The State of the Union

It was a good speech, an excellent one in some ways, so we hate to nitpick. Take that back – these are not nitpicks, there was a glitch in the worldview.

Point 1.

It was a good speech, an excellent one in some ways, so we hate to nitpick. Take that back – these are not nitpicks, there was a glitch in the worldview.

Point 1.

President Bush said, “Elections are vital – but they are only the beginning.” No. Elections are not the beginning of the democratic process; they are the crowning glory of the process. Only after you have, as Mr. Bush said, “rule of law, protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote,” are the conditions ripe for an election that produces liberal government. Iranians, Syrians, pre-liberation Iraqis, Egyptians, and even Palestinians have marched to the voting booth at various intervals, but the outcomes prove that elections do not produce democracy (although they can ratify it), but rather tolerance and liberty produce free and fair elections. The order is essential.

Leading to Point 1a.

President Bush continued, “The Palestinian people have voted in elections – now the leaders of Hamas must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism and work for a lasting peace.” It is highly unlikely that Hamas will take the President seriously. After all, the voters just ratified its platform, not his. Had Mr. Bush adopted the main points of Sen. Kerry’s campaign after the election, we would have thought it odd indeed.

Which is Point 2.

President Bush wisely reminded us of the strategic rationale for our war against terrorists and the states that harbor and support them. “On September 11th, 2001, America found that problems originating in a failed and oppressive state seven thousand miles away could bring murder and destruction to our country. Dictatorships shelter terrorists, feed resentment and radicalism, and seek weapons of mass destruction.”

• His bottom line could be the bottom line for Israel. “If we were to leave the terrorists alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores.”
• The tactics America brings to bear against al Qaeda could be brought to bear by Israel against its existential enemies. “America and its allies have killed or captured many of the leaders of the terror networks. For the others, their day will come.”
• The “relentlessness” our troops and their leaders have shown in “shutting off terrorist infiltration” and “clearing out insurgent strongholds” would be appropriate for Israel – if that is the path the Government of Israel chooses.

President Bush is very, very sure that our enemies hold to their political/terrorist views with such fervor that he does not ask Bin Laden to change his platform. We agree. Could he think Hamas believes any less fervently in its cause and its program than does Al Qaeda? If so, he would be wrong.