Monday, July 19, 2004
By Tweed
"I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn't do my job."-- President Bush, quoted in the Lancaster New Era, during a private meeting with an Amish group.
President Bush told a rowdy Amish audience that God speaks through him [Bush]. The President has never hidden his deep religious faith but this was the first time he claimed to be the Lord's AT&T exchange.
Theologians have expressed various opinions on Mr. Bush's claim, ranging from supportive to hostile.
"I believe him," said Pat Robertson, host of the 700 Club. "In fact, God told me that he speaks through the President so why wouldn't I believe it."
"Think of it like a divine calling service or Heavenly Post-It notes," suggested Jerry Falwell. "Then it doesn't sound so crazy. God's just leaving a message and the President is the sticky-note."
Others are not quite convinced. "It is quite an assertion," said Bishop Callahan of Springfield Massachusetts. "God doesn't choose many vessels through which to speak. One has to wonder if God would choose to speak through President Bush. Isn't that like choosing someone with Tourettes Syndrome to deliver a commencement address?"
Bishop Callahan refers to the President's misadventures in English. As an example, Callahan quotes from a May 27, 2004 statement by President Bush while in Nashville, Tennessee.
"I want to thank my friend, Senator Bill Frist, for joining us today. You're doing a heck of a job. You cut your teeth here, right? That's where you started practicing? That's good. He married a Texas girl, I want you to know. Karyn is with us. A West Texas girl, just like me." George W. Bush, Nashville, Tenn., May 27, 2004.
"Are we to presume," asks Callahan, "that God is speaking through a man who says he is a West Texas girl? And how about these little gems?"
"The march to war hurt the economy. Laura reminded me a while ago that remember what was on the TV screens she calls me, 'George W.' 'George W.' I call her, 'First Lady.' No, anyway she said, we said, march to war on our TV screen." George W. Bush, Bay Shore, New York, Mar. 11, 2004
"God loves you, and I love you. And you can count on both of us as a powerful message that people who wonder about their future can hear." George W. Bush, Los Angeles, Calif., March 3, 2004
"What the fuck is he talking about?" Asks Bishop Callahan. "If God speaks through George Bush, it's only after downing a fifth of Wild Turkey with an airplane glue chaser."
The President's closest advisors have suggested he throw in more "Thou's" and "Shalt's" when he talks.
