This last week at the United Nations there were several moving speeches given by world leaders. Most of the speeches were about the concerns of the world in this day and age.
But the speeches that got the most attention were from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and our own President George W. Bush.-á
It is interesting to see what people choose to say when they know that they have the ear of the entire world listening to them. How would you use this opportunity? What issues would you want to discuss in front of the world?
President Chavez and President Bush both had to make this choice. They approached this opportunity very differently.
Chavez referred to the president as being a dictator and even referred to Bush as the devil.
When somebody refers to Bush as the devil, it is quite obvious that they are not trying to get on his good side.
Chavez stated that at the podium of the UN he could still smell the sulfur from when Bush spoke at that same podium the previous day.
When President Bush was at the podium he spoke of the promise that this nation has.
He talked about the strength we are beginning to see in Iraq with their new government rising to their feet. He talked about how Iraqis are preparing to take on the extremists by themselves. Bush recognized the nations of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt for their devotion to providing economic and diplomatic leadership that is required to foster democracy in the region.
Chavez took a far different approach.
Chavez's comments brought the politicians of Washington D.C. together in a special way.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has always been very critical of President Bush. But she stood up to Chavez. Pelosi stated that "Hugo Chavez fancies himself a modern day Simon Bolivar, but all he is is an everyday thug,"
It's kind of interesting to see what people choose to associate with this socialist dictator. He went around New York City after his speech to try and show friendship to the country he had insulted hours earlier. His friends, such as Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte, escorted Chavez around New York City.
This reinforces to me how you should always be careful whom you associate with in public.
It is nothing new to be critical of President Bush.
Countless people in this country don't like him. That's okay.
Freedom of opinion is a wonderful thing. Where we can run in to trouble, though, is when we let our dislike of the president take over our better judgment.
Everyone, and by that I include world leaders, should have a respect for people like the president. Even if you believe he is a terrible leader, show him the respect he deserves as the leader of our nation. Have respect for his office and his dedication to that office.
Using the world's stage at the U.N. to slap America in the face the way Chavez did is completely unacceptable. It was uncalled for the way he made personal attacks. He needs to be held accountable for his actions. He needs to be held accountable for his words.
The U.S. will never let itself be spit upon by a common thug like Chavez.
Alex Carroll is a junior history major and writes 'Speak Softly' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu.
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