WASHINGTON – In his first prime-time press conference, President Bush did a good job … of confusing people at a time when they desperately need clarity.
He sent Americans five contradictory messages:
- When you think of Osama bin Laden, America’s most-wanted terrorist, think of the “evil one.” But quit focusing on bin Laden – he’s not our main target. We’re going after other terrorists.
- Don’t pity al-Qaida and the Taliban or anyone who supports them or is tied to them. Their days are numbered. But get your kids to drop a buck in the mail for their kids.
- Don’t worry, we will hammer any state that sponsors or harbors terrorists – right after we create a new state for the PLO.
- Be on the lookout for suspicious “people” at oil refineries and around crop dusters. But don’t profile Middle Easterners. Respect their faith.
- Be on alert, beware of danger, because we’ve received warnings of more terrorist attacks over the next several days. But stop worrying so much! Go about your business, quit being afraid.
Go left. Wait. Go right. No, go left again.
Sheesh. Bush is trying to please so many people and countries at once that he’s in danger of becoming ineffectual as a leader in this, the most critical of wars. Politics – or more precisely, political adviser Karl Rove – is mixing his messages and clouding his reasoning.
- He can’t say he’s targeting bin Laden, because if he misses him, then he’ll look like a failure and his poll numbers will sink.
- He can’t smash Afghanistan for fear of killing women and children and being called a ruthless bully by the U.N.
- He can’t stick up for Israel against Arafat’s thugs because that will destabilize Colin Powell’s precious Arab coalition.
- He can’t say the truth about the divided loyalties of some Middle Eastern immigrants and the anti-American
militancy of radical Islam, because he can’t risk a Krystalnacht against Muslims. - And he can’t afford to be blamed for more surprise attacks, so he has to issue blanket warnings to cover his rear.
Politics is always a consideration for politicians. But in an unprecedented crisis like this, when civilian lives are in the cross-hairs of an enemy who may be lurking just around the corner, it would be nice if politicians just did what’s right for the country for a change.
