FDR without a doubt pushed the envelope far more than any President and he was a good man who declined power that he could have had. History judges him accordingly. An extraordinary leader in extraordinary times.

FDR also had the advantage of a censored press and a nation united to defeat our foe. He made routine strategic decisions that affected the lives of thousands of our troops and the everyday lives of citizens. Some of those decision were cold, calculating and occasionally questionable. It would be interesting to see how such a man would fare today.

Don't get the idea that I am comparing Nixon or Bush to FDR. They are absolutely lesser men. It does not follow that we should attribute sinister motives like a desire to be King to those lesser men. If Bush were smart and successful enough to earn positive public opinion, he might have the same opportunity to seize more power and he might decline as did FDR

I doubt that there is one among us that doesn't cringe when we read or hear of situations where the constraints of law and/or bureaucracy cost the lives of citizens or the opportunity to strike our enemies. It is natural to seek more efficient ways from point a to b and it is not natural to assume that the ultimate motive is dictatorship. Not that it couldn't be true, just less likely. Does anyone in their heart of hearts believe that Bush dreams of being Generalisimo Bush President For Life. (Lord help me for asking that one.)

He is a mediocre leader, when we need extraordinary, on a political landscape devoid of extraordinary individuals.

Nothing is going on now that hasn't always gone on but the cast of characters is different. If this is Tech's message, I agree with him. If there is a subtle message supporting a neo-con police state, it went over my head. If he is trying to cast Bush in a favorable light with FDR, I disagree.

If the dems succeed in getting control of Congress they would be wise to spend two years proving that they have workable solutions and can govern instead of squandering their political capital sniping at lame ducks.