FDR vs GWB ; Fear and the American Presidency.

[Tom Rinaldo]

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said; "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." George W. Bush frequently says; "Be afraid, and vote for me." Grave threats faced our nation under both Presidents, but no one would argue the threats facing America under George W. Bush are greater than those confronted under FDR. Issues of War and Peace were never more dire than during Roosevelt's Presidency. FDR faced major partisan divides, on War and the Economy. He still pulled our nation together, while partisanship under George Bush is more bitter than it has been in generations. The difference, in large measure, can be traced to their views on fear. Franklin Roosevelt saw Fear as an enemy to be vanquished so Americans could prevail in common struggles. George Bush sees fear as a club to be wielded so he can prevail over political opponents.

Where Franklin Roosevelt chose to empower America against common foes, George Bush seeks to frighten America about his foes. One of the oldest maxims of American political philosophy; United We Stand, Divided We Fall, has itself fallen forgotten by the wayside. George Bush's Administration is more focused on defeating "Liberals" who allegedly weaken America from within, than terrorists who actually attacked within America, and it shows. Homeland security is an ongoing afterthought to this Administration. Our National Guard, disproportionately made up of domestic "first responders", is increasingly pinned down in Iraq. The extra 30 Billion needed to significantly increase inspection of cargo entering our ports, to screen against explosives on airplanes, to upgrade defenses at chemical and nuclear plants, and to secure our vital infrastructure of bridges, tunnels, rails and subways unfortunately is previously committed. Where? Either to the 100 Billion dollar and rising Iraq occupation tab, or to tax rebates for the rich, take your pick.

George Bush is quick to point out that spending on Homeland security tripled on his watch as compared to Clinton's. Would anyone think to compare FDR's spending on National security with Hoover's? Events like the attack on Pearl Harbor, or the destruction of the World Trade Center, make previous standards irrelevant. What is needed are the resources to get the job done. Had FDR merely tripled spending on National Security, there might well be goose stepping at Buckingham Palace today. When it came to invading Iraq, the quiescent expression of a pre 9/11 mindset, George Bush held nothing back in fulfilling his obsession with destroying Saddam Hussein, except maybe the 200,000 troops necessary for securing Iraq against a destabilizing insurgency. Our treasury now dangerously depleted, what is left for Bush to give America are his fighting words, words aimed primarily at fellow Americans who question his judgment and priorities.

George Bush mistakes the questioning of his judgment with an attack on America's resolve, as if his personal conviction, and America's ultimate protection, were one and the same. But the essential strength of America lies in its people, not in a passing occupant of the White House. When dangers loomed FDR called on our strength, he mobilized our people. While Americans once scrimped to buy Liberty Bonds, now the wealthy pocket windfall tax relief. Then America's poor tended victory gardens for our troops. Now America's rich buy vacation homes for their weekends. In George Bush's America no sacrifice is too small to go unasked for. Unless of course you are in the Middle Class, whose income is slipping, and whose share of the burden of government is rising. They are asked to keep quiet about it.

In fact there are exactly four responses that George Bush calls on from the American people in the fight against Global Terrorism. Number One; (and dwarfing all the rest) Re-Elect Bush/Cheney. Number Two; Stay Alert (a sleepy nation is a vulnerable nation). Number Three; keep duct tape and plastic wrap handy (and presumably know how to use it). Number four; keep your eyes on the bouncing terror color code (but don't alter any behavior accordingly). Those four things plus the special whispered edict, prepared just in time for this year's Presidential Elections: Be afraid, be very very afraid, for terrorists can kill you without any warning. There's absolutely nothing you can personally do about it. You are completely powerless, but George Bush is very powerful. How much do you love your children? Vote Republican.

Bush is playing the fear card, and certainly there is much to be feared. But Franklin Delano Roosevelt always knew what George Walker Bush chooses not to; while Fear can be used to cower America, it can never be used to rally America. We are strongest as a nation when our people unite, step forward, and act together to overcome adversity. George Bush's polarizing influence, both at home and abroad, has made America weaker. In the annals of American history FDR is recorded among the greatest of American war time Presidents. George Walker Bush may go down as one of our worst.

[indigobusiness]

1. Fear of the American Presidency

is Bush's legacy.

[secular_warrior]

2. Excellent

There is a thin line which separates a great war time president from a dangerous one.

FDR was a traditional American president: he sought to unite people, he asked everyone to share the burden, he cared about all Americans.

Bush is dangerously untraditional: he throws salt on America's wounds, is bitterly partisan, acts more like a fascist than a democratic leader, only the poor and middle class bear the burden, he cares only about his base - not all Americans.

I agree, Bush is probably our worst ever president - he's certainly the most dangerous.

[Tom Rinaldo]

3. Interesting thought about traditional leaders...

Bush is the supposed Conservative in the race. It's hard to believe Americans have forgotten what traditional leadership is about in this country.

[Tom Rinaldo]

4. Sunday morning reading kick n/t