Language has ring of Truman’s style

In the wake of the World Trade Center disaster, there have been many statements, none of which were as resolute as the one made by our own president. While addressing the press and sending a message to the American people, President Bush exhibited his anger by making this ingenious statement: “We will find them, we will smoke them out of their holes, we will get ‘em running and then we will get ‘em. I’ve got a job to do and I intend to do it.” This statement is both broad and purposeful. There can be no doubt as to intent.

Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to say “the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be sought out and punished within our justice system.” Please note, this statement doesn’t contain any personal commitment. It is only a preclusive blanket statement. We have experienced many of this type of comments during the previous administration. I prefer the statement by President Bush. It has left me with the feeling that action is imminent.

As long as our democracy exists, there will always be comparisons of our political figures. I choose to compare President Bush to “Give ‘em Hell” Harry Truman, a no-nonsense leader in a time of crisis. President Truman made the courageous decision to end World War II with an atom bomb. Had not that decision been made, many of that generation would have lost their lives and many of today’s generation would never have experienced life.

There has been speculation this past two months that a sleeping giant has been awakened. I think quite possibly that sleeping giant may have been awakened in the name of George W. “Get ‘em” Bush.

I say to my president, get ‘em.

Arlington

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