George Bush, in his latest effort to justify his war in Iraq, quoted Charles Dickens, who wrote his Christmas Carol during the, uh, Civil War apparently:

'And we remember the words of the Christmas carol, written during the Civil War: “God is not dead, nor (does) He sleep; the Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on Earth, good-will to men.”'

Sure, he can use any words he wants to inspire his flock, but I'm not sure I understand the Civil War connection. I mean, disregarding for a moment the fact that Dickens was British, A Christmas Carol was published in 1843 - the American Civil War came a bit later. And besides, if Bush was looking for a relevant Dickens quote, he could have at least chosen one about Americans. Like this one:

"I do not know the American gentleman, God forgive me for putting two such words together."

Yeah - Dickens visted America once. He didn't like it. He didn't think much of the American press, either:

"...while the newspaper press of America is in, or near, its present abject state, high moral improvement in that country is hopeless."

Geez. I'm glad those days are behind us.