Oh, how inspiring!  Charles Stanley’s comment on Bush’s speech in Nashville today “We’re strong,  and we’re going to do what’s right,  no matter what”.  What a comforting statement from a religious leader (to be read with much implied sarcasm).  

All the more forboding is the hint Bush made that they will attack everywhere (he “reminds” the audience that Saddam is “hiding his military” in civilian areas,  planning to “blame” the US for civilian casualties.  What Bush’s scoff implies is that this does not matter.  That we will instead blame Saddam for civilian casualties we inflict under this “umbrella of justification”.  I don’t doubt Saddam’s evil,  nor his willingness to be willing to put his own people in harm’s way,  but neither does this give the US a blank check green light,  any more than a crazed individual holding a gun to the head of an innocent civilian give the SWAT squad license to kill the hostage with massive shots aimed at the crazed person. 

Outside of the facility hosting the speech were long lines of protesters of the war campaign.  Around the world the majority oppose the idea.  The Bush administration scoffs at the rest of the world, including what should be a rather convincing alliance of people at home.  Bush,  who “won” the presidential election by historically slim margin,  and whose war campaign isn’t exactly sweeping the polls,  acts as if he has a mandate.  The United Methodist Bishop Melvin Talbert,  and several other religious leaders here and abroad (Pope included) are sounding calls to pursue peace and alternatives.  The cheers for Bush’s war cry turn my blood cold,  especially coming from the audience of “faith-based groups”.  I would think that there were those present who did not cheer.  While conservative faith groups rail against “renegade Bible interpretation” and “the sin of homosexuality”,  they are complicit and approving  in the plans that not only will cause innocent Iraqi suffering,  but increase the tide of resentment that creates terrorists. But hey! “God Bless the USA”, “no matter what”! God help us.