Bear with me for a minute. It's late... and I'm still trying to think.
For all my distaste for Bush and most of what he stands for, I won't deny that he has been successful by his own standards (and that of many conservatives). I have a feeling history books may be kinder to him than I have been, IF he only serves one term. Let me explain...
Much of my criticism of him is that hje lacks foresight and the ability to make long-term decisions... his successes are IMO short-term only, but successes nonetheless. Much of the long-term damage he has done (diplomatic, environmental, individual rights, edit: deficit, etc.), can be reversed with and by a change of admin. In the meantime, he has done a great "bad-cop" demonstration of power to the world, that could really aid a "good-cop" next president for diplomacy.
He has proven his point, and has actually left an interesting forein policy doctrine in place for someone else to pick up (and adapt to reality). I start the worry that the long-term damage will really start to outweight the benefits however, if he's allowed ANY more time in office. In addition, he has burned so many bridges at this point I think it may take a "good-cop" to carry the doctrine through... things such as UN reform come immediately to mind.
Anyway... ramblin. Discuss if you wish.
And N8, this is not an endorsement... more of a rare glimpse into my ever-hopeful and forgiving side.
For all my distaste for Bush and most of what he stands for, I won't deny that he has been successful by his own standards (and that of many conservatives). I have a feeling history books may be kinder to him than I have been, IF he only serves one term. Let me explain...
Much of my criticism of him is that hje lacks foresight and the ability to make long-term decisions... his successes are IMO short-term only, but successes nonetheless. Much of the long-term damage he has done (diplomatic, environmental, individual rights, edit: deficit, etc.), can be reversed with and by a change of admin. In the meantime, he has done a great "bad-cop" demonstration of power to the world, that could really aid a "good-cop" next president for diplomacy.
He has proven his point, and has actually left an interesting forein policy doctrine in place for someone else to pick up (and adapt to reality). I start the worry that the long-term damage will really start to outweight the benefits however, if he's allowed ANY more time in office. In addition, he has burned so many bridges at this point I think it may take a "good-cop" to carry the doctrine through... things such as UN reform come immediately to mind.
Anyway... ramblin. Discuss if you wish.
And N8, this is not an endorsement... more of a rare glimpse into my ever-hopeful and forgiving side.
