Have you ever noticed how George W Bush is always speaking to the public like they're little children and he is the stern, learned and wise father - and his megalomanic use of the word "I" ?
Much to America's shame, Bush lacks an understanding of the role of the president and the executive branch of government in a democracy. Bush doesn't view himself as a representative of the people, someone appointed by the people to do their bidding. He arrogantly considers himself an absolute monarch, as if he ascended to a throne. He constantly uses the word "I".
For example in this statement made yesterday regarding the invasion of Iraq: "I'm going to say it again: if I didn't believe we could succeed, I wouldn't be there," he said at the press conference in the White House press briefing room. "I wouldn't put those kids there."
Let's parse that statement.
He first says, "I'm" going to say it again" as if he is someone who has complete authority and dominion over other's behavior. This is disrespectful of the media and the American public he is speaking to, the people he reports to. Underneath he is saying, look, you're not paying attention and it's making me angry. Either you get this right or I'm going to come down on you. When growing up, have you ever had your mother or father say in a stern voice to you, "I'm going to say it again"?
Secondly, he makes the statement, " . . if "I" didn't believe we could succeed,".
This is really arrogant. By saying this he has taken full authority away from congress and the American people. He's saying he and he alone will decide whether or not this nation will embark down a path and he alone has the authority to decide to stay on that path. The polls show that a clear majority American people think we should leave Iraq, that it was wrong to invade and it's a failure, but Bush is telling us that he will decide, not us.
Thirdly and startlingly he states, "I" wouldn't be there", talking about being in Iraq. He doesn't say "we wouldn't be there".
Bush isn't there! He is not on the ground in Iraq - but our troops are. He is not facing death or being maimed and crippled for life, but our young men and women are. None of his family or family members of his warhawk administration are exposed to the horrors of war but the children, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers of the average Americans are. Yet Bush says, "I" wouldn't be there" not "our troops wouldn't be there".
This is total disrespect for our military leaders and our troops. It is clear by this statement he identifies with complete and total dictatorial power over this nation. He says "I" wouldn't be there". By saying this it clearly means that he believes he is in a league with the great emperors, kings, and commanders of history, those that made decisions to invade other countries to extend their empires and had total dominion over their subjects and their vast armies. But those were not democracies. In a democracy, presidents, even as commander-in-chiefs, do not have that unbridled power.
Then lastly he says, "I" wouldn't put those kids there."
Here again he takes on the role of a ruler - not a president. Again he could have said "we", referring to the executive branch and congress, but he chooses to use the word "I". Subliminally he's saying your kids and their lives belong to me. "I" make the decision which of you sacrifices and which of you doesn't. And he says "those kids", because he doesn't identify with them as "our kids". "Those kids" are just expendable kids to be used to further designs of corporate empire just like employees are "employed" to make corporate leaders wealthy, not to provide for their families and to share in the wealth of the company. He said "those kids" because these are not "his kids" or those of his administration or those of congress. One thing is clear, Bush wouldn't put "his kids" there.
This my friends is power gone mad. This is a delusional megalomaniac who thinks he has the powers of a king.
Bush, who was raised as a privileged son of wealthy and powerful parents, is accustomed to using the word "I" since he was a small child, as in "I" deserve, and "I" want, and "I" should have and "I" am due. Also, "I" am not responsible and "don't you know who "I" am"?
Significantly, when it's appropriate to use the word "I" he fails to do it.
He hasn't said "I" knowingly lied to you about the reasons we invaded Iraq. He hasn't said "I" didn't plan carefully enough before putting "those kids" in harms way and he hasn't said "I" apologize for taking this nation into an ill-advised war.
He hasn't said "I" have made mistakes and "I" apologize to the American people for the death and maiming of those brave men and women who are not fighting in defense of our nation but instead "I" used them to invade a sovereign nation to secure a strategic foothold on the middle east's oil reserves.
He has not said "I" apologize for destroying America's goodwill with other nations and driving this country into deep debt that will require your sacrifice and that of your children for year's to come.
He has not said "I" apologize for detaining and imprisoning American citizens, ignoring their constitutional rights, and for the damage to America's image from torturing prisoners held in Iraq and in off-shore prisons.
He has not said "I" apologize for breaking the law and eaves dropping on private citizens without going though the legal procedure.
He has not said "I" apologize for my administration's poor response to Hurricane Katrina and the people of the gulf coast who lost family and their homes.
He has not said "I" apologize that when it came time to serve my country in the military "I" used the power and privilege of my father to avoid serving in harm's way and then did not fully complete my military obligation.
Bush says he is a devout Christian. It makes one wonder if he has ever prayed, "I" ask for your forgiveness", or has he prayed sincerely "I" am a poor miserable sinner and not worthy of your blessings".
Gary
