Issue:The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Read My Ears:

Specific: "... the only thing that Mr. Bush could do to change people's minds about him would be to travel across Europe and not say a single word - but just listen. If he did that, Mr. Bush would bowl the Europeans over. He would absolutely disarm and flummox people here - and improve his own image markedly. All it would take for him would be just a few words: 'Read my ears. I have come to Europe to listen, not to speak. I will give my Europe speech when I come home - after I've heard what you have to say.'"


Comment:
Logic and Reason - the words of Mr. Friedman sooth the soul by demonstrating Logic and Reason - two qualities that President Bush's passions (or fanaticism) destroy.

It is possible to integrate emotions with logic and reason. Mr. Friedman's suggestion is one of emotional intelligence. Mr. Bush's alcoholic past means that he cannot complete this integration.

Not because of a physical inability - simply because he was unable to control his drinking, means that he has difficulty integrating his feeling with reason. This is not partisan rhetoric. But it is reasoned.

The President cannot go to Europe and bite his tongue anymore than Terrell Owens can play all season and then sit out the Superbowl. It simply goes against their natures.

He won't do it - "He" being either one of them.

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