Bush's Second Ironical Address

That was a fine speech. It said things that are great to hear, and which most Americans can agree with. A new high standard has been set for American policy, defending and supporting human freedom against tyranny and injustice throughout the world. Had Jimmy Carter been delivering this speech, I might have concluded that the world was on the verge of a new progressive era. However, since it was George W. Bush delivering it, I had to conclude that irony is well and truly dead. It would be so lovely to discover that I am wrong, and he has changed. Sadly, his record so far teaches us to disregard his words, and observe his actions.

For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny – prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder – violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat.

Ideologies, like, say, radical right-wing "Christianity?"

There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.

Which is why we've locked up people in cages with no charges or access to lawyers, and allowed our soldiers and agents to torture and abuse innocent Iraqis.

So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.

Outstanding! I'm all for that. When are we going after Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan?

We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.

We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.

Excellent. So again, Saudi Arabia? Uzbekistan?

All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.

The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."

The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.

And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat.

Damn, that sounds absolutely great! Thank goodness. It's about time. What have you been waiting for?

In America's ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence, instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act, the Social Security Act, and the G.I. Bill of Rights. And now we will extend this vision by reforming great institutions to serve the needs of our time.

Wait. You just mentioned three of the most dramatic examples of the use of government against societal stratification, redistributing wealth to the common man, which are usually derided by Republicans. Did you change parties when I wasn't looking?

By making every citizen an agent of his or her own destiny, we will give our fellow Americans greater freedom from want and fear, and make our society more prosperous and just and equal.

You mean we're not already agents of our own destiny? Huh. I didn't realize that. And I guess I missed just how those proposals of yours are going to give freedom from want and fear, or be just and equal? See, that whole ownership thing; if I own something, I have to be afraid of losing it. Over time, people have learned that, by cooperating in groups, they have greater protection, and have access to greater resources, which is why they create governments and tax themselves, and create programs like the Homestead Act, Social Security and the G.I. Bill.

In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.

You hear that, Ken Lay? Bernie Kerik? Tom DeLay? Former DeLay staffers Abramoff and Scanlon, and their colleague Ralph Reed? You guys at Halliburton that illegally got a multi-year no-bid contract for Iraq, and then overbilled the Army? And you, New England Bush-Cheny '04 chairman, who conspired to jam Democratic phone banks? And you, Armstrong Williams? And you, Reverend Dobson? And you, whoever leaked Valerie Plame's name? And you, anyone in the administration who lied and misled about the threat of Iraq? And ....oh never mind.

Americans, at our best, value the life we see in one another, and must always remember that even the unwanted have worth.

As long as they aren't born yet. Which is why we're telling all those people who could benefit from stem cell research to go suck eggs.

And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.

Pay no attention to the fact that the master of ceremonies today is Trent Lott.

We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes – and I will strive in good faith to heal them.

Just as you did during the campaign, and during the last two years?

When our Founders declared a new order of the ages; when soldiers died in wave upon wave for a union based on liberty; when citizens marched in peaceful outrage under the banner "Freedom Now" – they were acting on an ancient hope that is meant to be fulfilled.

Just like the protesters that were being wrestled to the ground as you said these very words, while the crowd around them cheered derisively and shouted "Four More Years!" I'm guessing when you said "eventual triumph of freedom" that "eventual" was the operative word?

Sigh. Well, at least now it's only three more years, 364 days and a few hours.