Democrats have had a field day criticizing President George W. Bush.

It is almost a hatred they have had for Bush and they haven’t let up in expressing their bitterness in their efforts to weaken his presidency. They make fun of him whenever they can, and yet he was able to maintain his composure and not resort to name-calling and assigning ugly classifications to those who opposed his legislative agenda.

This nation paused Friday to remember the vicious and deadly attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of a hijacked plane in a Pennsylvania farm field on 9/11.

For a relatively brief period of time afterward, the nation was united. There were all kinds of displays and actions showing the spirit of America and the commitment to make sure similar attacks would never happen again on American soil.

For a time, Bush enjoyed the highest public approval ratings of any U.S. president in history. But it didn’t last long. His critics thought he and his advisers were imposing too many limitations on “freedoms” of Americans. Bush called for crackdowns on many fronts and enlisted the help of those in England and other friendly nations. Little things like inspecting airline passengers and luggage, or listening in on phone calls of suspected individuals angered many and this anger grew stronger each year.

But as was pointed out time and again at Friday’s remembrances, this country has not been attacked since 9/11.

During the ceremonies commemorating the crash into the Pentagon, news network announcers thought a U.S. Coast Guard boat patrolling the Potomac River fired on another vessel cruising the river. No such action occurred. This took place only a short distance from the Pentagon.

Gen. Richard Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was interviewed and asked if he had any idea of what could have happened and whether it was possible someone in a boat may have been trying to commit a deadly action.

The general said he didn’t know what might have happened, but pointed out that prior to 9/11 and the creation of the Homeland Security agency there would not have been any security patrolling the Potomac only a short distance from the White House and the Pentagon, or all other ports and major rivers in America.

Prior to 9/11, this country was naked for attacks with little awareness or appreciation of the seriousness and commitment of those who hate the United States and will do whatever they can to kill Americans.

This hatred has been building for years. It didn’t start with Bush, but when this nation was attacked he didn’t hesitate to take what he thought were the necessary actions to protect American citizens. He also made a pledge to hunt down and destroy those responsible for the attacks.

The united feeling among all Americans faded as 9/11 faded over time. Growing numbers of Bush critics engaged in a constant campaign to criticize the president for his actions, policies and laws intended to minimize the chances for more attacks.

Now we have officials in Washington who have said those in President Barack Obama’s administration are not to use the terms “war” or “terrorists” when referring to conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.

Be that as it may, the fact is Bush and those in his administration and many Democrat and most Republican members of Congress called for and approved measures which have made this country much safer.

However, it would and could be a deadly mistake to let up or weaken these measures. The world has changed and there are many who want to destroy this country in one way or another. Some by non-military means but which would weaken this country from within.

At least for a short time Friday, Americans should have recognized and appreciated the actions taken by Bush to protect this country. This isn’t going to change the feelings of Bush haters but it should shed some light on the shallowness, bitterness and meanness of some of these critics, as well as those who want to blame Bush for all the trouble this nation faces today.