Enriching civilization for centuries

This morning Bush rededicated the Islamic Center of Washington, because who better to rededicate an Islamic center. Really, anyone, who better?


He said that freedom of religion is growing in every region of the world except the Middle East. Er, China? And he trumpeted the US’s freedom in this regard, pointing out that “The freedom of religion is the very first protection offered in America’s Bill of Rights.” I believe that’s a dog whistle message for the Christian Right, who claim to discern in the sentence structure of the First Amendment some sort of proof that freedom of religion is prior to, and the basis of, all other rights.

He said, “We come to express our appreciation for a faith that has enriched civilization for centuries.” Although, oddly enough, he said the exact same thing a few hours later at the annual White House Tee Ball Game.


Not an hour before that photo op with the kiddies, Bush was in the Roosevelt Room denouncing Democrats for a dastardly scheme: “they are trying to expand Medicare to younger citizens. ... If their proposal becomes law, S-CHIP [the State Children’s Health Insurance Program] would expand its reach to include children from family that earn as much as $80,000 a year”. He warned darkly, “Their goal is to take incremental steps down the path to government-run health care for every American,” adding “It’s the wrong path for our nation, and besides, Michael Moore is fat.” I may have embellished that quote a little.