The world didn't start with George Bush, senior or junior. The world didn't even start with the British empire. I've heard it started with the big bang, although even that is subject to revision.
The way I understood the gist of Mr. Clocks question, it was why is our current president maintaining the same policies as the last administration, and in some cases intensifying them (I was surprised when he announced more troops to Afghanistan, for instance), when he specifically campaigned on not doing that exact same thing, to the extent he was specific in this area.
My understanding of your answer is that it is complicated and that Bush made him do it. (I always love 'the devil made me do it' arguments. Wish I could have used it in court a few times, but alas, most judges frown on white guys going that route. Even empathetic ones).
In response, I believe the question became why it wasn't similarly complicated during the last administration, and how is it that "Clinton made me do it" (or more broadly, the big bang made me do it, since following a cause an effect chain back to first causes must lead there) is not a valid explanation for the previous administrations actions. Again, not a good defense in most courts of law, although it does have some philosophical merit.
In the end, while I hate to presume to speak for someone else and would hope he (thanks for clarifying that, and good to meet you) would correct me if I'm wrong, I believe he was asking why you apply 'the buck stops here' to the last administration and 'the buck stops over there' to the current one.
ARS |