Thanks, Rapaire, that explanation makes perfect sense. I thought the term "desertion" seemed wrong but couldn't put my finger on it.

Cruiser, I believe that people can make mistakes, even big ones, and learn from them and become better, wiser people. Some folks do that by getting religion -- and if you are Christian, you MUST believe in forgiveness and fresh starts, or you're not Christian.

That aside, I don't see that Bush's self-proclaimed change via Christianity is born out by his actions. I don't think he's learned from his mistakes because like most spoiled rich kids, he's never needed to. (Some do anyway -- that's character in action.)

So while I agree with your assessment of his character, I don't think that drug use or other ghosts from the past necessarily preclude someone from being a good and reponsible person NOW.