Six words from President might signify new start

In his address to the nation last Thursday, President George W. Bush announced his intention… In his address to the nation last Thursday, President George W. Bush announced his intention to “clear away the legacy of inequality.” These six words meant more to the nation than any of his specific plans. These six words should be said more frequently by the man in charge of running our country. This could be the change that our nation needs to finally solve the racial divide in our country.

These words, delivered last week, were 17 days late – but at the very least, they certainly were encouraging.

In the days after Katrina, when Bush turned on his television before going to sleep, just maybe he looked at the people scavenging for food and shelter. Did something click? Did he see that these were his people too?

Bush elicits more hatred than mostly any other person among college students and urbanites. The cynic in me wants to say promises from politicians only develop into future lies from politicians – or, at the very least, promises from George W. Bush develop into future mistakes. The simple mention of inequality in America is different from the way this issue has been ignored on our political landscape by both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Before Bush spoke those words the man actually admitted a mistake. “Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government, and to the extent that the federal government didn’t fully do its job right, I take responsibility.” Give the man a hand. For the first time, it seems the man with no regrets might have a few to point out. Mr. President, the best way to self-improvement involves an accurate assessment of one’s self, so I hope this is a step in a more moderate direction.

Despite my own disgust with the current outcomes of his foreign and domestic policies and his style of governing, his six simple words provide encouragement on the issue of poverty. The recognition of inequality is the first step to putting poverty on the map of important societal problems in America and addressing racial tensions that so many citizens have tried so hard to simply ignore.

Since the Clinton administration years, which are as long as most college students can remember politics, both democrats and republicans seem bitter and divided on every issue and unable to hold calm discussions. If there is any issue that needs to be discussed calmly, it is the solution to cyclical poverty.

Katrina magnified this issue for the entire world to see. No need to revert to the immature name calling that takes place during the discussion of other issues. All that shall be needed is good intentions by the individuals of our government to try to create a change despite differences in ideology. No problem is more significant or divisive. My hope is that our nation addresses this issue, which actually contains significance to people’s lives, instead of mundane politics.

Now that a possible turning point has been reached, the political atmosphere could very well change if the people will it to happen. After all, a higher standard of living and higher economical means for the poorest of society are beneficial to everyone and especially our lagging economy.

Mr. Bush, hear this plea and heed your own advice, go ahead and “clear away the legacy of inequality.” Then there could be something in your legacy worth praising.

For the first time in a long time, Bush truly spoke the words of an American president. “This poverty has roots in generations of discrimination and segregation that closed many doors of opportunity.” Did he sincerely mean that? Could this mean real change, or simply political appeasement to his declining poll numbers?

Bush’s legacy will be judged by the way he deals with Katrina’s political outfalls. The relief effort itself will certainly succeed because of the generosity shown by Americans around the country, as well as kind-hearted people across the globe. Right now, Bush’s declarations will be tough to back up, but I sure hope he at least attempts to support his own statements.

“We will renew our promise as a land of equality and decency.” Well Mr. President, those are bold words. I will hold you to them.

Have six words to say to me? Drop a line at sdn2@pitt.edu.