
I think that would be
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 13:08 ET by Tim the EnchanterI think that would be "shingles", caused by a variety of the Herpes virus- quite fitting for a Lefty.
All I know is, whenever that
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 13:13 ET by mattmAll I know is, whenever that puke's name is mentioned I feel like I need to take a bath in disinfectant...
My brother called me last
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:25 ET by marpelMy brother called me last night in a rage because he changed the channel to MSNBC after the speech. (I asked him, "Why'd you do that? Your blood pressure wasn't high enough or what?") He said that once he heard the venomous remarks out of Olbermann and Matthew's mouths, he wanted to strangle them both. Since I also have high blood pressure, I knew if I heard those creatures spew their poison, I would have probably had a stroke. And they're not worth that.
As I said yesterday, KO has a penis the size of a push pin, but Chris likes it just fine...
I don't know why y'all watch that
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:35 ET by choselife3xI'll bet if all the conservatives stopped tuning in to yell at them their viewership would drop by a third. Everybody quit picking those scabs.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Q: When you tell a joke to
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 10:49 ET by Trix RabbitQ: When you tell a joke to a Jew, why will he not laugh?
A: Because he's heard it before and you told it wrong anyway.
Shales. I've heard all your shite before and you're still telling it wrong.
Liberal: a power worshipper without power. George Orwell
Everyone remembers when
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:17 ET by Hunter12Everyone remembers when Spain lead the coalition that went into Iraq and kicked the crap out of al Queda. Muslim terrorists responded by bombing multiple train stations in Madrid.
What am I talking about?
The terrorists went after a much smaller component of the coalition because they could do it. Nothing has happened here. Are we to believe that they didn't want to do something to strike back against America? Their continued good will toward the people of America, despite our kicking the crap out of them, killing their leaders, and destroying their organization in Iraq, must be commended as the rational restraint of reasoned people.
I don't believe that either. They haven't acted because people have stopped them behind the scenes before they could act. Clinton would have paraded each success before the cameras of an adoring press to claim credit, thereby telling the terrorists with each act, "This is not the way to do it, try something else." President Bush keeps his mouth shut and re-uses the same rat trap, getting no credit, but catching multiple rats.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Yo, Shales...
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:20 ET by SlyrrFrom the moment GW took office, you idiots in the press talked down the economy. From 2000-2006, you said it was 'the worst economy since the great depression', a 'jobless economy' or that the jobs 'no one wanted'. For eight years, you trashed and trashed and trashed the economy and taught your rabid followers to believe America was at death's door.
Well - you finally got your wish. The economy is in a bad way. But it wasn't Bush who did it - it was you and your Democrat/Communist congress. What did Obama's crazed bigot preacher say?
'The media's chickens..... are comin' home..... ta ROOST!'
Your communist propaganda papers are collapsing left right and center. I pray that they ALL collapse and that the media goes totally bankrupt. (though they've been morally bankrupt for ages) Then it can be rebuilt, hopefully with some integrity.
Balderdash!
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 11:20 ET by Intellectual HonestyMany of us believe that Bush has outdone Nixon in shaming the office.
No. Many of "You" have been emotionally charged and, if I may use my screen name, intellectually dishonest.
Couric can not claim that she is an impartial journalist (anchor) when she chooses to downgrade a professional journalistic protocol due to her opinion of the current occupant. And you can not claim it for her either.
Tom Shales is mentally ill.
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:00 ET by R D HelmSorry, but that is all I can think of to say after reading that garbage.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
Hooverville, anyone?
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:40 ET by CobraMan"America is suffering what is commonly being called the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression, for example."
Speaking of delusion and denial, why don't you ask the people who actually lived through the depression what they think about the current economy? My guess is that they'd tell you that you have no idea what you are talking about.
Try as hard as I might, I don't see shantytowns rising up around America, and I still don't see people traveling around carrying signs that says: "In Bush we trusted, now we're busted," like they did for Hoover.
So, tell me again, just how close is America to another Great Depression?
We are, though, VERY close to the democratic response to any crisis, which is: spend, spend, and spend some more, and to hell with the effect that spending will have on America. That was the "remedy" during the 30's and the 40's, but that "remedy" had very little effect on the Depression, correct?
As a matter of fact, that depression lasted until WWII ended. I wonder how Obama plans to lift us out of our current financial situation? Is it possible that we'll enter ANOTHER world war, sometime around 2012 maybe?
Obama: My job is above my pay grade
Dear Idiot Shales. I don't
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 12:52 ET byDear Idiot Shales.
I don't like Bush either. Never did. Thought he was a bit of a dim bulb and he's done nothing to dispel the notion. That said, facts are inconvenient things. While I deplore his decision to stay in Iraq after the weapons were not there, that is a separate issue from the decision to go there in the first place. The President is right about the country forgetting about 9-11 in the after math and his inability to do so. But perhaps he's also referencing another trend. The trend that was popular PRIOR to the Bush administration. Knowing your liberal skill at forgetting the past if it's unhelpful to stupid liberalism, I took the liberty of making a chart. This chart will show the stunning regularity with which America and it's interests were attacked by Islamic Terrorists....
Hostages taken at U.S. Embassy in Tehran November 4, 1979
Bombing of U.S. Embassy Beirut- April 18, 1983
Marine Barracks Bombing -October 23, 1983
Bombing of U.S Embassy Kuwait - Dec 12, 1983
CIA Station Chief Kidnapped- March 16, 1984
Bombing of U.S. Embassy Beirut (Annex) Sept 20, 1984
Hijacking of Kuwait Air Flt 221 December 3, 1984
Hijacking of TWA Flight 847 -June 14, 1985
Hijacking of the Achille Lauro and murder of American Leon Klinghoffer Oct 17, 1985
Bombing of La Belle Discotheque April 5, 1986
Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 December 21, 1988
1st World Trade center bombing February 26 1993
Khobar towers = June 25 1996
USS Cole October 12 2000
World Trade Center Bombing- September 11, 2001
Since then, not so much. If that ain't safer I don't know what the hell would be. 'Nuff said.
Nice -- facts are
Fri, 01/16/2009 - 13:21 ET by lotrNice -- facts are inconvenient things. Add in the fact that the last of these terrorist attacks was by far the worst, possibily indicating an escalation in process.
P.S. -- With all due respect... I like Bush. Always did.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe