The “irrational Bush hatred” maneuver
I posted something to this effect a few hours ago to comments over at intellectual properties: I am getting really sick and tired of people accusing people like myself of seething hatred and emotion towards George W. Bush the man as a way to altogether discard my objections to the administration’s actions and ideology.
I read this all the time - in blog entries, in comments, in magazine articles, in editorials, from those who fully back Bush and from a few who proudly claim to be taking some sort of middle ground… It’s an insult to my ability to think critically, to reason, and my knowledge of the impact of the past four years of this presidency to be called an irrational Bush hater. I defy anyone to look back through the archves of this weblog and find one instance of my irrationally hating Bush.
I’m seeing that this label is becoming an easy way to dodge addressing some very legitimate issues people raise about the administration. Don’t know how to respond? Just tell ‘em they’re “frothing at the mouth against Bush!” Ugh, it’s extremely irksome and discourages real debate and discussion of the issues.
As I wrote in another comments thread tonight, I would think any citizen of intelligence and integrity would be willing to look at problems of accountability and culpability, corporate chumminess, separation of church and state issues, etc. in a questioning light and not out-of-hand BASH those of us who are.
asher abrams said,
May 27, 2004 @ 8:37 pm
Emily,
Thanks for a very thoughtful post. As a Bush supporter, I entirely agree with you.
There are many people who do support President Bush without necessarily agreeing with everything he says or does. Personally I am strongly opposed to his stand on gay marriage, his environmental record, and a great many other issues. I also fully share your concern over corporate influences in politics, although having spend seven years with the Green Party I would argue that this isn’t a problem with the Republicans alone.
So why do I back Bush? First and foremost, because of the Middle East. His policies have been bold and radical - and they’ve accomplished a lot of good things. I think there is plenty of room for improvement in Iraq and especially Afghanistan - but no one can take away the fact that the Taliban and the Ba’ath no longer hold those countries in terror, and there is the possibility of a better future. I don’t believe war is the solution to every problem, but there are extreme cases where it’s necessay.
Also I’m distinctly unimpressed by Kerry in particular and the Democrats in general. I think they’ve lost their way. A lot of it goes back to what I said in Prof. Liebman’s class: the Dems haven’t really been able to formulate a vision of liberalism that goes beyond the legacies of Vietnam, Watergate, and the civil rights movement.
I’ll resist the temptation to go on because I know you have a lot to do. But I appreciate your sharing your thoughts on the upcoming election, because it’s something Americans need to really start talking about with each other.
Emily said,
May 27, 2004 @ 10:10 pm
Thank you for your thoughts and acknowledgment, Asher.
While I believe we both have the best intentions when it comes to the people of the Middle East, I don’t agree that Bush’s plan was “bold and radical” (well, maybe, but in the worst possible sense) - there are so many problems I have with the administration’s foreign policy, I’m not even going to go there right now in the comments (plus I’m about to go to bed). You know from reading my site what I think.
I mean, geesh, Bush’s environmental record alone would give me reason not to vote for him. Four more years of his enviro record is a seriously dangerous proposition…definitely reason alone. And while I don’t argue that there might be a number of Green Party toes in the corporate waters, no one is even in the same league as this administration in that sense.
*snooze*
Pamela said,
May 28, 2004 @ 7:06 pm
Emily,
Simply stated, I agree with you. I get very annoyed when people think I dislike George W. Bush simply because he exists, as if I formed my opinion on some kind of a basis of personal prejudice. When he began his presidency, I hoped upon hope that he would pleasantly surprised me. Instead, he’s exceeded my worst nightmares.
I took a test on political compatibility (I think you posted the link), and found that I disagree on nearly every position Bush has. Even shoving the situation in Iraq aside, I cringe at nearly everything he does: No Child Left Behind (disastrous), and all the points that Emily brings up.
My dislike for the man developed over time, a result of his inabilty to speak coherently (the very LEAST of what a President should be able to do), his stand on women’s issues, his stand on gay marriage, environmental issues, corporate privilege, etc. etc.
We have nothing in common, I’ve come to dislike him as I’ve come to know him, and Emily, don’t let it bother you if others can’t understand how carefully you weigh and consider social issues. I know you well enough to know how thoroughly you research and digest your opinions on things.