HunterByrd

Paul Johnson

"Quite simply, Kerry must be stopped; and Bush must win"

The great issue in the 2004 election—it seems to me as an Englishman—is, How seriously does the United States take its role as a world leader, and how far will it make sacrifices, and risk unpopularity, to discharge this duty with success and honor? In short, this is an election of the greatest significance, for Americans and all the rest of us. It will redefine what kind of a country the United States is, and how far the rest of the world can rely upon her to preserve the general safety and protect our civilization.

Finally, we hear from an eminent Brit who has his head screwed on. This is one of the finest, most powerful essays in support of George W. Bush's presidency I have yet to read.

In short, Mr Johnson identifies six reasons why John Kerry should not be elected, and he discusses the irrationality of the intellectual left's massive attack - in concert with billionaires, novelists, entertainers, European continentals, anarchists, 'the superbureaucrats of Brussels', and the mullahs - upon W.

For your edification:

There is something grimly admirable about [W's] stoicism in the face of reverses, which reminds me of other moments in history: the dark winter Washington faced in 1777-78, a time to “try men’s souls,” as Thomas Paine put it, and the long succession of military failures Lincoln had to bear and explain before he found a commander who could take the cause to victory. There is nothing glamorous about the Bush presidency and nothing exhilarating. It is all hard pounding, as Wellington said of Waterloo, adding: “Let us see who can pound the hardest.” Mastering terrorism fired by a religious fanaticism straight from the Dark Ages requires hard pounding of the dullest, most repetitious kind, in which spectacular victories are not to be looked for, and all we can expect are “blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” However, something persuades me that Bush— with his grimness and doggedness, his lack of sparkle but his enviable concentration on the central issue—is the president America needs at this difficult time.

* * * *

Anti-Americanism, like anti-Semitism, is not, of course, a rational reflex. It is, rather, a mental disease, and the Continentals are currently suffering from a virulent spasm of the infection, as always happens when America exerts strong and unbending leadership.

* * * *

I cannot recall any election when the enemies of America all over the world have been so unanimous in hoping for the victory of one candidate. That is the overwhelming reason that John Kerry must be defeated, heavily and comprehensively.

My radar will henceforth scan the horizon for further writings by Paul Johnson, an "eminent historian" and author. Regardless of 'W'ho wins, Mr Johnson is a man of great, good sense, it seems to me. I saw mention of, and a link to, it at The American Thinker.