LIE OF THE WEEK: 02-01-2006

President Bush has some good policies and some bad policies, but he needs to stop smearing anyone who opposes any small part of his policies:

"My worry is that people see that uncertainty and decide to adopt isolationist policies or protectionist policies," Bush said. "In other words, in uncertain times it's easy for people to lose confidence in the capacity of this country to lead and to shape our future." (Source: Associated Press via Yahoo! News)

THE TRUTH: Opposing some parts of the present administration's foreign policy does not make you an isolationist. And opposing some parts of his economic policy does not make you a protectionist. The President plays this political game far too often: another example is calling Congressman John Murtha a fleeing coward for proposing a phased withdrawal (which is now occurring) and also calling him a hero and patriot. Let's support the free-speech rights of those who question certain policies without insulting them. Can't the administration defend it's policies based on merit alone?