From President Bush’s faith-based initiative-oriented “Remarks by the President in a Conversation on Compassion”, Cincinnati, Ohio, June 21, 2004:
I know that many a good soul makes a mistake in their life and ends up in prison. And it seems to make sense to me to spend taxpayers’ money to help these prisoners realize a better tomorrow when they get out of prison, give them a second chance. And I want that second chance to be done not only in kind of the traditional way, but also through faith–based and community–based programs. I mean, I can’t–frankly, can’t think of a better reentry program for somebody to be there with open arms saying, I love you, no matter what you may have done in the past. I want you to succeed, and here–and we’re here to help.
If the White House’s Office of the Press Secretary has the gall to call this speech a series of “Remarks by the President in a Conversation on Compassion”, what, then, does the local Ohio media have to say on the matter? Let’s check in with the Cincinnati Enquirer:
“Bush praises power of love”
Well, now that the Enquirer mentions it, the President’s speech on rehabilitating prisoners does bear a very, very loose metaphorical resemblance to Celine Dion’s lyrics:
‘Cause I am your lady/And you are my man/Whenever you reach for me/I’ll do all that I can
We’re heading for something/Somewhere I’ve never been/Sometimes I am frightened/But I’m ready to learn/Of the power of love
Ah, prison jokes! Truly the lowest common denominator of humor. Well, that and films about Dodgeball.