Before You Laugh Too Hard At This ..

Think back to these prophetic gems.


" You don't get everything you want. A dictatorship would be a lot easier... So long as I'm the dictator.

• Responding to the difficulties of governing Texas, "The Taming of Texas," Governing Magazine (July 1998); also cited in Is our Children Learning?: The Case Against George W. Bush (2000) by Paul Begala.)

" There ought to be limits to freedom."

• News conference (May 21, 1999); also quoted in "Satirical Web Site Poses Political Test", Washington Post (November 29, 1999)

" My appointees to the [Texas] board of pardons and paroles reflect my no-nonsense approach to crime and punishment. They believe people who commit crimes against innocent Texans should pay the consequences; they believe sentences imposed by juries should be carried out."

• From: "George W. Bush on Crime", OnTheIssues, attributed to "A Charge to Keep", p.151-152. Dec 9, 1999.

" Well, I think if you say you're going to do something and don't do it, that's trustworthiness."

• CNN Online Chat (August 30, 2000)

" This is an impressive crowd — the haves and the have-mores. Some people call you the elites; I call you my base."

• Speech at the Al Smith Dinner for charity (October 20, 2000), as quoted in "Bush And Gore Do New York" (CBS) (October 20, 2000); also in Michael Moore's Fahrenhe

" I told all four [congressional leaders] that I felt like this election happened for a reason; that it pointed out — the delay in the outcome should make it clear to all of us — that we can come together to heal whatever wounds may exist, whatever residuals there may be. And I really look forward to the opportunity. I hope they've got my sense of optimism about the possible, and enthusiasm about the job. I told all four that there are going to be some times where we don't agree with each other, but that's okay. If this were a dictatorship, it would be a heck of a lot easier... [Bush chuckles, audience laughs] ...just so long as I'm the dictator [more laughter]."

• Online NewsHour interview, Washington, DC, (December 18, 2000)' during his first trip to Washington as President-elect. The last sentence is also included in Fahrenheit 9/11.

Remember - You Have Been Warned!