Bush; 'I'm "Trainable" and the Decision-maker' on Iraq Troop Levels

by: Betsy L. Angert

Fri Jan 26, 2007 at 11:00:00 AM EST

Today, President Bush meeting with his new top commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and the press bought back memories.  As I listened to George W. Bush speak on Iraq, I was reminded of my youth.  The once self-proclaimed "decider" explained he is "the decision maker." 

Apparently, there are differences even within the dynamic of "retardation."  Some are mildly affected, thus "educable."  Others are moderately influenced; thus, they are considered "trainable."  The severely or profoundly slow may require life-long care and supervision.  These persons are often confined to institutions. 

I have never thought George W. was or is as others state, the stu*** word.  Nor do I think he meets the criteria for special needs.  I think the man is infinitely shrewd.  Yet, I do wonder; perchance, is the White House the proper setting for such a character.  Might this haloed hall be the best prescribed treatment center for a chap such as Bush?

This morning I realized that my own analysis was flawed.  George W. Bush is trainable.  The "decider" spoke, as he had never done before.  He labeled himself the "decision maker."

I pondered.  I recall when Mister Bush articulated his regret.  He acknowledged that the characteristically George rhetoric may be too dramatic.  George W. Bush expressed his intent to capture Osama Bin Laden and bring him home, "dead, or alive!"  President Bush, when proclaiming his frustration offered, "You are either with us or against us."  He told his enemies, "Bring it on" and they have.

Most surprisingly to me was that George W. Bush stated his wife spoke to him of his cowboy-like language.  Laura advised him to watch his tongue.  It seems the leader had; he is learning his lessons.  Thus, I conclude, George W. Bush is "trainable."  That is good to know.  You go George.  Please impress them, preferably, with your intellect and give up the statements of grandeur!

As I read the text and reviewed the video of this last exchange with the press I can only conclude, training a tyrant is a slow process.  Once a "decider" decides, as far as they are concerned, they are done.  No further discussion is needed.  Mister Bush may speak to the media more eloquently; however, little has changed.

Bush says 'I'm the decision-maker' about sending troops to Iraq
By Jennifer Loven
Associated Press

9:50 a.m. January 26, 2007

WASHINGTON - President Bush, on a collision course with Congress over Iraq, said Friday "I'm the decision-maker" about sending more troops to the war.  He challenged skeptical lawmakers not to prematurely condemn his buildup.

"I've picked the plan that I think is most likely to succeed," Bush said in an Oval Office meeting with senior military advisers.

The president had strong words for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who are lining up to support resolutions opposing his decision to send 21,500 troops to Iraq.  He challenged them to put up their own ideas.

"I know there is skepticism and pessimism and that some are condemning a plan before it's even had a chance to work," the president said.  "They have an obligation and a serious responsibility therefore to put up their own plan as to what would work."

Despite doubts in Congress and among the public about his strategy, Bush said lawmakers agree that failure in Iraq would be a disaster and that he chose a strategy that he and his advisers thought would help turn the tide in Iraq.

Rally 'round.  The Trainable Decider is expecting or creating trouble again . . .