Bush's Inaugural Speech: To Infinity...And Beyond!

Posted on January 20, 2005

In the weeks leading up to the Bush Inaugural Speech, commentators have argued back and forth about the signals Bush will send about the direction of the next four years. Some argued that, mindful of his legacy, Bush will moderate his stance on foreign policy and strike a tone of reconciliation with our disgruntled allies. Others said that, mandate firmly in hand, W will come out of the chute like a wild bronco -- riding hell for leather towards the neocon utopia. The latter group appears to have won out. The speech was breathtaking in scope.

Our president said that our liberty depends on every other country in the world being free. "So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world." End tyranny in the world? Would that happen to include the dictatorships of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan? "Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: The future leaders of your free country." Some one get Bandar Bush on the line, quick. Because I don't think the Saudi royal family is going to be particularly pleased at Bush's endorsement of the reformers who want to overthrow the monarchy. (Woe betide the freedom-hating Doubting Thomases, who want to know exactly what this prolonged campaign of liberty is going to cost in money and American lives.)

So, after we end tyranny in every country in the world, free every person on the globe and spread liberty as easily as peanut butter goes on a piece of Mrs. Baird's bread, what's next? Spread American-style democracy to alien worlds? Sounds great! To Infinity...And Beyond!