The Bush Doctrine
George W. Bush took the oath of office today, amid the splendor of military might and American Republicanism, and the stifling threat of terrorist attack. His words, eloquent and sincere, appeared to mark a new beginning for American foreign policy. America will no longer simply be content to protect her own freedom, but will vigorously pursue the freedom of others. President Bush does not come to this point without historical background.
Once upon a time, Ronald Reagan called into clear focus a great "City On the Hill", an allegorical reference from Biblical text that was well suited for America, proclaiming God's blessings and protection on a righteous nation. That day seems like a lifetime ago, and our country has been tested since then with events that Reagan could not have predicted. Certainly, Reagan sensed the growing terrorist threat when he declared on July 8, 1985 that Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Libya were "members of a confederation of terrorist states". The murder of over 200 Marines in Lebanon by an Islamic fundamentalist car bomb was an eerie prelude to what America would face in less than 20 years. But little changed, other than a single bombing attack on the military headquarters and barracks of Mohammar Gadafy in Tripoli. Gadafy's child was killed in that raid, and the formerly bellicose Islamic strongman faded into the background, a missed lesson on how to deal with terrorists. There were no responses to the Marine barracks bombing, another missed lesson.
Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton allowed many attacks on our nation to go unanswered. Even the homicide bombing of an America naval vessel was not enough to pull Clinton into the fray.
Reagan's "City on the Hill" allegory was fitting, and accurate and comfortable. But it was also hollow without the will to pursue all threats to that state.
Enter George W. Bush.
President Bush has made it clear today that Islamic and Communistic dictatorships, which may subjugate women, deny religious expression and creative freedom, stifle regional democratic reform, murder out-of-the-box thinkers, and threaten the security of America, will not be tolerated. He has sent the clear message to dissidents within those countries that America will stand behind you should you muster the courage to free yourself. Let us hope that the men of Iraq posses that strength. . and those in Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and yes, Saudi Arabia.
America cannot exist as a single island of freedom, surrounded by a world of threats and attacks. Our freedom is strong, but not that strong. Every armed man could not repel the world. So the world must be transformed. And not just economically, but politically. President Bush sees a world like us: Free to protest during an inauguration, free to post our thoughts on uncontrolled opinion sites, free to shout our beliefs in the public forum without fear. Is that so much to ask?
How else can we, as a nation, an ideal, survive?
Thank God John Kerry is not facing this challenge. I'm afraid the old boy just wouldn't be up to it.
Once upon a time, Ronald Reagan called into clear focus a great "City On the Hill", an allegorical reference from Biblical text that was well suited for America, proclaiming God's blessings and protection on a righteous nation. That day seems like a lifetime ago, and our country has been tested since then with events that Reagan could not have predicted. Certainly, Reagan sensed the growing terrorist threat when he declared on July 8, 1985 that Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Libya were "members of a confederation of terrorist states". The murder of over 200 Marines in Lebanon by an Islamic fundamentalist car bomb was an eerie prelude to what America would face in less than 20 years. But little changed, other than a single bombing attack on the military headquarters and barracks of Mohammar Gadafy in Tripoli. Gadafy's child was killed in that raid, and the formerly bellicose Islamic strongman faded into the background, a missed lesson on how to deal with terrorists. There were no responses to the Marine barracks bombing, another missed lesson.
Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton allowed many attacks on our nation to go unanswered. Even the homicide bombing of an America naval vessel was not enough to pull Clinton into the fray.
Reagan's "City on the Hill" allegory was fitting, and accurate and comfortable. But it was also hollow without the will to pursue all threats to that state.
Enter George W. Bush.
President Bush has made it clear today that Islamic and Communistic dictatorships, which may subjugate women, deny religious expression and creative freedom, stifle regional democratic reform, murder out-of-the-box thinkers, and threaten the security of America, will not be tolerated. He has sent the clear message to dissidents within those countries that America will stand behind you should you muster the courage to free yourself. Let us hope that the men of Iraq posses that strength. . and those in Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and yes, Saudi Arabia.
America cannot exist as a single island of freedom, surrounded by a world of threats and attacks. Our freedom is strong, but not that strong. Every armed man could not repel the world. So the world must be transformed. And not just economically, but politically. President Bush sees a world like us: Free to protest during an inauguration, free to post our thoughts on uncontrolled opinion sites, free to shout our beliefs in the public forum without fear. Is that so much to ask?
How else can we, as a nation, an ideal, survive?
Thank God John Kerry is not facing this challenge. I'm afraid the old boy just wouldn't be up to it.
posted by Mark Outland at 8:14 PM
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