crossposted at My Left Wing
Though for reasons that continue to escape me and every logical person on the face of the planet, the scientific validity of evolution as a theory is currently under strenuous debate. Whatever you may think about evolution (and if you don't agree with it, I shall laugh at you) I think it's impossible argue with its opposite...no, not creationism or intelligent design, but de-evolution.
A case in point would be the Republican Party, highlighted by their presidents. Today is the exact anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's re-election, Tuesday, November 8, 1864. We're just over one year removed from the re-election of George W. Bush. So, I thought as useful exercise given the anniversay in question, we'd compare and contrast the first and most recent Republican presidents in their own words.
You shall thus see, Dear Reader, that de-evolution is not only a fact but is extremely prevelant in today's Republican party.
"...I give thanks to the Almighty for this evidence of the people's resolution to stand by free government and the rights of humanity."
--Lincoln, the evening of his re-election
"Let me put it to you this way: I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it. It is my style."
--Bush, the evening of his re-election
"Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away...With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
--excerpt from Lincoln's second inaugural address
"Please, don't kill me."
--Bush, interview with Talk Magazine, describing executed felon Karla Faye Tucker's pleas for clemency
"This is a crusade."
--Bush, September 2001, describing the War on Terror
"You are either with us or against us."
--Bush, November 6, 2001, discussing the War on Terror
"Bring 'em on."
--Bush, July 2003, daring Iraqi insurgents to attack U.S. forces
"This is an impressive crowd - the haves and the have-mores. Some call you the elites, I call you my base."
--Bush, speaking at a fundraiser, October 19, 2000
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
--excerpt from Lincoln's address at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg, PA, November 19, 1863
"If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."
--Bush, press conference, December 18, 2000
"Who cares what you think?!"
--Bush, addressing a reporter, July 4, 2001
"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
--Lincoln, excerpt from his first inaugural address
"Major leauge asshole."
--Bush, describing a New York Times reporter
"You no-good fucking son of a bitch, I will never fucking forget what you wrote."
--Bush, addressing a reporter who was at the time at dinner with his wife and daughter
"This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this administration will not be reelected. Then it will be my duty to so cooperate with the President-elect as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration, as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterward."
--Lincoln, personal memorandrum pledging his commitment to abide by the results of the election of 1864
"I'm not going to change my beliefs just because there's been an election."
--Bush, August 11, 2004
I can add no more. The men have spoken for themselves. You and history will be the judges.