Jesus operated from a base of fixed principles or truths rather than making up the rules as he went along. Thus, his leadership style was not only correct, but also constant. So many secular leaders today are like chameleons; they change their hues and views to fit the situation—which only tends to confuse associates and followers who cannot be certain what course is being pursued. Those who cling to power at the expense of principle often end up doing almost anything to perpetuate their power.

Later in that talk he says the following:

So often, secular leaders rush in to solve problems by seeking to stop the present pain, and thereby create even greater difficulty and pain later on.

How prophetic…

“I readily concede I chucked aside my free-market principles when I was told … the situation we were facing could be worse than the Great Depression,” Bush said.

Ah, vindication.

The vice president also defended the administration against criticism that it has backtracked on its principles by providing hundreds of billions of dollars to the private sector after previously lambasting the involvement of ‘big government’ in the economy.

“When the financial system is threatened, only the federal government can fix it and that’s what we’ve been doing,” he said. “So even though I’m a conservative, I feel very strongly that we did the right thing by getting active and involved when we did.”

This is a difficult situation that involves fundamental questions about the proper role of government. On the one hand, government has a responsibility not to undermine the private enterprise system. On the other hand, government has a responsibility to safeguard the broader health and stability of our economy.

I’m scratching my head over here, wondering where in the Constitution the federal government was given the charge to safeguard the economy.

And of course, we have this:

But these are not ordinary circumstances. In the midst of a financial crisis and a recession, allowing the U.S. auto industry to collapse is not a responsible course of action.

When are circumstances ever ordinary? Welcome to the real world, Mr. Bush.

And lest we wonder about why he’s doing it:

Unfortunately, despite extensive debate and agreement that we should prevent disorderly bankruptcies in the American auto industry, Congress was unable to get a bill to my desk before adjourning this year.

This means the only way to avoid a collapse of the U.S. auto industry is for the executive branch to step in.

So whenever Congress doesn’t do what Bush wants, it’s his responsibility to do it himself. Lovely.

I believe in the free market, but only during times of economic growth and prosperity.

Just like:

I believe in no nation building, unless I see a dictator I don’t like.

Why are these circumstances so un-normal?

It is important to note that none of this has stabilized the financial system, although that is what we were told by the media would happen.

Connor, you’re so out of touch here — don’t you know it’s just going to take time? (About 10 years, like the Great Depression.) :)

Bush insists that the nations at this summit must “recommit to the fundamentals of long-term economic growth―free markets, free enterprise, and free trade.” He has got to be kidding.

While mouthing platitudes about free enterprise, Bush has already authorized several socialist-style schemes, including a $700-billion “bailout” of Wall Street, nationalization of mortgage companies, massive subsidies to American International Group (AIG), and the federal government taking ownership stakes in big banks. The estimated cost is already $1.8 trillion―more than $17,000 per American household.

It is important to note that none of this has stabilized the financial system, although that is what we were told by the media would happen.

It is also newsworthy that Bush has escaped criticism from McCain and Palin for “spreading the wealth around.” Perhaps this is because McCain voted for this Bush brand of socialism. Of course, so did Obama.

It is time for the conservative media to hold the Republican ticket accountable for their president’s embrace of socialism.

Of course, I don’t believe that free-market capitalism is the answer anyhoo.

Are we being played for fools or does Bush really not understand what he’s doing to our country, as Chavez suggests?

[Chavez] accused him of simply parroting the words of his aides without understanding the new policies that rely on heavy state intervention.

“I am convinced he has got no idea what’s going on,” said Chavez

Either way, yikes.