Morally Unequivalent

George Bush gives his first State of the Union speech of his final term to Congress and the Nation this week. Amongst many things the cabal behind the throne (Dick Cheney et.al.) will have him touch upon is the War on Terrorism. Bush's handlers plan on having him give us a genuine "come to Jesus" talking to about the fact we are at War and we are not prevailing ... no doubt, somewhere in there he'll let loose a few references to moral imperatives  I take this opportunity to remind him what a great statesman and illustrious Senator once said:

 

The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in
the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the
elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life - the sick, the needy and
the handicapped. -Hubert Horatio Humphrey, US Vice President (1911-1978)

 

Note the absence of references to war. There's a reason for that, you know. There is nothing, absolutely nothing moral about war. It is a filthy, ugly, reprehensible business. Yes, it must often be undertaken to halt tyranny. I'll even grant you that Terrorism is a worthwhile target of our might and scorn. But never delude yourself into thinking you have a moral imperative to wage war. Revenge is not a moral imperative. Wrath isn't, either. Security was never addressed by the Declaration of Independence. Individual security is discussed in the Constitution only as it is impacted by unlawful search and seizure by the government and its minions.

 

So when you are listening to George Bush's speech, do note the references to morality and where they are placed. It's an eye-opener.