Bush and the Need for Compromise

As support for the war in Iraq wanes, while support for George W. Bush's social security plan remains modest at best, it further illustrates the need for Mr. Bush to compromise. Social security needs some attention. However, it's clear the public doesn't support his plan. There are other ways to attack the issue. Perhaps raising the retirement age is one compromise, after all, people are living longer.

Now, Bush has kicked off another marketing push. It's rekindling support for the war. First, I don't think withdrawing troops is the answer. The country would become significantly more corrupt than it was when the U.S. intervened. However, let's be honest, and admit the U.S. will likely maintain a presence for decades. The goal has to be to gain more broad based support so it is possible to reduce the troop presence.

There's no easy answers. I just spoke with an individual who came back from Iraq. He believes a mistake might have been made. There's little the U.S. can do now but try to at least leave the place in better condition than it was at the time of intervention. Bush simply must learn to compromise, learn from his mistakes, and move forward. His inability to do so is a flaw that continues to set the nation back.