It would appear that President Bush is rapidly gaining intellectual and moral ground. He gives talks on the "new ethic of responsibility," delivers radio addresses on morality in business, and according to dutiful press reports, the president has taken to discussing Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics in his free time.
But just what would Aristotle make of Bush? And how would the Nicomachean Ethics, the classic roadmap to a more just society, stack up with the President's proposed FY 2003 budget?
On the surface, there are connections. Aristotle's passion was education, and Bush has called it his "top priority." Aristotle advocated equitable distribution of wealth, and President Bush has repeatedly stated that America's poor "deserve better from this country."
But that's where the similarities end - in words. The following are quotes from Aristotle, followed by the Bush budgetary response.
Aristotle: Early childhood education is "all-important."
But just what would Aristotle make of Bush? And how would the Nicomachean Ethics, the classic roadmap to a more just society, stack up with the President's proposed FY 2003 budget?
On the surface, there are connections. Aristotle's passion was education, and Bush has called it his "top priority." Aristotle advocated equitable distribution of wealth, and President Bush has repeatedly stated that America's poor "deserve better from this country."
But that's where the similarities end - in words. The following are quotes from Aristotle, followed by the Bush budgetary response.
Aristotle: Early childhood education is "all-important."