Presidential Righteousness

 When George W. Bush was elected President of the United States in 2001 many had prayed for righteousness to return to the oval office and our political leadership.  His election was “miraculous” when the Electoral College affirmed his election over a popular vote that favored his opponent.[1]  At the time, several intercessors received the same message that this result was an intervention of G-d’s will, that George W. Bush would be used as G-d’s righteous representative. 

 However, as his presidency unfolded, George Bush went from some of the highest popularity scores to the lowest.  His decisions and handling of the Middle East crises went from overwhelming and bi-partisan approval to an outcry of criticism and cover-up.  Praying Christians who once felt good about his ethics and morality have become more and more dismayed.  His actions have become particularly suspect in his unwavering attempt to bring peace to the Mideast by encouraging the trade of Israel’s land for a brokered peace agreement.  Most bible-believing Americans have no knowledge of Lubavitcher Rebbe’s convincing writings, but do believe that the nation(s) that divide the land of Israel will suffer G-d’s judgment.[2]

 I also have been disillusioned in the President’s actions because I couldn’t perceive how his actions portrayed G-d’s man for righteousness.  As I reflected on this, I recalled a little story from my youth that simplistically put this very complicated and shadowy political situation in perspective: 

The Story

A high school freshman was invited to try out for the varsity football team.  The freshman was vying for a position against a senior player nicknamed “Moose.”  Moose was generally a lazy bully that was older, physically bigger, stronger and more experienced than the freshman.  However, the freshman was more agile, tactically smarter in learning the plays and recognizing defenses and exhibited a greater commitment.  This made the coaching staff favor him as the better player.

When Moose saw that his position was threatened, he solicited his cronies to harass and physically assault the freshman at every opportunity.  Without the power to stop the abuse, the freshman approached Bob, the team captain who was also a senior.  Bob had an interest in resolving the situation because the team’s performance would have a direct bearing on his chances for a college scholarship.  Thus, he became the freshman’s ally with some additional “muscle” to threaten Moose and his pals to cease the harassments.

Yet, “muscle” alone was not enough.  Moose didn’t want to lose the prestige, pride, nor favors of being a starter.  So Bob had to work and work to get an agreement to “cease and desist.”  Captain Bob agreed to give up his own game tickets for Moose’s friends.  The freshman had to allow Moose to invade his world by giving him an invite to all swimming parties and starter activities.   While it was quite distasteful to the freshman, it brought some short term resolution, and gave Moose something to hold on to his prestige and pride.  (Unfortunately, I was that freshman.) 

Likewise, the “freshman,” Israel has its “Moose” in the Arab world, and its ally, “Captain Bob” in the United States.  The United States, like captain Bob may also have self serving interests called oil and regional stability.  But, in addition to “muscle,” the US is paying dearly – paying in lives and paying millions in humanitarian dollars (even though they are not so spent).  Let us also acknowledge the fact that the US couldn’t be the arbitrator unless solicited/accepted by Israel.   

So then, is President Bush deserving of my disillusionment because he is unethically guilty of tenaciously trying to find an acceptable solution by determining how far Israel will be “pushed” in giving up land?  Hasn’t Israel’s government repeatedly stated their willingness to turn land over for peace and has urged their ally to find a way to secure that guarantee of peace?   While I personally agree with the Rebbe’s conclusions that such an approach is both wrong and unworkable, I can understand the untenable situation the US is in.  President Bush, and thus the US, can not win, either among the Israeli people nor the Arabs. 

Before all pro-Israeli Americans cast stones at President Bush’s seemingly questionable negotiating stance on Israel’s behalf; I’d like to refer to Naomi Ragen’s newsletter writings of January 10, 2008.  A renowned Israeli novelist and political commentator, Naomi Ragen summarily acknowledges Bush’s admirable contributions among the current reputation controversy when she says; 

 “George W. Bush removed the threat of Saddam Hussein from the world, and took out the rockets aimed at Israel. He helped dry up terrorist funding in the world. He went after Bin Laden.” 

While the actions and influences upon any world leader are neither simplistic nor singularly dimensional, let us remember that as followers of the only true G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob we are not to put our trust in any man.[3]   Thus, let us follow His instructions for holiness and pray that the L-rd’s will shall be accomplished through His selected[4] leader.

Randy Schroeder