Although most establishment media have fallen in line and accepted George Bush, Jr. as duly elected president, seldom reminding, perhaps not even remembering, that he was not elected (and what's happened to the official recount that was to reveal the true vote in Florida?), every now and then some newsstory or intrepid columnist reminds us that there is a certifiable idiot in the White House.  These are among George Bush's  recent pronouncements as reported in the June 28, Los Angeles Times editorial page:  To Russian President Putin, Bush, Jr., delivered this profundity::  "It's negative to think about blowing each other up. That's not a positive thought. That's a thought when people were enemies with each other."...To Israeli Prime minister Sharon he conveyed this formula for progress:  "Progress is in inches, not in miles.  But nevertheless, an inch is better than nothing."  And this:  "Is our children learning?"  And: "Will the highways on the Internet become more few?"  And further:  "We cannot let terrorists or rogue nations hold this nation hostile."

     Now Imagine this!  George, Jr., is speaking to the leader of a not-quite friendly country.  He intends to say:   "I decry war," but his usual dexterity with language manifests itself and he says, "I declare war."

John Rechy
Los Angeles, California
June 2001

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Original material by John Rechy appears frequently on these pages.