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"Politicians, by definition, respond to political pressure. Those who decide that it's best to keep quiet and simply trust in the goodness and just nature of their leader are certain to have their political goals ignored. It's always better -- far better -- for a politician to know that he's being scrutinized closely and will be praised and supported only when his actions warrant that, and will be criticized and opposed when they don't."
Of course, Bush never bent to political pressure where it really mattered.
Sickening, it was yesterday to hear a man weave, grimace and pontificate about what most sane people would reflect upon as eight years of fear-mongering and lies.
When Bush made any decision that affected the economy, military, environment, health care, etc., etc., it was always with the most cynical pandering. The least powerful in their attempt to change his mind were continually dismissed as leftist traitors.
Bush never misled the thinking, aware American people that he was other than a partisan, rich, interloper who thought of himself, first.
The rewriting of history to paint him as a compassionate man because of an African Aids program will not suffice in reforming his character or morality.