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November 07, 2004
A lasting legacy
I am somewhat of a "playoff" spectator when it comes to politics. I normally engage during the high-points such as an election year or when there are explosive outbursts such as the attack on Sept. 11, the constitutional ammendment on gay-marriage, etc. I am definitely not one who has the pulse of American politics. 2004 being an election year, caused me once again to engage in our nation's politics, primarily the seat of the highest office.
Compared to 2000 the smoke has settled much sooner and we have George W. Bush for another term as our president. If I could summarize his campaigns themes, they would be:
* Trustworthy leadership
* War on terror
* Sanctity of Marriage
* Ban on partial birth abortion
* Stem-cell research
The president's past record speaks for itself however, his future record these next term is what concerns me. The first four years seems to be when president's want to make their greatest impact and change. The second four is when they have the oppurtunity to leave a lasting legacy. Fox news just wrote an article about how presidents tend to be a "lame duck" in their second term and open themselves up to little accomplishment and/or failure.
My concern is that the Bush administration may be too concerned about the legacy they leave behind and go against the President's statement, "I don't do what's popular, I aim to do what's right." I love that statement, because its one of conviction and resolve.. some may call it stubborn-ness or arrogance, but those against such statements often find themselves at a loss for defining what is right. In our post-modern world, absolutes cease to exist and morality and values have fallen under the mercy of individual interpretation.
This second term may truly challenge Bush's resolve and commitment by those words in his administration's attempt to leave that legacy. Many would agree that that our nation is in a very real sense politically polarized. As much as people are glad their man won the election, I'm sure many would hate to be in his shoes knowing the work he has in front of him. But in the end, there will certainly be compromize. I just hope that it won't be due to what's popular instead of what's right.
Posted by patrick at November 7, 2004 12:05 AM