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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| In Damascus, they voted for George W. Bush |
| 2004-12-04 |
| While the results of this year's American election may have liberal Democrats and much of the extended international community shaking their heads in disbelief, a surprising number of Arabs seem to have not only expected President George W. Bush's return to power but also supported it. ...And thus I came to realize something that the Democrats could never admit: that there exists a support base for both the Republicans' domestic and foreign agenda among the very people we thought most opposed current U.S. policy. The cultural background and value systems which inform many of these young Arabs' outlook on the world mean they will always favor men like Bush over men like Kerry. The tenets of faith, family and, yes, "moral issues" determine the overall political leanings of a considerable number of the Middle East's future leaders, in rejection of Democratic stump issues like increased liberalism, internationalism and scientific progress. Though Democrats are often quick to criticize their opponents for seeing the issues in stark black and white, "us and them" terms, perhaps they ought to step back from their own obsession with "red" and "blue" dichotomies and recognize this nuance of Middle Eastern reality. Having a truly even-handed and practical approach to peace in the Arab world means realizing that not everyone, and certainly not all of the elites in Arab society, sympathize with the anti-American movements taking place within their own ranks, and that these heartland Arabs could prove a valuable ally in future U.S.-Arab relations. |
| Posted by:Capt America |
| #10 #8 Old Patriot - Too true. You have nailed it. Looking at my statement again it seems like wishful thinking. I don't live in the US of A but I do whatever I can through the Internet and other resources to spread exactly the philosophy you've articulated. |
| Posted by: Bryan 2004-12-04 6:20:42 PM |
| #9 Folks, what this tells me is in this supposed" battle of ideas" we are winning. |
| Posted by: Capt America 2004-12-04 6:08:36 PM |
| #8 Hopefully the change will be permanent. The change can only be permanent if enough people are willing to force the issue, and reign in those that wish to take their freedom from them. The philosophy of the Left is to take freedom in exchange for offering false security. The American people finally decided that the only true security was that based on power to defend the people, and rebelled against the left's willing embrace of government by "multinational organizations", I.E. the United Nations. That's why the screams are so loud this time - the Left has lost a major battle to those who espouse individual freedom over "group hugs". Freedom isn't free - it has to be fought for. The fight may be at the ballot box, in the streets, in business, or with arms, but it has to be there, and it has to continue as long as people breathe. There will always be those who think they have a "right" to rule, rather than to govern according to the will of the majority. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2004-12-04 4:26:13 PM |
| #7 #3 Shipman - Thanks for the clarification. #6 Sobiesky - Good points. Hopefully the change will be permanent. |
| Posted by: Bryan 2004-12-04 3:25:46 PM |
| #6 Actually Mark, it is just the opposite, so I think you've forgotten your sarcasm tag. For years, poeple believed that US policies were concerned with 'stability' of dictators (It is a bastard, but it is our bastard). There was lot of truth in it. Bush changed that, turned it on its head, as his doctrine presupposes that without standing for freedom and democracy it is not possible to make the world better and safer--the previous US policies made things tidy in a short term, but resulted in all sorts of unwieldy spinoffs/blowbacks. That is why left hates Bush. How dared he to adopt a part of their purported agenda, exporting freedom and democracy? I say purported, because in reality, the left never ends up with freedom and democracy, whenever they are put in position of power without oposition. The people around the world (not the goverments, not NGOs, not parties--PEOPLE) know this. |
| Posted by: Sobiesky 2004-12-04 9:59:48 AM |
| #5 And supersize it! I'm bringing my big ol' American butt through the drive-through in my SUV to pick it up......you better put in that damn shake I ordered this time, Mark. |
| Posted by: Desert Blondie 2004-12-04 9:46:46 AM |
| #4 In answer to Mark's comment: "YES...I WOULD like fries with that!" |
| Posted by: Justrand 2004-12-04 9:42:05 AM |
| #3 LOL! That's OhioMark Bryan. Don't worry, it can't be understood. Live Free or DieBolt! LOL |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-12-04 8:58:48 AM |
| #2 #1 Mark - Huh? |
| Posted by: Bryan 2004-12-04 5:25:27 AM |
| #1 Bush administration showed the world the true face of the west. For years, people believed the US stood for freedom and democracy for all, but only when Bush became the president, did they realize that they are not counted. Thanks again GWB ! |
| Posted by: Mark 2004-12-04 4:46:25 AM |