Editorial: Kerry can rebuild nation’s credibility

Sen. Kerry is not exciting ““ but excitement isn’t
what this country needs. He will restore dignity to our
nation’s reputation, and will move America away from
President Bush’s monolithic, polarizing approach.

When Bush ran for president in 2000, he promised his
compassionate conservatism would lead the United States into a
prosperous and peaceful 21st century.

He seemed like a simple man with clear goals ““ and that
was enough for many voters.

Instead, Bush proved to be a reckless leader. His stubborn and
simplistic beliefs, fed to the public in sound bites, have bitterly
divided a nation united in solidarity just three years ago.

A myopic world view has spread distrust of our intentions
throughout the international community. He has opposed countless
international initiatives, including improved reproductive rights
for women in the developing world, signing the Kyoto Protocol and
joining International Criminal Court. His self-proclaimed crusade
in Iraq has carried extraordinary costs.

During his campaign he promised not to engage in nation building
““ but his ill-reasoned war in Iraq is the most overtly covert
attempt in U.S. history to impose American values, and business, on
another country.

Back at home, Bush has pursued a radically conservative agenda
with the creation of “faith-based” government
initiatives, opposition to embryonic stem cell research, and a
proposal to amend the Constitution outlawing gay marriage. If
reelected, he will almost certainly appoint the next generation of
Supreme Court justices, who will hold power over a frightening
spectrum of social and moral issues.

Bush has dramatically cut taxes for the richest Americans, while
returning only a couple hundred dollars to the
“average” taxpayer. His administration has helped
create the largest deficit since World War II.

Bush is a reactionary dedicated to outdated views of absolute
power and unwavering government, and a cultural evangelist set on
imposing his personal values using the power of his office.

Some call Bush a venerable leader because his views are
steadfast and his policy decisions concrete. But calling arrogance
and naivety leadership misses the point.

A leader should be honest, forthcoming and inclusive. Pretending
the world is void of nuance is a dangerous way to lead.

Critiquing the incumbent, particularly this one, is easy. But
being pro-Kerry is more than simply being anti-Bush.

Though Kerry can not instantly and independently solve the
fiscal and security dilemmas facing our country, he will not
sacrifice the nation’s moderate core while protecting
religious fundamentalism and wealthy investors.

Kerry is versed in the diplomacy needed to develop carefully
balanced solutions for the serious ““ and complex ““
problems our nation faces.

The 21st century is being played out on an international stage.
It is time to change the tone of our involvement from one of
unjustified aggression to reasoned cooperation.

While Bush offers a certainty about the nation’s
regression, Kerry will refresh the prospects for a progressive
future.