Anyone who’s been following this blog knows that I am a conservative, and that I tend to back Republicans.  The tendency to back Republicans has a simple explanation.  I feel that when Republicans hold the majority of public office, my conservative values have a far better chance of being reflected in public policy.

 

I have, on occasion, been accused of toeing the Republican line by liberal friends.  This is not true.  As a matter of fact, I do not always toe the conservative line.  I have a few significant disagreements with the Republican Party’s policies, and even more disagreements with the day-to-day actions of certain Republican leaders.  Here’s a fine example–

 

Soon after the recent Palestinian elections, President Bush said at a press conference that he wanted the Palestinian President, Mahmud Abbas, to stay in power.  This was said after closely monitored elections that most of the world audience seems to think were fairly administered.  The implications of the statement are obvious.  Abbas has a history of resigning from other posts when his authority was undermined or challenged.  And it is obvious that the statement was made in hope that President Abbas’ policies would continue to be in place..  

 

Mr. President, this statement was a terrible mistake.  I hope it was just a thoughtless slip in a time of stress, because if you meant that as a thoughtful statement of your true feelings, I am very concerned.

 

We are fighting in Iraq.  This war serves several purposes, but one of the most wonderful consequences of this war has been the liberation of the Iraqi people.  For the first time in many years, they have had a voice in their own in how they are to be governed.  And they have responded strongly, and taken advantage of the opportunities of democracy with great fervor, despite great risk.

 

President Bush has rightly pointed to this aspect of the war as a great accomplishment.  The new, emerging Iraqi government will be a strong one, legitimate because it was elected by the people.

 

And so, Mr. President, you are wrong in not acknowledging the legitimacy of the elected Palestinian government.  You yourself have not questioned the authenticity or fairness of the election results.  So your expressed desire that the policies of the present Palestinian Authority remain after the Palestinian people have so clearly asked for change is ironic, to put it kindly.

 

I am going to assume that this was an off-the-cuff remark, based in wishful thinking rather than real thoughtfulness and consideration.  I like President Bush, and I believe him to be an honest man.  I also believe him to be intelligent, and after this remark, we’ve heard nothing more in this vein from him or his administration.

 

The proper response to the election results is one of congratulations and respect.  Congratulations are deserved by Hamas, for their resounding victory.  And we, as a country, should respect the choice of the Palestinian people.  I am sure the electorate was well aware of the philosophies and opinions of Hamas, and Hamas has since made it very clear that they will not renounce violence, and will not acknowledge the right of Israel to exist.

 

In other words, the Palestinian people have embraced a philosophy of terrorism as their official state policy.  They have knowingly and deliberately taken a stance, as a country, that places them squarely with our enemies.  And we, as the American People, must respect that.  And that respect must be reflected on our foreign policy.  So, as a sign of that respect, we must do the following, as a bare minimum:

 

 

Mr. President, you know what must happen.  I do hope you have the guts to carry through on your word.