Advice & the President

From Bush’s defensive radio address this morning:

Members of Congress have a right to express their views, and express them forcefully. But those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible.

This demand follows a very highly specific pattern of other Presidential requests for advice. Back in mid-December, Bush sought advice on the Iraq Study Group's recommendations. And hey wow! Amazingly enough, all of the consulted experts thought the ISG's advice was terrible! The favorite news channel of the Bush Administration, Fox News, is now advocating an attack on Iran! Gee, just as the rest of the Bush Administration is doing. How does Bush feel about recieving advice from steadfast friends & allies that contradict his plans? He ignores it. Here's an expecially interesting quote from the 2006 State of the Union Address:

Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy.

A Retired Major General noted all-too-accurately that: "They only need the military advice when it satisfies their agenda." The same could be said about every member of the Bush Administration under all circumstances. Bush and his people will take advice, but only if it fits their pre-concieved notions.