Governing Hollywood Style

George W. Bush has performed another one of his Hollywood stunts, this time, on the tarmac of Baghdad International Airport, to give thanks to the troops on Thanksgiving.

According to the NY Times, ìNow, in a single day, Mr. Bush may have managed to supplant what has become the single most problematic image of him in this war: The picture of him swaggering across an aircraft carrier in front of a banner reading ëMission Accomplished.íî

The first stunt was a real bomb (no pun intended), but has George W. finally delivered a performance that will bring acclaim from the critics?

It was a moment fraught with imagery. Ronald Reaganís role as US President during the 1980s is beginning to pale in comparison to the artistry and sheer audacity of George W. Bush. Fortunately, too many people see through these laughable attempts to stage empty theatrics designed for political gain. When you have nothing of substance to say to the world, when you must lie to cover up failed policy, you turn to the tricks of media and illusion to deliver your message.

Governing Hollywood style can only go so far. Yet, with the Terminator now fully installed in Sacramento, is Americaís view of reality numbed if not entirely eradicated by the political suspension of disbelief?

Randall M. Packer
Secretary, US Department of Art & Technology