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Editorial
Editorial Archives
Friday, October 1, 2004; Page 18
Don’t Expect Much or You’ll Be Disappointed
In 2000, then Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush appeared on television screens nationwide during three presidential debates, seeking to win over American voters with their policies on issues such as health care, education and foreign affairs.
During the last of the three debates, a member of the audience asked Bush what would make him the best candidate to serve as Commander in Chief in the midst of the Middle East crisis. Bush responded, “Our nation needs to be credible and strong. When we say we're somebody's friend, everybody has got to believe it. Israel is our friend and we'll stand by Israel. We need to reach out to modern Arab nations as well. To build coalitions to keep the peace. I also need -- the next leader needs to be patient.
“We can't put the Middle East peace process on our timetable. It's got to be on the timetable of the people that we're trying to bring to the peace table. We can't dictate the terms of peace, which means that you have to be steady. You can't worry about polls or focus groups. You've got to have a clear vision. That's what a leader does. A leader also understands that the United States must be strong to keep the peace.”
Bush throughout the debate emphasized the importance of the U.S. not being arrogant in its dealings with other countries but instead maintaining humility that pushed for the progression of freedom for peoples of all nations. He repeatedly outlined his vision for international affairs as one that sought to bring justice to foreign nations without allowing for other countries to lose respect for us as a leading force.
Now, as America sits through another set of debates between two candidates that rarely address the needs and concerns of “everyday” citizens, the promises made in 2000 should ring loud and clear in our ears.
Americans can not attest to haven had a leader who sought to bring peace throughout the world when we have been in constant turmoil on foreign borders as well as on the home front. Many empty promises were made and many outright lies were told. The public now has to decide what it will believe and what it dismiss or otherwise face putting hope into a candidate that will not deliver on his word.
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