James Stabile Informational Newsletter

 January 2005

Politics...

January 20, 2005, the inauguration of the president of the United States, George W. Bush. Congratulations President Bush and God's speed! 

As the president starts his second term let us take a moment and reflect on the historic significance of this event. The inauguration of an American president is truly significant. The election cycle, including the primaries, campaign and voting process and ending with the swearing in ceremony, is a distinctive and defining American moment. No other democracy on the face of the globe enjoys the kind of dignified, peaceful and respected election process that the United States of America enjoys. We are truly a revered model of a successful democracy. In spite of our many differences as a people, we honor, respect and support the office of president and the man or woman who might hold that office. 

Let us support President George W. Bush. There will be times when we may not agree with the president. There will be times when the president may seem totally unconnected with many of our fellow Americans. At those times, stop, take a breath and  regroup. The president has the right to govern, let us give him that right and support him. 

George W, Bush is basically a good man. He truly loves America. He treasures and respects his office. He is committed to trying to improve the lives of all Americans. He deserves our support.

The most partisan American must respect and admire what George W. Bush has done with his live. Former President George H. W. Bush, number 41, and first lady Barbara did an outstanding job in raising their family. Yes, the were wealthy, but they were good parents and provided a nurturing and loving family life. Their children were expected to make a life on their own. They were expected to choose a career and be successful. Even though the Bush family was well to do, the children were taught the value of earning their own money. Being successful in a business or a career was paramount in the expectation of their parents. 

Yes, George W. Bush was a rambunctious child. He was on the cutting edge side, so to speak, but the moral foundation from his parents was incorporated in his being. As a young man growing up he did make some unwise choices, but he learned from his mistakes. Yes, he probably got some "breaks" due to his father's position, but he followed through on those "break" and proved to be a successful young man.

In the mid-eighties George W. Bush made significant life choices. Choices that would affect his life forever. Due to the demands of his wife, he gave up alcohol. Alcohol can have a damming effect on a person's live. At the time, many of his problems stemmed from the abuse of alcohol. With Laura Bushes' support, he choose to end his affair with the bottle. I think he will be the first to tell you, a person who was dependant on a chemical substance is never really fully recovered from it. Recovering is the key word, it's in present tense. In any case, for nearly twenty years George W. Bush has chosen to be straight, not under the influence of any controlled substance. That is admirable.

Also, in the 1980's the president devoted himself to Jesus Christ. He chose to become a real Christian. From the moment he made that decision, his life was changed. Everything he does in his life reflects that decision he made. Some of us may feel that he does not separate religion from his job as president. That may be a problem. A religious zealot may tend to be perceived as self-righteous, inappropriately proud and as placing himself above the rest of us. It's hard to get the right mix such events. At the end of the day each of us must face our God and answer His questions with humility. So does George W. Bush. In any case, his dedication to his God is admirable and he should be applauded.

There is much about the politics of President Bush that could be said at this time. I think such statements would be inappropriate. We must respect the office of president. We must give the occupier of the highest office of the land time to govern this great nation. 

One thing I must say in defense of President Bush, why are these political pundits criticizing the president's response to the Southeast Asia, etc. Tsunami disaster? Secretary of State Colin Powell had it right when he was interviewed by George Stephanopoulos of ABC News. Secretary Powell said that it was too early to settle on any amount of money for the Tsunami victims. We need to do a needs analysis to determine who, how and where the money should go. The United States' pledge of $35 million was a pledge, a down payment. At this point we do not know how much money is needed. Also, Powell said that this is not the time to be trying to out bid other nations. At this time, the amount of money is not the important thing, the pledge of support is the important point in this discussion.

Personally, I believe that money is not the entire answer to any problem. First, the facts must be gathered and a course of action must be determined. In this case, I think that the United Nations should be the institution to carry out the needs assessment, develop the plan of attack and implement that plan. The efficient, honest and lawful deployment of money or any American support must be carefully determined and implemented. 

I don't know the real reason for the hesitancy on the part of the American government in the response to this disaster, but at this point the president and the government should not be admonished. Let's give them the time to govern and set policy in this terrible event. 

January 2005 Newsletter 
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