Hope: Squashed, Spindled, Mutilated & Squandered

One of the tragic consequences that seem to be a direct result of the fear-driven & fear-mongering leadership of the W, Rove and Co is that America has lost her hope. Nay, the hope that once fed and led this fair country of ours; that rang from sea to shining sea has been squashed, spindled, mutilated, and squandered.

Hope, it appears, was traded by the W, Rove and Co for political capital and squandered on a war that has too many fronts; one of which we know to be rather suspect as it was predicated on misinformation, faulty intelligence, and the grand WMD bait and switch. And now, this Global War on Terror (GWoT) has morphed into the "decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century."

But if, as the President says "we're only in its opening stages" of this "ideological struggle," things are sure to get worse before they get better. Bush goes further to suggest that, "to win this struggle, we have to defeat the ideology of the terrorists with a more hopeful vision." Well, Mr. President, where is it?

My hopes have been repeatedly squashed by the W, Rove and Co and I challenge any one to find a message of hope threaded throughout any speech delivered by any one in the W, Rove and Co. Please, if you do find any, share the link because, I for one can use a dash as we tread closer to 11 September 2006 (a much different day than five years ago). Share with us the words spoken by W (or any Rove and Co lackey) that bring you hope and liven your step, because mine has been regularly and brazenly mutilated.

I am tired of having my hopes spindled by the fear-laced rhetoric spewed by the W, Rove and Co talking heads that has us simultaneously terrified and placated. Certainly,

President Clinton was often mocked for his declarations that he still believed “in a place called Hope.” But he understood that instilling hope is a critical part of leadership. Other than a few special interest programs — like cutting taxes on the wealthy and giving various incentives to business — it is hard to think of areas in which the Bush administration has raised the nation’s hopes and met them. This president has, instead, tried to focus the American people on the fear of terrorism, for which there is no cure, only bad choices or something worse.

As the few war-time profiteers prosper, it is our nation that suffers and grows weary of blood spilled for ideological reasons. Can we look to our President to lead us out of this morass? I say no. It's time to vote the bastards out and look for hope else where.

For decent example that illustrates my meaning, have a look at the President's proclamation regarding "Patriot Day" and see if there is any hope in there. I argue that any such hope is mutilated by the overlay of fear, which has become the hallmark of this Administration. I may be the only one, but I just can't see it, and I need help finding my way!

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we recall the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field. America will always remember the thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that morning.

In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were reminded that the great strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of our citizens. We witnessed firefighters, police officers, other public safety officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate extraordinary courage, risking their lives to save innocent victims. We saw our country united in compassion as Americans came together to provide relief and bring hope to others.

Today, America is fighting a war that is testing our Nation's resolve. We are once again answering history's call with confidence, and we know that freedom will prevail. Our brave men and women in uniform have stepped forward to fight our enemies abroad so that we do not have to face them here at home, and we are grateful for the courageous individuals bringing terrorists to justice around the world.

We are also confronting the extremists in the great ideological struggle of the 21st century. September the 11th made clear that, in the long run, the only way to secure our Nation is to advance liberty and democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism. By working together with our friends and allies, we are helping spread the blessings of freedom and laying the foundations of peace for generations to come.

The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a defining moment in our history. We hold the victims and their families in our hearts, and we lift them up in our prayers.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2006, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH