Thoughts on Bush

I can't usually bear to dip into the right-wing press to get a sense of what the other side is saying, though usually, of course, there's no need, since you can read the GOP talking points back out of the blogs and/or the news. (One exception to my "don't bother with them" rule was this exceptionally stupid column by Jonah Goldberg. He's got the historical consciousness of a megalomaniacal amnesiac. About the only thing worth taking away from it is the implication that American conservatives have always been more interested in the domestic political fracas - and especially at dominating liberals, progressives, and/or Democrats - more than any in any foreign affairs.)

And but so, it was good to see this digest of CNN.com readers' comments about Bush. Some are pro, some con, some in the middle. Some are just creepy, like this one, which reads like an adaptation of something on North Korean state radio:

None. I think he is doing a wonderful job and smiling the entire way. Who protected our country after September 11? Who protects our country today? I think the Democrats should look at their own party that is where the problems lie. There is nothing they can do to discourage our party. Nothing. We are all smiling.
Berenice Milligan, Louisville, Kentucky

That's probably the most over-the-top item in the summary, but even the less entertaining (and even less thoughtful) items are a useful view into the national Zeitgeist.

(Thanks to mom for the link.)