Extremism in Any Form Is Dangerous

After September 11, I had a momentary lapse of judgment as I actually thought and believed that President Bush would take the initiative to do something productive and put aside his partisanship and bridge the gaps domestically and internationally. Unfortunately, he achieved neither and has divided this nation with his arrogance and puerile approach to diplomacy. He continues to astound me with his failure to grasp the complexity of cultural and international issues. Not only has the United States become the laughingstock, but it has lost complete credibility worldwide. It is obvious that he has a limited comprehension of complex global issues. He has insulted and dismissed nations without just cause or rational explanation. He continues to blame his failed foreign policies on third parties, and his arrogance is nothing more than a reflection of his insecurities and lack of competence. His administration is shrouded in secrecy, and yet he has the audacity to advise sovereign nations about democracy. Anyone with the slightest intelligence could have envisioned and/or anticipated the results of his actions. His advisers failed him on all fronts and should not be forgiven. We still cannot account for or explain where the weapons of mass destruction are, yet it was the very impetus for the invasion and occupation of Iraq. If only he had the strength of character to admit failure. Unfortunately, so many young Americans are dying in the name of democracy (code word "oil"). Perhaps it's time to confront the fiscal crises back home and historical unemployment rates. It is evident that he is incapable of handling intricate and sensitive issues because he has undermined global goodwill and damaged international relationships. It is one thing to stand behind our president during a time of crisis but another to be complacent and ignore the reality of his actions. Terrorism will continue to exist as long as those in charge don't consider their options. Unfortunately, it appears that he has taken a direct quote from Islam, "an eye for an eye," which has become representative of this administration.
   Extremism in any form is dangerous.