Woodward on Bush and God

[steve]

I'm geniunely curious how conservatives feel about some of the comments in Bob Woodward's book "Plan of Attack." Even ignoring the diversion of funds from Afghanistan to Iraq (which is a point of contention), there's a quote in Newsweek from the book that I find particularly disturbing:
Bush told Woodward that as he approached the final decision to go to war, "I was praying for strength to do the Lord's will... I'm surely not going to jusify war based on God. Understand that. Nevertheless, in my case I pray that I be as good as messenger of His will as possible."
WTF? Unless you share his view of religion, how could any conservative find that even remotely acceptable? As Newsweek says, "He seems to have relied more on divine guidance than the considered opinions of his top advisors." Double yikes.

So if you plan on voting for Bush, is this how you want major decisions like this made?

[Midnight Son]

As an atheist independent, I am appalled!

[steve]

Another choice quote: When told Karl Rove said, "all history gets measured by outcomes," Bush smiled. "History," he said ... "We won't know. We'll all be dead."

Great. What a visionary leader.

[Jamie Madigan]

Either God didn't speak to him, in which case Bush is just doing what his own conscience tells him, or God DID speak to him, in which case Bush had sure as hell better do what He says.

Either way, the result was the same.

[Midnight Son]

I heard Dubya saw a burning bush in a frat room once.... bada-bing! :lol:

[TomChick]

I don't mean to defend Bush, but couldn't you also find Carter using similar language in informal situations?

Granted, Bush is an absolute fucking blithering idiot neo-con pawn, but using religious language is among the least of his sins.

-Tom

[Midnight Son]

But he truly believes. That's what makes him a dangerous fanatic.

[Brian Rucker]

I don't know that Bush does truly believe. I do know he used particular language when being interviewed by a reporter for a book he thought would be painting him in a favorable light and come out in time to influence the election. I do know he is beholden to people that are freakin' nutcases and will shape his policies based on what he thinks it will take to get them to keep coming out and supporting him. He isn't going to alienate the religious right like his pappy did. No way, unh huh.

[John Reynolds]

As a Christian conservative, all I can say is. . .prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel.

And what Tom said.

[Bob Cherub]

As an atheist independent, I am appalled!

And the fact you still think you're independent makes you loony.

:lol:

[Qenan]

I don't really care whether Bush prays or not. Hell, pray all he wants -- just make better decisions.

[John Reynolds]

As an atheist independent, I am appalled!

And the fact you still think you're independent makes you loony.

:lol:

Meh. I'm a registered Republican who's fairly conservative and yet I despise the Bush administration and feel nothing but deep and abiding shame as an American that we entered the 21st century with that man in the White House.

[Midnight Son]

Of course I'm independent, Bob. I piss everyone off!

[Jason McCullough]

I don't mean to defend Bush, but couldn't you also find Carter using similar language in informal situations?

Granted, Bush is an absolute fucking blithering idiot neo-con pawn, but using religious language is among the least of his sins.

-Tom

Do you think Carter would call launching a war "God's will"? I don't; Bush appears to think he's literally implementing god's plan, which is alot different from Carter, et al.'s "use christian values as a guideline for policy".

[chet]

Carter actually kept the president versus the man seperate. While he lusted after girlies - he is quoted as saying, "The government ought to stay out of the prayer business. "

Chet

[Brian Koontz]

Meh. I'm a registered Republican who's fairly conservative and yet I despise the Bush administration and feel nothing but deep and abiding shame as an American that we entered the 21st century with that man in the White House.

I feel little but deep and abiding confusion and anger. Isn't a presidential race supposed to let the American people know where the candidates stand? I sure had no idea whatsoever what would happen after Bush took office based on what happened before he took office.

How are we supposed to know who to vote for if all the agendas are secretive and advisors call the shots for a puppet president?

Hell, Karl Rove should have been the one running for president. That would have helped things be a bit more honest.

I must admit I have no idea what to expect if John Kerry becomes president. Should I look forward to another 4 years of Gasps, Shocks, and Surprises? Who's waiting in the wings to influence Kerry?