You Call This Working Hard?

I recently read a throw-away comment that linked George W. Bush's media posturing with that of Franklin D. Roosevelt's.

This doesn't sit right with me at all. To me it seems that Roosevelt's reluctance to be shown as anything but strong and capable was a direct result of his desire to be both of those things -- not just for himself but for the people he led. Roosevelt's posturing was more about giving the public someone to look to during times of horrendous hardship.

Both during the Great Depression and World War II, the American people were asked to stand in the face of their fears and believe that a better day would come, to believe that they themselves could actively work towards a better future and that the sacrifices required of them were being asked of them by someone who was himself sacrificing for them.

During a time of war and hopelessness Roosevelt presented an image that allowed people to believe in the possibility of peace and prosperity.

How does Bush swaggering about on his ranch even compare to that?

During our time of war and of gut-wrenching fear, it would be nice to know that those who guide our country are working hard to protect us from the things that explode in our dreams. That they are staying late. That they are coming in on weekends. That they are sacrificing of themselves for the betterment of everyone's future.

When does the President deserve a vacation? When does he get to worry about getting enough exercise and staying balanced?

Maybe he doesn't. Maybe that's what being President is all about.

But certainly, not before he stops asking American servicemen and women to put their lives at risk each and every day in a war that he conjured up for them to fight.