Real ‘dictators’ don’t leave office

Some folks obviously get quite a rush from Bush-bashing. The endorphins must be addictive because there’s no shortage of letters to the editor that just plain delight in sneering at the president. One in particular on Friday really struck me. It ranted on and on about Bush the “dictator” and his government spies, warrantless searches and unlawful imprisonment, maintaining these things are now happening to average Americans, not just terrorists.

At the writer’s suggestion, I listened online to author Naomi Wolf present her 10-point blueprint detailing how, historically, despotism has consistently subverted democracy using the same steps every time, and how President Bush is undertaking these steps and leading America into tyranny. I’m afraid, however, Ms. Wolfe is a better storyteller than historian.

The fact is all 10 “steps” have happened before in American history without resulting in the tyranny she unequivocally states always results. The World War II years witnessed secret tribunals, rations, internment camps, suspension of habeas corpus, detentions without trial and a federal Office of Censorship. American liberty has been tested before and not only survived but expanded to include those previously left out. If Ms. Wolfe’s analysis was correct, democracy should’ve died a generation ago.

In 12 months both Bush and Cheney leave office. There’s a good chance the opposition party will take power. Nobody within the administration or any Bush “cronies” or “protégés” are even running for president. Mmmm … won’t that essentially prove tyranny wasn’t on the agenda? Dictators, by definition, don’t “leave office.” Of course, anyone can desperately argue that some Orwellian “crisis” will materialize preventing a smooth transition of power. But what if that’s just the endorphins talking? What if “dictator” Bush quietly retires like all his predecessors?

I’m sure the letter writer will submit a retraction.

Reed Purcell

Everett