Why Didn’t Everyone Applaud Bush…

…when he decided to reverse 20 years of US foreign policy and endorse Israel’s settlements in the West Bank? Here’s Bush’s explanation, from a speech that he gave today in Washington:

The long-term strategy of this government is to spread freedom around the world. And I believe — I told you, a free Iraq will be a major change agent for world peace. I also believe a free Palestinian state would be a major change agent for world peace. Ariel Sharon came to America and he stood up with me and he said, we are pulling out of Gaza and parts of the West Bank. In my judgment, the whole world should have said, thank you, Ariel. Now we have a chance to begin the construction of a peaceful Palestinian state. Yes, [But?] there was kind of silence, wasn’t there? Because the responsibility is hard. It’s hard to be responsible for promoting freedom and peace when you’re used to something else. If you don’t have the aspirations of the people firmly embedded in your soul, it’s hard to take a gamble for peace by putting the institutions of a free society in place, institutions that are bigger than the people.

Ah yes, I see. Those who thought it was a bad idea for Bush to reverse US policy on the issue of Palestine and Israel (i.e. most of the world) have a hard time handling the responsibility that freedom brings, and are generally used to something else. Everything is clear now… I think…

Huh?

Kash