New Views in Old Europe
By Richard Wolffe & Holly Bailey, Newsweek
McCain may lay claim to the "straight talking express" tag line, but Bush's Euro trip - labeled the "charm offensive" - goes McCain's famous handle one further. He mends fences not necessarily with charm, but with straight, simple Texas talk. Perhaps a better description would be his "disarming charm offensive".
Just as Bush jokingly responded to what the MSM likes to call his "swagger" as... "in Texas, we call that (pause) walking", I'm duly impressed by the Cowboy President's ability to lay it all on the line in simple, disarming language that distances itself from the usual politico mumbo jumbo.
Particular favorite?
Bush said it was “ridiculous” to think that the United States was ready to attack Iran. [Mata note: See Leftist rumour mill post below] “Having said that, all options are on the table,” he added, prompting chuckles among Europe’s reporters.
I happened to catch the presentation of that statement on the telly. And I have to say, it not only brought a smile to my face, but my heart swelled with pride. This is not a President attempting to use language as a measure of intelligence, indulging in veiled legalese for which his Dem opponent is famous. Instead, this is an educated man with a good heart who prefers to lay the cards on the table - sans fanfare. And he does so in a manner that leaves little question as to his intents.
What's readily apparent is that Bush has been unwavering in his commitments and positions over both terms. He remains exactly as he has since assuming the global leadership chair against terrorism after 9:11. He is unapologetically dedicated, and continues to demonstrate a staunch refusal to back down to thug mentality, despite world criticism. Instead, it's Europe who shows indications of softening - at least on the surface.
Since the Iraqi election, Euro's have been tempering their harsh criticism of the "illegal" war. Some even admitting the possibility that Bush may have been right about deposing Saddam afterall.
But acquiescence is not easy for the proud Euro's - unless, of course, they are dealing with terrorists. So while we may temporarily celebrate as all the heads of foreign states make nice with Bush, perpetuating "common values" as their thrust for the snuggle-fest, I have no doubts that if the next Commander in Chief refuses to challenge the UN and EU as Bush has done, Old Europe will again revert to their condescending and superior attitudes.
Once more they will be quick with criticism, and exert all efforts to rein in the "evil", rich, US while promoting a false sense of tolerance. The very the same tolerance and policies that enabled the terrorists to flourish in their back yards to begin with.
1 comment:
EUrope is irrelevant. EUrope has been irrelevant ever since they (via NATO) backed down from their post-9/11 statement of "an attack on one of us is an attack on ALL of us."
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