Hi, Raoul--
I believe that President Bush either doesn't realize the rest of the world has televisions (unlikely), or doesn't care what the effects his words have on diplomatic initiatives. His objective in the State of the Union was to speak to the American people as a political leader, not to speak to the world as a head of state. In this objective, he has succeeded.
When an outsider attacks the family, the instinct is to close ranks; even the fractious members will find this instinct powerful. This is the effect in national politics, too. I'm surprised that Mr. Bush, having benefitted from this effect at home, finds it difficult to imagine that his words would have a similar unifying effect on dissent and power struggles in other nations.
Belgium, in both World Wars, sacrificed itself on the altar of principle. I see you supporting that heroic tradition. :)
Regards--
Mary Anne
Current Events » in reply to Re: words
Re: Sticks and stones
The whole thread (21 posts)
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