Balkinization: Bush's Second Inaugural Address

Comments:

Regarding stretching "our economic and military capacities" as a result of the Iraqi quagmire, we should consider Bush's National Security Strategy (2002) that takes the position that the U.S. is the #1 world power both militarily and economically and that the U.S. will do whatever it takes to maintain this position. Add to this quagmire the steps being taken for EU unification, China's expanding economy, nuclear proliferation, energy concerns, etc, and Bush's National Security Strategy seems to have some weak links. While there may be no current military challenge, economic challenges are on the horizon. (Can military alliances be far behind?) And the more the U.S. exerts its military position, its economic position lessens. Does this suggest that the #1 military position will be used to maintain the #1 economic position?

Next, let's suppose that every nation-state became democratic down the road. Would that result in a utopia? Or are there differences in democracies that would continue to present problems similar to those we have presently? Bush is not being Woodrow Wilsonian but more (with due apologies to a great comedian) Flip Wilsonian. Or is this a sequel to the Blues Brothers movie with Bush on a mission from God to democratize (and perhaps Christianize) the world?

Put me down as not liking both his first and last inaugural addresses.

# posted by

Shag from Brookline : 6:32 AM

The thrust of the criticism of Bush's speech is two-fold. First, his idealism is at odds with the political realities. Second, his token idealism is a mask for reactionary imperialism. In response I say this: Bush cannot be an actual idealist and a reactionary imperialist simultaneously. At least one of the views is wrong; possibly both. If one thinks Bush is an actual idealist, one should note that he has a State of the Union upcoming. This inaugural speech might be like a lofty preamble to a constitution. The Declaration of Independence is idealistic and ignorant of the political realities of slavery when it notes that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights. Then again, it's just a declaration. If one thinks Bush is a reactionary imperialist, one should note the number of elections he has recently urged for and lent American legitimacy to: Afghanistan, Palestine, Ukraine, and Iraq. I do not think a reactionary imperialist would have trumpeted that 40% of the over 9 million voters in Afghanistan were female. Merely mentioning the percentage gives credence to the notion that women's participation is necessary for legitimate democracy, which is neither a reactionary nor imperialist attitude.

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37383938393839383938383 : 9:05 PM

Nice piece. Did you see the recent op-ed in the New York Times, "The Speech Misheard Round the World"
(January 22, 2005) by Orlando Patterson? Among other things, it noted:

'In the 20th century two versions of freedom emerged in America. The modern liberal version emphasizes civil liberties, political participation and social justice. It is the version formally extolled by the federal government, debated by philosophers and taught in schools; it still informs the American judicial system. And it is the version most treasured by foreigners who struggle for freedom in their own countries.

'But most ordinary Americans view freedom in quite different terms. In their minds, freedom has been radically privatized. Its most striking feature is what is left out: politics, civic participation and the celebration of traditional rights, for instance. Freedom is largely a personal matter having to do with relations with others and success in the world.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/22/opinion/22patterson.1.html

# posted by

kant : 10:56 PM

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# posted by

alena : 4:43 PM

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# posted by

Connor Wilson : 11:12 AM

First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested in the State of Texas for drunk driving you will receive a fine up to $2,000. You will also be confined to jail for no less than 72 hours and no more than 180 days. Your drivers license will be suspended for no less than 90 days and no more than 1 year. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.

Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested and convicted of a
DWI in Texas you will be fined up to $4,000. You will also serve a minimum of 30 days in jail up to 1 year. Your drivers license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months or up to 2 years. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.

Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd conviction for a DWI in Texas is considered a 3rd degree felony. You will be fined up to $10,000 and serve no less than 2 years or up to 10 years in the penitentiary. Your drivers license will also be suspended up to 2 years. You may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle at your own expense.
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