It's opposite day...

... and I'm too tired and lazy to come up with something of my own. Instead, I'll just step back and let the irony speak for itself. This is something I clipped from a speech in Vital Speeches, which got passed around at my former place of employment.

I don't remember the occasion, but here's George W. Bush on successful societies:

There are, however, essential principles common to every successful society, in every culture. Successful societies limit the power of the state and the power of the military - so that governments respond to the will of the people, and not the will of an elite. Successful societies protect freedom with the consistent and impartial rule of law, instead of selecting applying - selectively applying the law to punish political opponents. Successful societies allow room for healthy civic institutions - for political parties and labor unions and independent newspapers and broadcast media... They prohibit and punish official corruption, and invest in the health and education of their people. They recognize the rights of women. And instead of directing hatred and resentment against others, successful societies appeal to the hopes of their own people...

I'm assuming he read this off with a straight face.