For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Fred Barnes

WE NOW KNOW WHAT WAS behind President Bush's mysterious refusal for so many months to respond to Democratic attacks on his Iraq policy--a refusal that came at great political cost to himself and to the American effort in Iraq. It wasn't that Bush was too focused on Social Security reform to bother. Nor did he believe Iraq was a drag on his presidency and should be downplayed. Rather, Bush had made a conscious decision after his reelection to be "nonpolitical" on the subject of Iraq. It is a decision he now regrets. And has reversed.

Didn't I say something like this back on November 14? I think I did.

I believe that the Sermon on the Mount sets out how Christians should live. But note that Jesus didn't allow the Pharisees, scribes and priestly class to accuse him falsely without responding. He called them hypocrites and vipers. Jesus later said

Now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

I think that Bush is sincerely trying to follow Christ. He has turned the other cheek repeatedly and given those smacking him around plenty of chances to apologize. Now it's time to answer and point out that his critics have been lying about him and misleading the people about the war for the liberation of Iraq. It's Beltway rules. A charge that isn't answered is deemed admitted. These days even when you do dispute such charges, the news media will mute your message. So you have to be out there repeating your points over and over, because, as negative as they are, the media can't ignore what the President and Vice-President are saying.