In Which We Determine That Life is Indeed Stranger Than Fiction

As reported by The Washington Post, apparently Bush believes that this country is heading towards a "Third Awakening", a resurgence of religious devotion that coincidentally (or not) is occuring during this nation's struggle with international terrorism.

Bush told a group of conservative journalists that he notices more open expressions of faith among people he meets during his travels, and he suggested that might signal a broader revival similar to other religious movements in history. Bush noted that some of Abraham Lincoln's strongest supporters were religious people "who saw life in terms of good and evil" and who believed that slavery was evil. Many of his own supporters, he said, see the current conflict in similar terms.

Good and Evil - how refreshing! How novel! My, we haven't seen such a cosmic struggle play itself out in human society in ever so long. Fabulous! Erasmus & Co. are likely spinning madly in their graves, calling out "Humanism? Table for One?" I wish I could say "Frankly, sir, I know Abraham Lincoln and you, sir, are no Abraham Lincoln." (He too is probably spinning in his grave, now that I think of it.)

"A lot of people in America see this as a confrontation between good and evil, including me,"Bush said during a 1 1/2 -hour Oval Office conversation on cultural changes and a battle with terrorists that he sees lasting decades.

Way to go there, Sparky! Take a side publicly - damn that separation of church and state! It was a novel concept really, but outdated. Let's just smash an entire precept that has been a standard and hallmark of the founding of this country to bits and really wallow in it. It'll be like female mudwrestling, but better, cuz there will be more mud and boobs and stuff! And lasting decades? Quoi? I can't wait to be a Templar - they were so like James Bond and everything, but cooler. (Why do I feel as defiled as if I'd barged into the dreams of an adolescent boy?)

Bush has been careful discussing the battle with terrorists in religious terms since he had to apologize for using the word "crusade" in 2001

Yes, but his recent use of the term "Islamofascist" is so much more acceptable and fun; it's very early to mid 20th century, as opposed to referencing the Crusades, very late 11th to 14th century, so passe - plus there's a buncha history to learn about and all before you can actually talk about it but dude, those Templars kicked some serious ass!

And of course, the apology for the Insane Nut Job:

"He's drawing a parallel in terms of a resurgence, in dangerous times, of people going back to their religion," said one aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the session was not open to other journalists. "This is not 'God is on our side' or anything like that."

Ya think? It's exactly like "God is on our side". Whose God? Whose side? I swear, I can't make this shit up, and if I could, I'd be steering wheelbarrows full of cash to the bank. Life is far, far stranger than fiction. This, folks, is Exhibit A.

Ah - go read the whole thing.