BO SCHEMBECHLER: Bush has proved himself a leader
October 1, 2004
BY BO SCHEMBECHLER
The potential to lead often emerges under the pressure of difficult
situations. Whether it is a young football player coming in the game at a
critical moment and performing above expectations, or a first-year president
rising to an unprecedented challenge, such times call for the determination,
courage and decisiveness only found in true leaders.
I like to think most people would agree that I know football. I also know a
little something about character, commitment and leadership. The past three
years, President George W. Bush has dealt with situations no president has
ever faced, and he has emerged as one of the most principled leaders our
country has ever seen. What I find remarkable and admirable is that the
president has risen to the challenge every time: confronting unprecedented
threats to national security and displaying the resolve to carry America
through the tough times.
He is dedicated to defending our nation at home and abroad. And he defends
through smart offense -- bringing the war to the terrorists so we don't have
to fight them again here at home.
After terrorists attacked us in September 2001, the president made the
difficult decision to send our troops into combat. He realized that in order
to defeat terrorism, and to keep Americans safe, we need to hit them in
their sanctuaries. As a result, 25 million people in Afghanistan are now
preparing for free elections and the terrorists are on the run. To date,
three-quarters of Al Qaeda leadership have been kidnapped or captured.
Pakistan is now a partner in the war on terror instead of serving as a
gateway to terrorists, and Libya has voluntarily given up its weapons of
mass destruction. It goes to show that the best defense is a good offense.
It is telling to compare the style of leadership shown by Bush versus that
of his opponent, Sen. John Kerry. Americans know where the president stands
and, more important, so do the terrorists and tyrants. He will defend
America; he will take the fight to terrorists and support our men and women
in the field to get the job done.
It is not so clear where Kerry stands. First he voted to authorize the war
in Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein, and then he voted against authorizing the
money our soldiers needed to get the job done. Then he says he did vote for
the funding before he voted against it. Sure doesn't sound clear to me.
Kerry said we needed to build a strong coalition to win in Iraq and defeat
terror, and then he insults our allies like Italy and Poland who are
fighting at our side by calling them the "so-called coalition of the bribed,
the coerced, the bought and extorted." He said last year it was the right
decision to disarm Hussein and now he says it was the wrong war at the wrong
place at the wrong time.
Indecision at this time gives hope to our enemies and sends a demoralizing
message to our troops in the field. In this time of challenge, America
cannot afford to send mixed messages.
When your opponent is playing particularly tough and getting away with some
cheap shots, you don't take a knee -- you play harder and move forward with
resolute action. Trying times bring out true leaders, and Bush has shown he
has the mettle to lead our nation. Kerry and his record do not demonstrate
the same necessary qualities.
The American people have a choice to make in November; that choice is clear
to me. They have a choice of a man who is unafraid to defend our nation and
protect the security of every American. They have a choice of a man who is
determined to lead the world to freedom and peace, and win the war on
terror. They have a choice of a man who will make the tough decisions when
they must be made, no matter the political winds.
I know Michigan, I know the values Michiganders stand for, and I know
Michigan needs four more years of President Bush. He has my vote, and he
deserves yours, too.
BO SCHEMBECHLER coached the University of Michigan football team from
1969-90. Write to him in care of the Free Press Editorial Page, 600 W. Fort
St., Detroit, MI 48226. |
