August 19, 2003

Ex-pat Perhaps

Not that I haven’t done anything lately, it’s just that I haven’t wanted to.

Topics have been plentiful, true, but I just haven’t thought much about writing much for some reason or other. Sure, I’ve felt strongly about many things including, but not limited to, the drastic difference between the conflicts in Iraq and Liberia. On one hand there’s a country, which was “liberated” by the world’s evangelist of democracy but didn’t ask for it. On the other hand, Liberia is a country begging for stability that the Bush administration is reluctant to give.

Irony isn’t lost on the weary. Even some Republicans must tire of President Bush’s antics of selective policy. (No, I can’t name which Republicans. That’s the best part about opinion; no proof necessary.)

I still firmly believe President Bush started the Iraq War as a means to personal revenge on Saddam Hussein. Back in late September, a feud-hungry son unzipped his fly while talking at a political fundraiser in Houston toward the beginning of his war rhetoric. Our “esteemed” Commander in Chief had one war under his belt when he talked about the Iraqi assassination attempt in 1993 on former President Bush.

“Other countries of course, bear the same risk,” the AFP, among other news services, reported Bush saying about an unpredictable Iraqi regime. “But there’s no doubt his hatred is mainly directed at us.”

President Bush was just warming up. The torpedo that should have sunk the war steamship came next, but no one sunk his teeth into this juicy little nugget that came next.

“After all,” Bush went on, “this is the guy who tried to kill my dad.”

I have never questioned why he selected the words “my dad” in place of “a former President of the United States.” Even though what Americans pay at the pumps must have been part of the explanation why war against Iraq was necessary, it wasn’t its crux.

Alright, enough of me being nostalgic. I’m giving serious thought to ex-pat status for four years should he be re-elected.

- Rich