The gap between Bush's optimism and reality

US President George W. Bush said 2005 was a year in which America grew more prosperous, advanced the cause of freedom abroad and enhanced its security at home. But the reality seems to be far from it.

In his New Year radio address, Bush lauded political developments in Iraq and Afghanistan and offered Americans reassurance that the progress was being made. He said Iraq held three successful elections and chose the only constitutional and democratic government in the Arab world. And in Afghanistan, people also elected a democratic parliament in a nation that only a few years ago was ruled by the Taliban.

"Our coalition is overcoming earlier setbacks and moving forward with a reconstruction plan to rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure," Bush said. "As we help Iraq build a peaceful and stable democracy, the United States will gain an ally in the war on terror, inspire reformers across the Middle East and make the American people more secure."

However, Bush didn't mention the great price America had paid. The US has spent $300 billion for the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is still burning money at a speed of $1 billion per week. Not long ago, the Congress allocated $50 billion for the Bush administration and in 2006, Bush will ask the congress to allocate another $80-100 billion for wars.

In addition, more than 2,000 American troops have died on a foreign land and 138 thousand soldiers couldn't go home for family reunion on the New Year. More importantly, Iraq hasn't got real peace and security. After the elections, terrorist bombings have never stopped and nearly 100 thousand Iraqi civilians lost their life in addition to the kidnapping of over 400 foreigners in Iraq over the past three years.

From London's subway to Bali's hotels, whoever has really felt the security? The US congress has extended the Patriot Act so that the customs and the government can continue to check people's telephone calls and emails, how can you say people's security and freedom are ensured?

In economy, Bush stressed the improvement of 4.1 percent in the third quarter of 2005 and it's hopeful to reach 4.3 percent for the whole year. Over the past two and a half years, America has created 4.5 million new jobs and the unemployment rate reached an admirable 5 percent by the Europeans. The president also applauded the house and Senate for voting before the holiday recess to cut mandatory spending by nearly $40 billion. But compared with the $7.9 trillion deficit, if something is not done to trim the benefit cost, the deficit will cast an ever-larger shadow for the future living standards of the Americans.

And if one examines carefully, Bush mainly cut the spending in social welfare of the poor people. Katrina period has shown the huge gap between the rich and the poor. During the Christmas, more and more poor people join the queue of waiting for free meal by the charity.

Compared Bush's address with reality, the conclusion seems to be not that optimistic in America's prosperity and security and freedom and peace abroad.

This comment by People's Daily senior editor Li Xuejiang is carried on the front page of People's Daily Overseas Edition, Jan. 2, and is translated by People's Daily Online.