President Bush had nothing to say at the United Nations today. This was the clearest message of his 25-minute speech before the General Assembly—that he has no plans to change course, no desire to talk with his enemies, no proposals to put on the table, no initiatives of any sort, except to name an envoy to Sudan.His address was full of stirring words, signifying nothing. At one point, he spoke "directly to the people across the broader Middle East." To Iraqis, he said, "We will not abandon you"—which many Iraqis must have taken as a mixed blessing at best. To Afghans, he said, "We will stand with you," to which they could be forgiven for blinking a skeptical eye. To the Lebanese, he expressed admiration for their courage but said surprisingly little else.
His message to the people of Iran was puzzling. The United States, he said, respects their country. "We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture, and your many contributions to civilization." The problem is "your rulers," who "deny you liberty" and seek nuclear weapons. Then came the giveaway: "We're working toward a diplomatic solution to the crisis. And as we do, we look to the day when you can live in freedom."
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Blah Blah
Fred Barnes at Slate calls Bush on precisely what I was saying yesterday. Thanks, Fred.
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5 comments:
To keep up with an ability to form educated counter points, I insist on listening to people of whom I don't see eye to eye. In the Junior's case, however, I have reached my mental and physical limits, ergo, his oratory performance in the U.N. went without my observation. I give up! No more! Had enough! Tie me to a lamp post and beat me with a frying pan, but I want listen to his mindless blabbering any more!
I agree with that, Pekka. I teach, so I get a variety of views, and the students all have interesting ones. I can almost predict to the word, however, what Bush is going to say in a given situation.
Barnes has been one of the most consistent supporters of the president. It's telling when he becomes critical.
That said, I tend to agree with him that Bush didn't say much in the UN speech.
I didn't catch the UN speech, except for clips on the news. I try to watch most of Bush's speeches for his body language, which is much more eloquent than the spoken words. I'm also nervously waiting for the declaration of war against Iran.
CKR
I am so at the head of this learning curve of being unable to listen. If I want fiction I'll read a novel. Or porn would be the closer analogy, I suppose.
Yeah, well I'm at least supposed to pretend I listen. The reality is that I shut off the radio in the car when the bloviators from the administration come on.
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