President Atticus

This is garbage - Chris Matthews feels that George W. Bush comes off like Atticus Finch in his handling of the Dubai Port Deal. As I understand it, the only restraint Bush exhibited was through ignorance of the facts, that John Negroponte had developed this payoff for the sheiks of the Emirates.

Atticus Finch was selected as the number one hero in an American film. He is a quiet man who fights for the rights of the poor, no matter their color. Contrast this with Bush's rampant cronyism and sweet deals for the most wealthy. In To Kill a Mockingbird, he is practically coerced into shooting a rabid dog that threatens his neighborhood by the local sheriff, because Atticus is the best shot in town. His son and daughter are amazed to find this out, because he never bragged about it.

Atticus' example is gently, truly Christian without blaring the fact the way that Dubya does. In fact, when he gives his young son his first rifle,he warns his boy never to kill a mockingbird, because they are harmless and only bring us joy.

I can't imagine Atticus Finch telling his enemies to "Bring it on." I certainly can't see Atticus in a flight suit. Heckuva job, Tweety.