Thank
God for a Commander-in-Chief
by Robert Yoho, Columnist and Senior Editor
"Eye on Conservatism"
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Despite
the complaints of partisan, liberal Democrats, an entire nation cheered when
our Commander-in-Chief (right) landed on the deck of the aircraft carrier, USS
Abraham Lincoln. We were understandably proud of our president and the brave
souls under his command for the job they did in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The president’s detractors—who were strangely silent about the costs of President Clinton’s $50 million African safari—have criticized Bush’s visit to the carrier as too expensive. There is certainly nothing wrong with the president going anywhere in the world to thank the troops under his command for a job well done! America’s military deserved absolutely nothing less than a personal “Thank You!” from their Commander-in-Chief. What they accomplished was indeed extraordinary! And President Bush’s arrival to thank them was nothing short of bold and dynamic—words that have become synonymous with his time in office.
When Bush climbed out that jet, he was beaming from ear-to-ear. So were the men who flew with the president. They were honored to fly with the Commander-in-Chief and Bush was honored and humbled to fly with them.
Only President Bush knows his reasons for landing on the carrier. I do not personally care what they were. There were certainly less spectacular ways for a president to address the uniformed personnel aboard a flattop. However, it inspired me and it inspired many other Americans.
Perhaps he wanted to know the risk and excitement that our pilots experience on a daily basis when landing on a carrier. Maybe he just wanted to show the troops that, even in a risky endeavor such as a carrier landing, President George W. Bush placed his complete trust and confidence in those pilots and carrier personnel who conducted the war effort. This was not a political stunt; it was a bold affirmation of their daily skills and expertise.
When the former Texas Air National Guard pilot climbed out of the cockpit, it was obvious that he had enjoyed the experience of a tailhook landing. It was also obvious that the men and women of the USS Abraham Lincoln clearly appreciated the visit by their Commander-in-Chief. Moreover, I find it appealing that our nation’s Chief Executive would willingly place his life in the hands of those who protect our lives and freedom.
I remember when Texas Gov. George W. Bush was running for office. Commentators and media pundits couldn’t wait to criticize the man as an intellectual lightweight or somehow lacking in their word of the week: “gravitas.”
Well, who has the gravitas now? It is certainly not the men out criticizing Bush’s visit to the carrier. It is not the feeble minded Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), who said that the president dared to choose the “garb of a warrior.” Perhaps he would have thought more of the president had he assumed the garb of a cross burner.
Men who fly jets wear flightsuits. Although he did not make the carrier landing, the former pilot briefly took the controls. As to the garb of a warrior, Bush has every right to wear them. It is quite likely that doomed Flight 93 was headed for his residence. On 9/11, America was attacked. Bush did not surrender when America was in chaos. Rather, he took the fight to the aggressors.
Perhaps we should forever forget this idea that our presidential candidates must have a taste for Tolstoy. Perhaps it is better if they are simple and plain spoken—if these words are backed up by goodness, backbone, character, honesty, compassion, and a clear vision of the future. I do not care if a candidate cannot call the names of foreign leaders. All that matters is if the president can actually kick butt and take names when America is under attack.
President George W. Bush is a warrior of the first order. The true warriors of America respect him because he respects them. The president clearly deserves the military salutes. A carrier landing with our president aboard—what a moment! What a day! I find it refreshing to once again be inspired by a Commander-in Chief. ***
© 2003 Robert Yoho
COPYRIGHT © 2003 BY THE AMERICAN PARTISAN. All writers retain rights to their work.
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