You teach? I teach: Computer-aged philosophy

In between sessions at the Crawford Community Center titled "Heidegger: Is being a Being really being?" President Bush popped back to the ranch, made a pot of Earl Grey and settled in to read Albert Camus' The Stranger. Reported press secretary Tony Snow after the fact: "He found it an interesting book and a quick read. I don't want to go too deep into it, but we discussed the origins of existentialism." (actual quote)

Now, I like The Stranger, and I think that's what's pissing me off. I don't like Bush. The merging of one thing I cherish with another that I abhor is disconcerting. Many are mocking Bush for reading a book many were required to read in high school (but probably didn't understand). Others are confused at the message his reading the book is sending. In it, without remorse, the character Meursault kills an Arab after a skirmish on the beach (the sun was in his eyes, cut him some slack). He's seen as cruel and inhuman by his peers and, after a quick and unfair trial, is sentenced to death. Maybe it's not the best foreign policy move at first glance, but if Bush actually takes seriously what he's reading, there might be more hope in store for us yet.

One would hope he'd consider the topics of free will, choice, the criminal justice system, perception versus reality, freedom, etc. An honest discussion of these, which usually leads to more confusion than clarity, is at least honest - a trait seemingly lacking from most discussions around W. I wonder what he thought of the book? Is this a ploy to make him look smarter? Or did he appreciate Camus?

One MSNBC writer wrote:

For a man whose defining philosophy during his tenure has been a policy of pre-emptive action against terror threats, his interest in a philosophy emphasizing that meaning is not provided by the natural order but can be created by human action, seems apt.

Is that true? If it is, maybe that's what's upsetting me so ... Do we actually like the same thing? This could be my own Existential breakdown. Darn you, Bush.

I've gotta agree with others out there: I want a book report.