Bush=Carter?

maryfield48 · #1 01-21-2005, 12:13 PM

I didn't hear the inauguration speech. But some of the media reports on the question of spreading freedom through diplomacy etc etc, somehow made me think of Jimmy Carter's (much pilloried) human rights-linked foreign policy.

Strange bedfellows? Or perhaps not?

cardcounter0 · #2 01-21-2005, 02:17 PM

No.

Carter tried to base his decisions on a very stict and upright moral code. He tried to do the right thing.

Bush is all about the "straight cash money homie".

maryfield48 · #3 01-21-2005, 02:46 PM

[ QUOTE ]
No.

Carter tried to base his decisions on a very stict and upright moral code. He tried to do the right thing.

Bush is all about the "straight cash money homie".

[/ QUOTE ]

I think to make that judgement requires "looking into their souls". I'm not qualified to do so.

And in any event, in matters of state motivation is nearly irrelevant. It's actions that count.

cardcounter0 · #4 01-21-2005, 03:13 PM

I based both my judgements on their actions.

Broken Glass Can · #5 01-21-2005, 04:35 PM

It's OK to criticize Bush. But to equate him with Carter... that is so below the belt.

CORed · #6 01-21-2005, 05:26 PM

I think comparing Bush to Carter is on the money. They are, IMO, the two worst presidents in my lifetime (which started in the Eisenhower administration), although Nixon comes in a close third. Nixon had a lot on the ball, but his paranoia and his inability to distinguish between political opponents and enemies of the state did him in. I think both Carter and Bush are sincere, honest and well meaning, and both horrendously unfit for the demands of the Presidency. They are bad in different ways. Carter was much too passive, Bush much too belligerent. Carter's handling of the Iran hostage situation was inexcusable. Bush's handling of the Iraq war (getting into it in the first place, and mismanaging it through failure to understand the obvious truth that overthrowing a dictator is much easier than occupying a country full of hostile people) is equally inexcusable. Besides, Bush's desire to spread freedom around the world would be much more credible were he not doing so much to undermine it at home.

mosta · #7 01-23-2005, 08:14 PM

this is a great post.