The War on Presidents' Day

The Republicans are waging a war on one of our nation’s holidays–Presidents’ Day. After five years of a Republican in the White House, they have debased the meaning of the office, and therefore the holiday.

While the Constitution lists limited criteria for the office, previous Presidents were expected to have some degree of understanding of the position, or at least read an occasional newspaper. After George Bush there are no longer any expectations of experience or knowledge (at least for those who happen to be the son of a former President, even if a rather mediocre one).

Previous Presidents were expected to show some results before they could be reelected. Hoover was dumped when the economy tanked, but such expectations no longer exist after George Bush was reelected with his dismal record. Previously we expected Presidents to at least make a show of obeying the law. When Richard Nixon crossed the line he was forced from office. Under George Bush the line has been erased and shoved down an Orwellian memory hole.

At very least, Presidents were expected to defend the nation when under attack (and perhaps to pay attention when there are abundant warnings that an attack is imminent). No former President would ignore responding to an attack to read a children’s book about a goat.

With George Bush in office, Presidents’ Day just does not have the meaning it used to. We must respond to this Republican War on Presidents Day and restore the office to a man of intelligence and honor. We tried to do this a little over a year ago, but the country was fooled into believing they could not survive a President who wind surfs. Hopefully by now they are realizing the grievous error they made.