If George W. Bush tried to become a dictator, would the military support him?
343000
No - If one or two generals decided to go with Bush, the average soldier would not, and would either disobey direct orders or would join with other soldiers to restore democracy.\n\nAs a person who knows several high ranking military officers, I know that they pledge allegiance to the people of the United States first. They follow the orders of the President because the People elected him. The vast majority of soldiers and officers in the United States Armed Forces would immediately rebel against any attempt to install a dictatorship.
1082310
Many members of Bush's administration were also members of his father's administration.  They considered Iraq to be 'unfinished' business from the first Gulf War, and intended to push Saddam Hussein out of power at the first opportunity.  9-11 gave them the opportunity.\n\nThey have believed for 15 years that if they got Saddam out of power. Iraq would become a western-favoring 'foothold' in the middle-east.  Since the Saudi royal family has a difficult time holding on to power without the Wahhabi fundamentalists that want the US out of their country --  this new foothold would replace the base that was taken out of Saudi Arabia.\nSo far - it's been a complete flop.
160459
I believe it would. While the underlying reasons for anti-US sentiment would still be largely ignored, we probably wouldn't have the terrorist recruiting tool that the Iraq War has become. He probably would have continued with a lot of Clintons 'feel-good' programs like AmeriCorp. And he probably would have continued paying down the deficit like Clinton started. As of the end of 2005, $820 billion dollars of US debt was held by China in the form of stocks and securities. This gives them a lot more power over the US economy than people realize.  Security is not just about guns and bombs. Financial and emotional security need to be considered, also.
866923
Well, maybe if a US city got destroyed while he was taking one of his extended vacations....Oh wait, that happened to New Orleans.\n\nWell, maybe if he adopted policies that made the US the most hated and feared country in the world, making it so much easier for terrorists to get funding and to recruit.....Oh wait, he did that too.
1048439
It is not the military it is the leadership of the president, and the execution of post war in Iraq by Rumsfeild that has failed.\n\nI think the question might have been better phrased, would we have done better if Panthro was Secretary of Defence and Lional President..\n\nthe resounding answer is yes.
649837
I would get out of Iraq and take back the tax cuts for the wealthy; move that money towards welfare and education. I would also limit the powers of president as I think it can easily be abused by Bush types, especially if they can actually speak, like Ronald Reagan. If we had a neo-con president who had Bush's views but Clinton's speaking skills I would be afraid for our country. I would also just give up trying to tell lies to the people because they voted for me and it always comes back to haunt you later.
1133905
No I don't like president Bush. It's not him as a person. It is him as a leader.  Maybe he believes in God, and wants to save unborn babies.  Maybe he is otherwise a great guy but that doesn't mean he knows what he is doing in the way of leading a country.  Perhaps Bush coveted ,only, the idea of being president.  He wanted to follow in his daddy's footsteps, and be a great and powerful man.  Now he has what he wanted and doesn't know what to do with it.  He's like a teenager who just got his license and now wants to drive everywhere for no reason at all except for the fact that he CAN.  He figured "Well,... I have all this military power at my disposal.  I want to have some fun with it before I go".  Like a little excited kid playing make believe with the nation. His motives aren't as much for the good of the world as they are for is own childish enjoyment.  Sadly many Americans bought into him.  People have always had problems with Americans and probably always will, but with George W. Bush the world really has lost what respect it had for the U.S.
706698
No.  It would be turned down because it would give too much freedom to terrorists.
128070
According to my uncle who was a senior millitary officer at the time. Bush Sr. did want to occup Baghad . Schwarzkopf and the other generals at the time told him that it would take 5 -10 years of millitary occupation to ensure a stable Iraqi government.  The U.S. politicans also felt that if they sponsored internal political rebellions ( Such as the Kurdish guriella fighters) they could ensure debstablizing of the Iraqi government. Plus remember the U.N. said that their goal was to ensure that Iraqi would not invade another country.
733194
We should assemble a task force to take down our corrupt dictator. Down with Supreme ruler Walter Bush II!
1172718
No.Because with as much power as you would be wielding, you would set yourself up as a dictator.
1128791
No. That is actually a good question. I think that Pres. Bush is trying to gain the world support [especially the UN..because they didn't when they liberated Iraq] Bush just wants to make sure that he has an ally.
244515
There won't be one; George Bush will cancel them claiming that he is a wartime president, then subsequently declare himself dictator-for-life.\n\nWrite your congressman.
841781
Yes, the United States of America and her allies must all pitch in and help rebuild Iraq. When Saddam Hussein first came into power, he was Mr. Nice Guy but once the 1980's came around, he went from being Mr. Nice Guy to becoming Mr. Not So Nice Guy and started to build palaces for himself and had his people live in ruins. Not that Hussein is no longer the President, Iraq is moving everyday towards democracy. If you want to hear the Truh of the Democracy taken shape in Iraq, I recommend that you watch a show titled The 700 Club.
775318
Because , some people who were born here, and have lived here their entire lives, know nothing about their country. the only way a dictatorship can flourish, is if we the people allow it to. Bush might have an authorative leadership style, but a dictator? I don't think so. And besides, he can run his administration any way he pleases. It's his team. He hasn't imposed his style on the general public.\n\n\niamct01 Research your answer. You will find that the Act passed, only applies to non citizens. A citizen can not be labeld an enemy combatant. Only non citizens.
875544
Considering Papa Bush made him President I say hell ya...the Old Boys Network of America will have no probleme installing a US friendly dictator.
628803
False, but VERY close...\n\nThe real Bush legacy:  "Ask not what you can do for your country; ask what you and your country can do for me and my rich buddies."