Alex,

If Bush oversimplified the struggle between Chechnya and Russia, then perhaps he did it because the purpose of his speech did not require an elaborate history lesson.

Moreover, successful leadership in a democratic republic is not about intellect; look at our most successful presidents, and look at our failures. Overthinking while in a precarious position can be hazardous (consider "...it all depends on what your definition of 'is' is...").

The presidency is not a monarchy, nor does it represent the peak of a strict and militaristic chain of command (i.e., "Commander in Chief" is more figurehead than strategist).

But this doesn't mean we haven't 'been there.' The US Civil War saw situations analogous to your examples, and it's a lot trickier -- even 140 years later -- to characterize the Confederate States as 'evil,' or just about anything unequivocally derogatory.

Still, we are stuck with George Bush's oversimplified statement.

I too sometimes wish he'd think before speaking, but I am fully supportive of him, as he has done nothing more unfavorable than an occasional linguistic gaffe.

Incidentally, he's getting better about these, too -- his biggest goof was referring to the military campaign in Afghanistan as a 'crusade.'

D'oh!

-LH

• Well, it is not as much about words but about common sense. - alexander - November 17, 2001 - 17:42 UTC
  • I see and respect your view on this - luis_hamburgh - November 17, 2001 - 18:31 UTC
  • Migration to the moon - jisbond - November 17, 2001 - 20:12 UTC
    • So,JmsBond, what would US do with Californian "freedom fighters" - alexander - November 17, 2001 - 20:40 UTC
      • Elementary My Dear Alexander - jisbond - November 18, 2001 - 03:35 UTC
        • You see - when it comes TO YOU it is DIFFERENT. - alexander - November 18, 2001 - 16:12 UTC
    • Jsbond, did you study geography? - alexander - November 17, 2001 - 21:22 UTC