We're not naive enough to believe that our elected officials will always tell us the truth when making campaign promises, but we do trust them to be honest with us about major policy proposals, and at least attempt to fulfill some of the promises made on the campaign trail.
Bush's presidency has fulfilled neither of the aforementioned requirements. He has made misleading statements, like labeling a plan to scale back the Clean Air Act "The Clear Skies Act." Indeed, one could argue that he engaged in outright lying when he pledged to double Americorps funding, which he subsequently cut in half. But one thing is not debatable: Bush has shown a general disregard for honesty.
Bush's presidency has been shrouded by scandal, cover-up and secrecy. From Enron to Iraq, Bush has chosen a path of deception and secrecy over one of honesty and openness. Instead of pressing to investigate Sept. 11, Bush tried to block the formation of the 9/11 commission, and then refused to give them access to confidential documents. Instead of being open about his desire to strengthen the Patriot Act, Bush secretly had John Ashcroft draft a sequel to the Patriot Act. Instead of taking the blame for the wording of his State of the Union address which discussed the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Bush blamed the CIA; when that failed, he turned against his own speechwriters.
Bush's belief in his own infallibility was on prominent display during the presidential debates. No politician relishes admitting fault, but it was not too much to ask that Bush name one mistake he has made during his presidency.
And make no mistake, he had plenty from which to choose. "When you're in a hole, stop digging," as the adage goes. Not President Bush. In Iraq, he not only continued to dig the hole, but amid almost daily truck bombs, with the American death toll well exceeding 1,000, it is now safe to say that the president has dug a trench. We can, and do, expect more from our commander-in-chief.
John Kerry believes in maintaining an open and honest relationship with the American people. While in the Senate, he's stood tough on unpopular issues, fighting for higher fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. He has also demonstrated a willingness to cross the political aisle, working closely with John McCain on such issues as prisoners of war. And perhaps even more importantly, Kerry has also expressed a willingness to work with our allies, unlike the president, who sent a clear message to the rest of the world when he precluded countries which did not support the invasion from bidding on reconstruction contracts.
Bush supporters criticize Kerry's willingness to admit his mistakes and change his opinion as flip-flopping, but any student knows that if you fail an exam, you don't continue to study in a manner conducive to failure. Bush has flunked the exams on Iraq, the war on terrorism, the economy, health care, social security and education, yet he continues to insist that he has the right tools to lead the American people. Given his record of dishonesty, why should we start believing in him now?
Instead of "more of the same," John Kerry has a plan for fixing our foreign and domestic policy. His track record in the Senate and his military service during Vietnam prove that he is committed to fighting for American values. Bush's presidency has taken quite a toll on the American government's standing here and abroad, but Kerry can repair the damage and win back the trust of the American people and our allies. Kerry has the honesty, strength and conviction needed to turn this country around.