The case against George W. Bush - Jerusalem Post article

[donsu]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1092280011185&p=1006953079865

Among a minority of lifelong Jewish Democrats, it comes out like a shameful confession: "I disagree with practically all of George W. Bush's policies, but because he's good for Israel and strong in the war on terror, I might actually vote for him."

Never mind that Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry has a perfect 20-year voting record on Israel. The "Bush impulse" is at its core an emotional urge. In the aftermath of 9/11, the ongoing Palestinian violence, and the War in Iraq, a minority of Jewish Democrats are convinced that President Bush has kept us, and has helped to keep Israel, out of harm's way.

-snip-

OVER THE long term, America cannot win the war against Islamic fascism until we wean our dependence on autocratic Middle Eastern oil regimes.

Those who argued that the occupation of Iraq would give us a new oil source have been chastened by the calamitous turn of events in that war.

-snip-

Some in the Jewish community, grateful that a threat to Israel has been vanquished, have given wholehearted support to the Bush administration's invasion and occupation of Iraq even after each of the administration's rationales for war has been debunked. But by focusing exclusively on the removal of Saddam Hussein, supporters of the war have ignored the Pandora's box the Iraqi conquest has opened.

-snip-

It is one of the enduring paradoxes of the post-9/11 era that in our battle against religious fundamentalism, we are being led by a religious fundamentalist.

President Bush has made no secret of his spiritual devotion, a belief so intense that he once claimed that Heaven was open only to those who accepted Jesus as their Savior. He later distanced himself from such views, but religious extremism has been a hallmark of the Bush administration's policies.

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In the case of Israel, Jews should not be comforted by the zealotry of Bush's Christian fundamentalist base. Their ultimate goal - converting the Jews and ending the Jewish religion - should give us all pause to shudder.

-snip-

Despite his frequent talk of eradicating "Evil," Bush's religious fundamentalism has helped trigger an explosion of "Evil" the likes of which the world has never known. In stark contrast to Bush, John Kerry has indicated that he will follow the advice of experts in outlining security objectives. Already he has distinguished himself from Bush by vowing to implement all of the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission Report. Kerry might not trade in jingoistic banter of Good versus Evil, but one thing is clear: He is more likely to be guided by factual intelligence, not faith-based intelligence, in shielding the nation from harm. Kerry will restore security to America and sanity to the world.
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[olddem43]

1. Truman, a liberal Democrat, officially recognized the state of

Israel only a few minutes after it was created. Democratic presidents have always supported Israel since then.

[JohnLocke]

2. Excellent editorial!

[Zhade]

3. Man, that's crazy, considering Perle's a Director at the JP.

NT!