There were a few points in George W. Bush's fifth state of the union address last week that I would like to highlight:
1) The US must continue in Iraq until the Iraqis can take care of themselves:
Did not present a strong agrument and strategy for the most sensitive issue on the table in America today. I was quite disappointed. Until recently, the anti-war movement was smaller and had no better idea of how to run things over there. I think that all that changed when John Murtha (Democrat from PA) not only strongly criticised Bush, but offered alternative strategy. Since then, the political spectrum in the US has bee Murtha on the Left and Bush on the right (I am only including politicians, not opinions) - and a lot in between. The American people need a micro-strategy in Iraq, not a Macro-strategy about policing the world from Tyranny. I will post another article on the Murtha - Bush spectrum.
2) The US government must maintain professionalism and only disagree with other members of the government with respect and constructive dissent:
This, I believe is important and am glad that it was mentioned by Bush. I believe that this is an important differentiating factor of American politics. And the US should cherish it. The disagreements between parties is generally done with respect and with a constructive approach. Lately this has not been the case. Primarily because few politicians really know what a good alternative is in Iraq. Regardless, politics in the US should remain constructive a less mud slinging.
3) The NSA controversial surveillance program is legal and necessary.
This was my favorite part of the speech. It showed the president's integrity and resolve. He showed us his confidence in his policy and I believe he is right. I hope to have a separate post regarding the republican vs. democrat approach to this program.
4) The US must invest in alternative energies and lower oil consumption.
This is pure lip service. Especially coming from a texas republican. It is a good thing that he has placed such long time tables, because it nothing will get done during his administration.
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3. permitted under the patriot act, which is constitutional(supreme found most of the act to be constitutional, inclduding this part). the patriot act merely extended law enforcement rights that have been permitted for years in investigatios of drug dealers and the mafia to investigations of terrorists.
4. i believei t was reduce the dependence on middle east, which presently accounts for less than 25% of american oil- for america to be succesful, it needs to galvanize the internatinoal community. recent issue of fortune magazine has an interesting article on alternative energy source.
P.S. I'm a huge fan of C.S. Lewis, especially of the screwtape letters.(great mussar.)
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