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J.F. Kelly, Jr. - Contributor
J.F.
Kelly, Jr. is a retired Navy Captain and bank executive who
writes on current events and military subjects. He is a resident
of Coronado, California. [go to Kelly index]
 Bush’s
Global Vision
Democracy and freedom…
[J. F. Kelly, Jr.] 1/26/05
Evoking,
at times, images of Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson, George
W. Bush
outlined his vision of America’s role in
the world in second term inauguration ceremonies marked by pomp
and ceremony and enthusiastic crowds that paid little heed to
a handful of noisy demonstrators. Criticized by some as an overly
lavish and costly extravaganza, out of place in the midst of
a war in Iraq, the ceremonies served an important purpose in
demonstrating to the world that although we are a relatively
young nation, we cherish our traditions.
But it was the speech itself, delivered by a president whose
speechmaking skills are not considered notable, that provided
the highlight of a day filled with pageantry and celebration.
Surprisingly, it dealt more with global issues than the expected
discussion of his domestic agenda. It offered no apologies for
pursuing a doctrine of preemption when deemed necessary to preclude
attacks on our citizens or vital interests. Instead it served
notice to the world that the United States will stand firm with
those who cherish liberty and democratic rule and who are willing
to take a stand against dictatorial rulers who abuse and enslave
them.
Bush recalled Lincoln’s
pronouncement that no man was fit to be master or deserved
to be a slave. And in a manner reminiscent
of Wilson, he envisioned a world where the seeds of democracy
would gradually take root in all corners of the world where people
are oppressed.
The speech was dismissed
by some, including conservative journalist Peggy Noonan, who
suggested that the president might be suffering
from “mission inebriation”, as unrealistic and over
the top. I believe, however, that it contained an important message
to the rest of the world, to wit: we believe that tyranny, persecution
and abuse of human beings in this global society are inimical
to the security of the United States in that they promote the
growth of religious and ethnic hatred which, in turn, breeds
terrorism. In short, it is in the interest of the United States
that people throughout the world live in freedom and dignity
under governments chosen freely by the governed.
Does this mean that
the United States will impose democracy on the rest of the
world by force? Hardly. Nevertheless, the
reaction from some of the socialist capitals of Europe bordered
on the hysterical. “Bush is urging people to revolt against
their governments” was one. Sniffed another European critic, “Bush
is saying that if you do not adopt American style democracy,
he will bomb you.”
He is, of course, saying no such thing. In fact, he took pains
to say that our emphasis will be on diplomacy and we will do
a better job of reaching out to our traditional allies. Far from
building up our military in anticipation of new preemptive wars,
our military establishment is now the smallest in over half a
century and further cuts are planned. We pose a threat to no
nation that does not threaten us but, like those airport security
personnel, we will take all threats seriously.
What Mr. Bush does mean, I sincerely hope, is that by declaring
that we will stand with those who yearn for freedom against those
who suppress such yearnings, we will no longer put political
expediency ahead of the principles that Americans value. If so,
that means serving notice to some of the oil monarchies and third
world despots that future U.S. friendship and support are contingent
upon human rights reforms and a permanent crackdown on religious-fueled
hate speech directed against Americans and Jews. No longer can
it be acceptable to us that they pay lip service to America on
the international stage while winking at the anti-Americanism
and hatred flourishing in their streets and schools. If this
is, in fact, his intention, it is long overdue. Sacrificing principle
has been too high a price to pay for oil, base rights or political
expediency.
Domestic reaction
seemed generally favorable though not without some skepticism.
Those were lofty words that the president uttered
but those who know him know that he speaks his mind plainly and
does not shirk from challenge. And he spoke with the confidence
of a determined leader who knows that it is right to be on the
side of freedom for all people and aligned against their oppressors.
Critics have declared Bush’s vision as arrogant and overreaching.
Supporters described it as inspired. In the final analysis, I
believe historians will concur with the latter. tOR
copyright
2005 J. F. Kelly, Jr.
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