WP Editorial: The Disappearing President

[kskiska]

Maybe good government could be good politics.

CAN THIS PRESIDENCY be saved? President Bush's approval rating has plummeted to a dismal 38 percent, according to the latest Post-ABC News poll. Democrats will rejoice at their improving prospects of recovering a majority in Congress. But a damaged president governing for nearly three more years in a dangerous world is no cause for rejoicing. With that in mind, we offer Mr. Bush, at no charge, some advice on a fresh start.

(snip)

Nonetheless, there are things Mr. Bush could do. He spent his first five years insisting that research on climate change is all the government need do. But the danger signs have steadily strengthened, the cost of inaction could be catastrophic, and there is ample space for creative policies that would begin to address the problem without harming the economy. Imagine if he embraced the evidence, and the opportunity.

He could seize hold of the immigration debate, where he has provided wavering leadership at best, to insist not only on comprehensive, generous reform but also on a deepened relationship with Mexico, including investment aid, that would offer the ultimate best hope for solving the border problem. Mr. Bush could renew his oft-stated commitment to ethical government by championing lobbying reform. He could give meaning to his statement of seven months ago, in an artfully staged speech from New Orleans: "We have a duty to confront this poverty with bold action." That's the last we heard of it; what if he decided to show it wasn't just a sound bite to get him through hurricane season?

Or imagine the positive shock he could deliver by announcing that he would no longer tolerate the scandal of U.S. abuse of detainees, eight of whom have been tortured to death and at least 98 of whom have died in custody. Acknowledging the long-term damage done to the nation by the mistreatment, and by the refusal to punish any but the lowest-level servicemen, Mr. Bush could promise to reform the system, allow the Red Cross into his secret prisons, and work with Congress to provide a legal framework for detention, interrogation and trials.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/11/AR2006041101687.html

[niyad]

1. I would REALLLLY like to know what the people at WaPo have been

smoking if they think there is even a REMOTE possibility that * would take any of these actions.

[SupplyConcerns]

2. Whatever it is, I want some

Mmmm... the rich, hickory flavor of denial!

[Demeter]

3. He Could RESIGN Before He's IMPEACHED or INDICTED!

or he could turn into a bird and fly away.....

I am so looking forward to November.

[otohara]

4. The Denver Post is Always Offering Bush Advice

like Bush gives a shit what any newspaper thinks.

[cliss]

5. He could.......

but he won't.

He's never been about doing anything constructive. Has he done ONE constructive thing since he's been in office? ONE? I can't think of a single one.

[TrogL]

6. There's a simpler solution - invade and annex Mexico

It would solve the immigration problem - Mexicans would be Americans.

Also, Mexico has oil that could be nationalized. There's also a booming tourist industry.

[MasonJar]

7. WP, W never reads the newspaper; do you really think his pro-

tectors are going to tell him about your editorial?