The price of a trendy president

Wedged between the glossy pages of the new Armani fragrance sample and a gripping article about the Hooters' airline flight attendants, GQ magazine's September issue printed an image more provocative than any fashion magazine has ever dared in history. It's a photo illustration of President Bush with a smart, new retro look. A halo crowning his long mane of hair and a shepherd's robe, photography artist Michael Elins -- with the help of modern computer software -- created an image of Bush dressed in a get-up only suitable for a Last Supper event. \nAlthough critics have crucified Elins for being both sacrilegious and disrespectful to Jesus Christ, perhaps GQ is onto Bush's newest trend. Besides, if J. Lo can don a Jackie O. dress on the red carpet, can't G.W. pull off a J.C.?\nGQ has preached the gospel of having versatility in one's style for ages, so it's clear that Bush is this magazine's poster boy. His style is one that welds Marlboro man ruggedness with Billy Graham Sunday-best. It's the marriage of two concepts that have transcended throughout the whole of this administration. GQ hasn't seen a riskier combination since vintage T's and suit jackets (see September's GQ, page 328). \nWhen the confrontation with terrorism began on Sept. 11, Americans craved leadership from the president to be fearless in the face of foes. David Guttmann, professor emeritus of psychology at Northwestern University, said Bush "bares important masculine stigmata: He is a Texan, he is not afraid of war and he sticks to his guns in the face of a worldwide storm of criticism." \nBush successfully wooed the confidence of Americans with his manly, take-charge attitude, but perhaps Guttmann's biblical allusion with the use of the word "stigmata" bares even more enlightenment on the many faces of Bush.\nAlthough it's a less conspicuous role, Bush is undoubtedly auditioning for the part as Savior. A few days following the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush described the war on terrorism as a "crusade." Guy Lawson, author of "George W.'s Personal Jesus," said it was a "misstatement -- or a revelation of true intentions -- of biblical proportions."\nSomeone should tell Bush that holy wars don't get holier just because the United States starts them. \nHere's a crude sketch how the "crusade" has played out in its expansion from Afghanistan to Iraq. First, the Shiites joined the American side. Then, the Sunnis struck back against the alliance. Along came some more aggressive Shiites, and they started killing the Shiites on the American side. In brief, the "crusade" to end holy wars has only created more terrorism. \nIt's amusing that GQ, a fashion magazine, is the only medium to question the president's seemingly religious motivations. Perhaps like most of the president's endeavors, religion is just another political accessory to maintain the support of his right-wing constituents. \n Although the magazine might have offended readers with its depiction of the president, the concept it suggests that America's salvation is in Bush's hands should be even more disturbing. Sure, Bush could marvel a crowd with a macho, million-dollar aircraft carrier landing just to announce that combat has "ceased," and America would happily foot the bill. But today, the price of a growing list of troop fatalities is too high of a cost to keep up with Bush's style. \nThe reason the president can't pull off his messiah image is because America can't afford it.