Bush said he is aware of the anti-war sentiments of Cindy Sheehan and others who have joined her protest near the Bush ranch.I would be surprised at this, but then again this is the son of the woman who said she didn't read about American casualties because she did not wish to "waste my beautiful mind on something like that". But at least she's not running the country.
"But whether it be here or in Washington or anywhere else, there's somebody who has got something to say to the president, that's part of the job," Bush said on the ranch. "And I think it's important for me to be thoughtful and sensitive to those who have got something to say."
"But," he added, "I think it's also important for me to go on with my life, to keep a balanced life."
Dubya, however, is. And like it or not, this is his life. Maybe after he leaves the White House and the Iraq war is far behind him can he justifiably say something like this, but right now he's the guy in charge who has put troops in the field. They are his responsibility and he cannot shirk it that easily, even during his five-week vacation. Getting on with his life means getting on with the presidency and all that entails, including the repercussions of his decision to go to war. He is never off the clock.
It is often said that though the President runs the country, the American people are the boss he must answer to. One of them is speaking right now outside his well-protected estate in Texas. She's not some kook, but rather one of many parents of slain children that simply want some answers. She wants to talk. That's all. Dismissing her and many others out of hand may seem to him to be the best option as he rides his bike and clears brush, but he shouldn't think for a moment that he's doing the right thing. Instead, as always, he's doing the easy thing. After all, what's the good of being President if you can't seal yourself off from your problems.
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