BLAIR-BUSH The true measure of man may well be found in his reaction to emergencies.
If we accept that standard as a guide, we have had more than a glimpse in recent times to see both Tony Blair and George W. Bush react to terrorist attacks of far greater magnitude than some people seem to comprehend. Neither one has shown any sign of wavering and both have remained firm. Their peoples have been emboldened and made ready to face potential trials of the most serious nature.
Some individuals, who have been in opposition to the current leaders in a political sense, have spoken up promptly in public agreement with the president's statements and with those of the Prime Minister in London. With a true sense of "reality" far more demanding than those on some TV shows, we must also be aware of the obvious fact that some did not speak at all; took no stand whatsoever, while awaiting any possibility of vacillation in the stand taken by our acknowledged and responsible leaders. Only recently have they felt they could blame George W. Bush for mis-conduct of the war in Iraq. They have, it seems, not yet come to realize that the threat against us today is far greater than a one-nation affair. Such vindictive political tactics can be costly and deadly for all of us. The Iraqi project was started long ago years. It is not new, and methods of combating it have been at hand as well.
Haste can, in this case, create waste. In the past such procedures as the great Islamic jehad against America have, most often, failed because they tend to fall as victims of their own avarice and greed. As they near maturity they start to feed upon themselves. Watch carefully. You can see it happening - even now.
A.L.M. July 22, 2005 [c321wds]
