Most people who know me would tell you that I'm not President George W. Bush's biggest fan.

Actually, it's unlikely a single person I've come into contact with over the last five years is unaware of my feelings toward "W." My cynical reactions to any Bush quote/policy/mistake are fairly obvious, I verbally criticize the man at a rate comparable to that with which he commits verbal gaffes, and the number of times I've chastised him in my articles borders on incalculable.

To be frank, there is almost nothing about this presidency that I do not abhor. From its extreme secrecy to its imperial power to its constant spin to its major corporate influences to its neglect of anyone who is less than super wealthy, nearly every aspect of this administration sickens me.

And yet, in a freak incident, I was recently forced to do the unthinkable: take a stance of supporting George W. Bush.

Last week, as the public learned that a company based in United Arab Emirates was going to take control of several U.S. ports, George Bush began to take major heat for allowing such an acquisition to take place. In making his decision, the president apparently adhered solely to his belief in the righteousness of laissez faire capitalism.

Now, allow me to first point out that a.) I am as skeptical as anyone about U.S. ports being ceded to a company whose home country contains a populace as hostile toward Americans as U.A.E.'s and that b.) I am ardently opposed to Bush's blind faith in the free market. In fact, overall, I believe that the president's decision to allow the port transaction was ill-advised and potentially dangerous.

With that said, it is time to extend rare praise to George W. Bush. While I oppose the president's decision, I feel compelled to laud him for making it.

In allowing Dubai Ports World (the U.A.E. company poised to acquire U.S. ports) to make this purchase, George W. Bush is sticking to his guns. Although stubbornly resisting compromise is nothing new for this administration, this particular instance is unique.

The President is simultaneously upsetting his party, infuriating the American public and giving Democrats new ammunition in an important election year — all in the name of principle. His decision has the potential to mortally wound an already unpopular administration. Essentially, Bush has nothing to gain from his choice. Regardless, he is apparently so dedicated to his capitalist values that he is unwilling to waver in a stand which could prove to be his demise.

As hard as it is to commend a man whom I believe to be one of the worst things ever to happen to this country, the commendation must be made.

Politics is a sleazy business. Seeing a career politician stand on principle in the face of almost universal disapproval is perhaps the rarest spectacle on the planet. Anytime this phenomenon occurs, I feel a certain amount of respect must be paid, regardless of said phenomenon's misguidance.

In a few days, I'll go back to bitching about the cancer on American society that is this administration, but, for a moment, I am stopping to tip my hat to the president.

The coming weeks will prove whether George Bush's bold decision will have a massive impact on the political scene. Perhaps Bush will prematurely gain "lame duck" status resulting from his controversial stand. Perhaps Dubai Ports World will quietly take possession of U.S. ports while a forgetful American public looks on. But regardless of his decision's consequences, the President has, for a second, gained my admiration.

So, here's to you, George W. Bush; you have finally done something praiseworthy.

And, by the way, don't get me wrong — although I am forced to extend him due congratulations for making his decision, I still hope this debacle brings "W" down.

Rob Rossmeissl ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in journalism and political science.