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Narcissus in the White House

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY
by Bill Chickering

"He worships at the altar of a stagnant pool,
And when he sees his reflection, he's fulfilled."

- Bob Dylan, License to Kill

Prior to the president's "major policy address" on Sunday evening, prognosticators took to the airwaves to offer up hallowed opinions of their expectations. In unison (of course), they all said that Bush must be straightforward and "answer some of the hard questions that Americans are asking."

Did any of these scribes actually believe this was going to happen? Perhaps a few from FOX did, but I imagine that their scripted reply was written before the speech was ever delivered.

Alcoholics Anonymous uses a phrase to describe someone for whom the truth will be forever a stranger. It refers to such people as "constitutionally incapable" of being honest. Such is the man who now sits, against the wishes of the majority of the electorate, in the White House.

George W. Bush's first and last priority is George W. Bush. Sunday evening's speech was simply an extension of something he has done throughout his life -- ask others to pay for his mistakes and cover the tab for a bill he cannot (or won't) pay. Whether it's been a scrape with the law, a shirking of National Guard duty, or another busted business venture, junior's always had family and well-connected friends at the ready with the proper letter or an open checkbook. W's the guy who swerves 90 miles an hour through crowded traffic and leaves a trail of blood and busted glass along the highway while he slides through untouched.

Perhaps the most reprehensible and pathetic part of Sunday evening's speech came when the president asked the troops and the American people to do something he has never, ever done himself. Sacrifice. His call callously mocks our troops who have given their all and now are asked to give even more. And he mocks millions in this country who have lost their jobs while their president gives away the candy store to his pals.

Bush's message was preeningly narcissistic. More clearly than anything he has said or done thus far, this speech said, "This is all about me." He covered no new ground, he simply dug up old lies and repackaged them.

The president lied to make himself look good because making himself look good is all he knows how to do. He used his best, folksy, down home, aw shucks manipulation to stick us with the bill for his overbearing ego. And get ready for the cries of "you don't support the troops" to anyone who calls his 87 billion dollar request into question. He'll trot out the flag and once again use brave men and women for his cover. The Karl Rove whirling dervish machine will go into overdrive.

But it won't work this time, Mr. President. It won't work because we understand two things very clearly now.

It's about us.

It's not about you.

Bill Chickering
White Bear Lake, MN

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY