A Rabbi speaks up for the president even to his fellow-conservatives.
Though his polls are at what they call “a low point,” the President has not made any attempt to refashion long-held principles in an effort to regain popularity and create a rise in his numbers. I am astounded and heart-warmed by this man’s ability to stay the course during this time of war and to choose principle over popularity. I respect him for that.
To me — a Conservative first and Republican second — it is beyond doubt that George Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Donald Rumsfeld, Andrew Card and even Condi Rice constitute the most conservative administration — and vocally so — we have ever seen, and one stronger and more resolute than even that of Ronald Reagan. It remains Conservative even in its second term.
We do not realize this because, unlike Reagan, Bush has not been blessed with the central-casting characteristics of Reagan. Reagan was endowed with certain physical mannerisms that gave him a larger than life aura. He was very self-confident. He was also a man of not one but two generations previous. Men born a century ago had a certain bearing and unequivocation, an assuredness; more so than those of us today under 60 raised in an era of ambiguity and liberal political correctness.
But when it comes to inner steel, I think Bush has ingot loads, as well as a heart with firm muscle. He is a terrific sheriff. That’s why I have my synagogue make a special blessing for him, every Sabbath at 12 pm — at High Noon.
I might spend the rest of the week just posting good stuff about Bush. I just might.
About Elizabeth Scalia
