Honor

The New York Times, continuing their blind descent into irrelevancy, has published an article in which they try to use the publication of one of those pulp pseudo-fiction, "tell all" books against President Bush. Problem is, it doesn't work. I can sum up my reasoning with one quote from the article, written by the journalist:

The private Mr. Bush sounds remarkably similar in many ways to the public President Bush.

That is precisely why I voted for the man. Twice.

Do not misunderstand me; I have many qualms with George Bush's policies and personal beliefs. I am not religious, (in fact, I view religion as a hindrance to human progress); I do not agree with his attempts to nationalize the education system; I dislike his stance in relation to hot-button issues such as abortion and stem-cell research.

However, there is one thing that no rational person can deny: he does what he says he'll do. Every time. That singular trait is the very hallmark of an honest man. And the root word of "honesty" is "honor." Above all else, a leader must have honor. Without it, he will never gain respect. That is something that William Clinton, for all his intelligence and political savvy, could never comprehend.

The United States Marine Corps, which I gave the first six years of my adult life to, has a saying: "Death Before Dishonor." If you don't understand that aphorism intuitively, then I pity you. You are missing the most important part of being a free human being.

Honor is the defining quality of humanity. Without it, you're nothing more than an animal with opposable thumbs.