Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Welcome to Bush world....
Welcome to Bush world, and thank you for riding the World's Worst Nightmare. This ride is not for children, senior citizens, pregnant women, homosexuals, the faint of heart, the chronically or terminally ill, the uninsured, the reasonable or rational, the hopeful, the lower or middle class, nonbelievers, non-Americans and those who are not "with us." Please fasten your seat belt, secure all belongings and be sure to keep your head and arms inside the coaster at all times. Enjoy the ride, Republicans. Everyone else, hold on tight—you're on your own. (Disclaimer: Bush World accepts no responsibility for its actions or their consequences.)Letters from this week's Newsweek.
Chip Balzer
Nassau, N.Y.
As a bishop and leader of a denomination, I generally shy away from blaming the church for various problems. But the presidential election showed that the Christian church is failing as a teacher of the Gospel. Until Election Day we could blame George W. Bush for the atrocities in Iraq. But now we, the people of the world's supposed leader in democracy and freedom, have guilt on our hands for ratifying the least moral president we have had in years. The church's failure is shown by the fact that so many supporters of Bush cite moral values as their reason for electing him. What God do these people worship? Do they really think a country stained with the blood of 100,000 dead is a moral improvement over one stained blue dress? That sort of thinking must break God's heart. But yes, ultimately it is the church that is to blame. Rome obsesses ad nauseam about abortion. The mainline Protestants let Third World conservatives hold them back from real progress in equality out of fear of breaking up their communions. The evangelicals are more concerned about Old Testament rules than Jesus' message of love. Meanwhile, a president who attacks a country based on false assumptions, loses the respect of most of the world and strives to write discrimination into our Constitution is touted for his moral values. If Bush wants to be our moral leader, he should truly point us toward God's love and away from the culture of fear and hate that until now he has promoted.
The Most Rev. Mark S. Shirilau
Archbishop and Primate, Communion of Ecumenical Churches
Irvine, Calif.
So wait - threat of sanctions and a mutilateral, diplomatic approach to curtailing suspected WMD activity works? Hey George, are you taking notes here? (Washington Post)
And thanks conservative pols for blocking the 9/11 commission recommended intelligence agency reform. (New York Times)
Teacher suspended for showing "Fahrenheit 9/11"
Can Brand Democrat help create a coherent and compelling enough brand statement to go up against the GOP's "smaller government, lower taxes, family values" credo (their words, not mine)?
If they can't, I'm gonna need the Bush Survival Guide more than ever.
Or alternatively: "I would like to fight a Bush supporter to vent my anger. If you are one, have a fiery streek, please contact me so we can meet and physically fight. I would like to beat the shit out of you."
The images of Falluja the media (or the government, probably) doesn't want you to see. Or the story....
No wonder they have to force soldiers to go over there. (New York Times)
Finally - the definition of tasteless.
