George's Rib Shack

Welcome to the inaugural edition of HOT TOPIC TUESDAY, a place where I offend most of my readers and you love me in spite of it all.

Also, it’s a place to air some of our more passionate views on hot topics like politics, morality and fashion.

It is not a place, however, to demean each other. We’re talking about topics not individuals, so don’t go off on me or someone else. Let your opinion speak for itself. Also, it’s not a place to wax on and on about your point of view. No one wants to read a comment longer than the post itself. Be concise or link to your own blog, where we’ll happily bring along the debate. (And maybe a light snack.)

Now, onto today’s topic: Why I don't like our president and think that's OK

Some of you are laughing right now. “This is our hot topic?” Clearly, you haven’t been to Utah Valley, where I don’t currently reside but have residen. (Also, I’m allowed to make up words. You, however, can not.)

When I lived in Utah, I covered the scandal du jour, which was Michael Moore’s visit to a local college in advance of the 2004 presidential elections. (FYE: Michael Moore doesn’t think much of The President either.) People were up in arms for several reasons, some very legitimate, like the improper method of allocating funds to pay for Moore’s visit. Also because most people in Utah love George W*. Like, they looooove him, even though some of them couldn’t tell you a darn about the guy, his policies or his background. But they hear he’s a Republican, which is good news in that red state. And they hear he’s president, which means undying support no matter what you do, unless you’re a Democrat.

(They’ll argue that at least George is doing a better job than Bill, which isn't necessarily true. George’s personal morality may be a few notches higher, but Bill’s political track record looks better to me.)

I’ll spare you the details of the 40+ stories I wrote, but people were mad, Sean Hannity was calling me on my cell, and it all turned out just fine. Aside from the 1,000 emails (mostly from Mormons sadly) sent to me and the college’s president threatening all sorts of un-Christian-like behavior, everyone remained civilized. People listened to Hannity. People listened to Moore. And George W. got reelected, thanks in part to his loving constituents in Utah Valley.

Though I wasn’t too keen on his opponent, either, I think that was a mistake. And I honestly think George W. would have been relieved to have been relieved of his duties … because I think deep down he knows he’s not doing a good job, but his cronies won’t let him concede that fact.

Now, if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: I don’t think George W. is a bad person. (Cheney, however, may be the devil.)

I think George W. would be a fabulous restaurateur, especially if it was a rib joint. I also think he would throw a killer chili cook-off. Clearly, something about him says, “sweet and spicy food” to me. I think he’s a decently intelligent, somewhat upstanding, loving man. I think his wife is hilarious, and I think his daughters have worn some killer outfits.

But I think he’s a bad president, a terrible public speaker and a poor choice to head our nation. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with saying that. As Mormons, we believe in being subject to political leaders and “obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.” But we don’t believe that you have to like or agree with your political leaders. And we don’t believe that you have to stay quiet when you disagree with them. (I certainly heard a lot of conservatives getting loud when Clinton did “it.”)

I believe that, like all things in life, we are free to choose.

And I choose to say that George W. is one of the worst presidents in the history of our nation. (Behind W. Harding, A. Johnson, F. Pierce and J. Buchanan, of course.)

I will admit that I’m a little baffled when I hear people say they think he’s doing a great job. I mean, seriously? Did you get invited over for ribs and are referencing his barbecue sauce rather than his war-time strategy?

From what I hear, read and see it seems like no one likes the dude much these days. We’re all eager to get someone new in office … whoever that may be. (I’m still totally unsure, FYE.)

What do you think?

Do you think “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” extends to public figures?

Or do you love him so much that you can’t fathom saying anything negative?

Or do you think the guy is a fool?

Discuss.

(Like, now. Or I’ll sic Michael Moore on you.)


*I do believe in respecting the President so my use of his first name and initial isn’t meant to be degrading. It’s just that I still think of his father when I say President Bush. And that conjures up memories from fourth grade social studies so it’s best we stick with George W.