Spoils to the victor
published: Wednesday | November 10, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

BUSH'S FIRST term is seen by many as a staged show: a cleverly-deceitful, not-so-bright, Southern rich boy, put out there by a group of handlers whose self-centered, right-wing policies he must carry out, while not being caught looking selfish or stupid.

All this talk about mandates is wishful thinking. Why? Like no other in history, this carefully-orchestrated, so-called "practice in freedom and democracy" was a tactician's victory alone. There were very few, consistent principles, values, and visions involved. It was won by spending large amounts of money on advertising and mud-throwing, carefully selecting target populations and intentionally pandering to the issues of those populations in swing voter states.

As such, there is no mandate, neither a command, nor an authorisation given by anyone. No, George W. Bush's plans for his country, if there ever were any such things, will go on, all the while looking like someone else is pulling the strings of this 'Puppet President'. Regardless of what the half of the country that did not vote for him wants, he has won the game and to the victor belongs the spoils.

I am, etc.,

ED MCCOY

mmhobo48@juno.com

Bokeelia, FL

Via Go-Jamaica