The Los Angeles Times reports that President Bush called his European critics "absurd" for believing that the United States is the biggest threat to world stability.
With surveys showing a growing animosity in Europe toward the United States amid fears that its anti-terrorism policies and the Iraq war are endangering global stability, the president lashed out during a news conference, raising his voice and several times using the word "absurd" to describe the criticism.
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Bush responded: "That's absurd.... We'll defend ourselves, but at the same time, we're actively working with our partners to spread peace and democracy. So whoever says that is -- it's an absurd statement."
Moments later, when asked whether the United States was promoting or hindering world peace, Bush said: "I thought it was absurd for people to think that we're more dangerous than Iran. We're a transparent democracy. People know exactly what's on our mind. We debate things in the open. We've got a legislative process that's active."
I'll tell you what's absurd:
- A President who compares two-bit dictators to Hitler and the occupation of Iraq to the liberation of Europe
- A President who argues that three magic words ("Commander in Chief") give him the authority to overrule the law
- A President who claims that our economy is strong as national and personal debt spiral upwards, benefits and pensions are slashed, and jobs vanish overseas
- A President who claims to promote democracy abroad while supporting repressive dictators around the world
- A President who says we need more American scientists but undermines science at every turn
- A President who thinks he can protect our freedom by taking away the very rights that make us free
- A President who equates discussion and dissent with disloyalty and treason
Mr. President: when everyone else seems absurd, it's time to look in the mirror.