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´óÏó´«Ã½ BLOGS - Justin Webb's America
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American seriousness

Justin Webb | 15:27 UK time, Thursday, 25 September 2008

I am taken to task by gunsandreligion and others for failing to grasp the severity of the situation but I suppose that is my point: that in a grave situation the job of the leader is to be grave but not act jumpy!

echoes my view, though for the sake of balance made with some gusto.

How he can oppose the deal but approve of McCain's effort to get it passed is beyond me, though.

So is America finished?

President Bush last night reminded me of the Japanese Emperor after the atom bombs and Japan's surrender with that famous understatement: "The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage."

His presidency ends now in calamity - only the death of Osama Bin Laden before January can rescue it.

As for his nation, I take away two things from the last week.

First, that is up for grabs and can be re-tooled in a way that many Americans might actually find more comfortable and less demanding (it's the example, stupid!).

But secondly, that American seriousness of purpose (in spite of Mr McCain) is well reflected in a Congress that takes time to think about issues before passing them on the nod, even grave issues.

In the British parliamentary system, we sometimes take the quick action route and always regret it.

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