Bush properly links security to democracy

By: North County Times - Editorial | Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:53 PM PST ∞

Our View: The long arc of human history is dominated by misery, oppression and tragedy, with the notable exception of the last 60 years, which witnessed an astonishing explosion of liberty, rising living standards and respect for civil rights in Europe, North America, Asia and South Africa, or roughly half of the populated world.

So we share the optimism expressed by President Bush in his inaugural speech: That the spread of freedom and democracy may now accelerate, offering dignity and opportunity to the billions who remain in bondage. And we have no doubt that such a miracle would bolster the national security of the United States and vastly improve the lives of its people, who still struggle to perfect its brand of democracy.

We are equally convinced that we impose liberty on others at our grave peril, particularly if our nation chooses war to proselytize its values. Thus we are heartened to discover that Bush, a famously late bloomer, has incorporated this view into his core values. The bloody experiment in Iraq may yet turn out well, with our leaders having learned the right lessons. We quote from the president's speech, delivered at the Capitol on Thursday.

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way."

As we enter four more years of President George W. Bush, he has committed this nation to peace. We pray that the vital corollary is true ---- that this president has also adopted a profound aversion to war.

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