Truth Trumps Politics
There are often occasions which call for party unity, and party unity has its benefits. However party unity is not inherently good, just as it is not a negative per se. In many situations we as citizens must choose to side with what our party asserts or in the alternative what our conscience upholds.
Viewing President George W. Bush’s second inaugural address, I felt this debate being ignited deep within the recesses of my brain. As the speech continued, the debating factions moved to the fore and I had to face the reality that this speech called for a personal decision on my part, and the part of all Republicans – nay, all Americans.
On one shoulder I had a Ken Mehlman look-alike espousing the virtues of party unity. On the other I saw myself arguing for me to “be real.” In the end, I came to the conclusion that it is imperative to always be honest, whether merely to myself or to others. As Polonius said, “To thine own self be true.” Therefore, I turned to those around me and spoke the unthinkable – “I didn’t like the speech.” This dislike was more a matter of style (as Buckley mentioned) than substance.
The problem was a failure to let Bush be Bush. The speech sounded like something from a philosophy text. It was loaded with idealistic verbiage. Has President Bush ever been seen as a man to use such flowery language? No. The President has a reputation as “everyman.” He talks like most Americans. So, when speaking to most Americans, he should be himself instead of someone who comes across as attempting to have a discourse with only certain members of our society. In my estimation the President’s greatest oratory moment came with a bullhorn to his lips at Ground Zero – where he spoke to America in a way America could understand.
The positive was seeing President Bush establish goals and shoot for the moon. The goals put into play by the address are more spectacular than President Kennedy’s goal for putting a man on the moon. From my understanding of 20th century history, people believed Kennedy was setting, pardon the expression, an astronomical goal. However, the aspect of Kennedy’s dream and its subsequent achievement that made it such a great moment in American history was its scale. Certainly, Bush administration officials would point to that fact. Another great goal-setter of comparison is Franklin Graham. In his January 2005 newsletter, Graham points out that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association set a “staggering” 2004 goal – to have 1 million people turn to Christ. In the end, 1.2 million souls made that leap of faith. While not the Earth-shattering goal and accomplishment of Kennedy’s era, some might say it is one of greater eternal importance. It is another example of the power of setting hard-to-reach goals.
Mr. President, dream. Dream big. Dream astronomical goals. And lead. Lead us towards those goals as protector of the American dream, leader of the free world, and commander of the war on terror. Yet, in doing so, please bear in mind the importance of leading us the way you have led us since September 11, 2001 – as yourself.
Viewing President George W. Bush’s second inaugural address, I felt this debate being ignited deep within the recesses of my brain. As the speech continued, the debating factions moved to the fore and I had to face the reality that this speech called for a personal decision on my part, and the part of all Republicans – nay, all Americans.
On one shoulder I had a Ken Mehlman look-alike espousing the virtues of party unity. On the other I saw myself arguing for me to “be real.” In the end, I came to the conclusion that it is imperative to always be honest, whether merely to myself or to others. As Polonius said, “To thine own self be true.” Therefore, I turned to those around me and spoke the unthinkable – “I didn’t like the speech.” This dislike was more a matter of style (as Buckley mentioned) than substance.
The problem was a failure to let Bush be Bush. The speech sounded like something from a philosophy text. It was loaded with idealistic verbiage. Has President Bush ever been seen as a man to use such flowery language? No. The President has a reputation as “everyman.” He talks like most Americans. So, when speaking to most Americans, he should be himself instead of someone who comes across as attempting to have a discourse with only certain members of our society. In my estimation the President’s greatest oratory moment came with a bullhorn to his lips at Ground Zero – where he spoke to America in a way America could understand.
The positive was seeing President Bush establish goals and shoot for the moon. The goals put into play by the address are more spectacular than President Kennedy’s goal for putting a man on the moon. From my understanding of 20th century history, people believed Kennedy was setting, pardon the expression, an astronomical goal. However, the aspect of Kennedy’s dream and its subsequent achievement that made it such a great moment in American history was its scale. Certainly, Bush administration officials would point to that fact. Another great goal-setter of comparison is Franklin Graham. In his January 2005 newsletter, Graham points out that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association set a “staggering” 2004 goal – to have 1 million people turn to Christ. In the end, 1.2 million souls made that leap of faith. While not the Earth-shattering goal and accomplishment of Kennedy’s era, some might say it is one of greater eternal importance. It is another example of the power of setting hard-to-reach goals.
Mr. President, dream. Dream big. Dream astronomical goals. And lead. Lead us towards those goals as protector of the American dream, leader of the free world, and commander of the war on terror. Yet, in doing so, please bear in mind the importance of leading us the way you have led us since September 11, 2001 – as yourself.
posted by Rhodenhiser at 10:37 PM
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