In a column shockingly uncharacteristic of BBC News, Justin Webb confesses to a favorable opinion of George W. Bush.
In a BBC radio programme a few weeks ago, I defended the Bush White House; pointing out that the president's Christian conservative base had successfully pressed for real engagement to combat the many tribulations of life in Africa.
I also said that, after the Asian tsunami, the Bush team had given aid more promptly and more generously than some other players on the world stage, including some much closer to the scene of the disaster.I also said that, after the Asian tsunami, the Bush team had given aid more promptly and more generously than some other players on the world stage, including some much closer to the scene of the disaster.
The response was furious and instructive. From all around the British Isles, Bush-haters wrote in.
I had crossed a line in the sand: it is acceptable to defend the US to snooty Europeans (well, almost) but never to show any sympathy for the "toxic Texan" and his sinister doings.
Yet as the world prepares to confront Iran over its nuclear ambitions it seems to me that an unprejudiced view of where the president is coming from, of what he has in store, is more important than ever.
He says he loves us all and he says he loves freedom - believes in its power, its civilising influence.
Is he fooling us? Will he bin this boyish enthusiasm for free votes when the going gets tough?
I think not. This is a man capable of seizing new ideas. A man who knows what it is like to maintain a course in spite of temptations along the way.
Via Tim Blair.
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