Lonzie Cox, Jr. – 1/5/05

This page was last updated on January 5, 2005.

Criticism of Bush misplaced; Lonzie Cox, Jr.; Beaver County Times; January 5, 2005. I am not related to Mr. Cox.

If you thought Mr. Cox was sticking up for President Bush, you were mistaken.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“When Americans elect a president, we in effect elect a leader for the entire world. After Bush, the world may reject this fact, but for now it’s still true.”

[RWC] When Americans elect a president, we elect a leader for the United States, not the world.

“On Nov. 2, Americans made a choice of national direction. Fifty-five million of us voted for Kerry and change. We apparently lost.”

[RWC] Over 61 million of us voted for President Bush. Contrary to Mr. Cox’s opinion, we all won.

“The quality of our leaders reflects on the quality of the people being led, so now we’re all forced to endure more of the same under the direction of George W. Bush.”

[RWC] Huh?

“Americans often say that America is the ‘greatest nation on Earth.’ In some ways, we no doubt are. Economically and militarily I know we’re near the top, but our educational system, which is still an example around the world, is under constant attack by the neo-conservatives, the right wing and the Bush administration, as is the Social Security system.”

[RWC] Our educational system “is under constant attack by the neo-conservatives?” I guess Mr. Cox missed that the federal government has spent more on education every year of the Bush administration. I’m not a so-called neo-conservative and I believe the feds should spend zero on education because education is not a constitutional responsibility.

How is Socialist Security under attack by the Bush administration? I’m sure Mr. Cox would hate to admit it – assuming he even knows this, but the recent proposal to allow private accounts in Socialist Security was originally proposed in 1998 by Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) and no one can question his liberal credentials. After Moynihan left office in 2001, President Bush appointed him to co-chair the bipartisan Commission to Strengthen Social Security. Most people expect President Bush’s proposal to embrace many of the Commission’s recommendations.

“In one area, we have had no equals historically. The practice of religion, without governmental manipulation and control, has been good for both the churches and the government throughout our history. Now, some Christian churches want the government to endorse their religion above all others.”

[RWC] Let’s see the proof, Mr. Cox. I have heard of no church wanting government to get into the religion business.

“And then comes the initial Bush response to the tragedy of the Asian tsunami catastrophe. We have been taught from school that Americans have always been generous both in war and peace.”

[RWC] “Taught from school?” Doesn’t Mr. Cox study history or current events?

“I never expect much from George Bush, but I think the criticism of his initial response was misplaced. They wanted him to appear early and make a statement about this international disaster, to act presidential and to represent the concerned people of the United States. George W. Bush did his best by making a quick comment and retreating to his Texas ranch.

[RWC] I don’t get the criticism of President Bush not running out immediately and proclaiming “I feel your pain.” Instead, President Bush made a statement when he had something to say and contribute. Folks like Mr. Cox like to ignore the fact that President Bush had already mobilized American forces to help the victims before he made his public comments. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group didn’t appear off the coast of Indonesia by accident.

“Retreating to his Texas ranch?” President Bush was on a working vacation at home – “his Texas ranch” – when the tsunami hit.

“Bush doesn’t have the personal skills needed to react to the unexpected, or to change course if need be. See Iraq. It’s a good thing Colin Powell is still secretary of state for a few more days.”

[RWC] Mr. Cox didn’t present any evidence to support his assessment. I really dislike it when people make “drive-by” accusations.