"Eye on Conservatism"

October 1, 2001

Making Sense of the New World Disorder
by Robert Yoho

I must admit that I have never been more proud to be an American than I was September 20th!!!

When President George W. Bush appeared before Congress, none of us quite knew what to expect. He entered the chamber with the same pomp and circumstance normally reserved for a president. However, it was immediately obvious that something was different. Even a person oblivious to the events of September 11th could tell there was a different atmosphere in the room.

The president made his way down the aisle, shaking hands and smiling. But the smile was a little more reserved, a little less broad. It was a smile given in spite of the circumstances. It came behind a moistened eye. It was the smile of a man carrying the weight of freedom and civilization upon his shoulders. No president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has ever been faced with the task that formidable. A grieving nation looked to him for answers. A world longed for a man to make some sense out of the chaos.

In the midst of the uncertainty, there was also a refreshing sense of warmth in the room. I saw no Democrats or Republicans in the crowd. The revolting acts of terror have inspired even those of the opposing party to work together for the good of the country. Bitter partisans have also shown themselves to be remarkable patriots and statesmen. The handshakes, embraces, and greetings were largely genuine.

For the first time in our nation’s history, the president addressed Congress with the vice-president nowhere in attendance. With the threats facing our government, the president instructed his successor, Vice President Richard Cheney, to remain at an undisclosed location. His seat was taken by Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

President George W. Bush--no gravitas??? What fool ever said that? The men who attain greatness in that office are those who realize the presidency is bigger than themselves. Mediocre presidents believe they are greater than the job. Bush certainly rose to the occasion. He made some sense out of the new world disorder.

As a student of history and politics, I have never seen a better speech given by anyone! But his address were not merely words penned by a nameless speechwriter. The words were the president. And the words came from a sincere, determined, and honest heart. Lincoln, FDR, JFK, Churchill, Martin Luther King, Reagan--you were privileged to see President Bush touch the hem of greatness that night.

We saw the comfort and commitment of FDR after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. We saw the dogged determination of Winston Churchill, who carried Britain on his shoulders and refused to surrender to Hitler’s atrocities. We saw the youthful vision of John F. Kennedy, who pointed our way to the moon and back again. We saw the impassioned oratory of Martin Luther King Jr., sharing his dream with the world. We saw the simple, plain-spoken eloquence of Abraham Lincoln, who restored a broken Union. Moreover, we saw a man who shares Ronald Reagan's unbounded optimism and love of country. We saw and heard all of that and more in President George W. Bush.

President Bush appreciates the greatness and traditions of his office. He realizes the significance of the moment, the threats to our future and way of life, and the inherent need for confident leadership. He made it abundantly clear that the level of response will be directly proportional to the viciousness of the acts.

Our nation has been wounded, but not mortally. Freedom has been challenged, but our leadership has never been stronger. The hands that are folded in prayer will soon take up the sword. This tragedy could prove to be America's finest hour!

Perhaps the tragic deaths of our citizens could bring about a great legacy for our children--the systematic annihilation of world terrorism.

Darn, I was proud to be an American Thursday night! Tragic times call for great leadership. We are fortunate to be living in these times. We are blessed to be living in this country.

And with President George W. Bush at the helm, I believe the United States of America has never been in better hands. ***

© 2001 Robert Yoho

· Photo of President Bush courtesy of Reuters