Tribute to Dear Leader, or, the poetic glory of the Bush dynasty

I missed this back in March. This is a poem which appeared in a Pakistani English textbook for 11th granders in 2004. It's called "The Leader". Notice that the first letters of each line spell out the name of a particular Leader.

Patient and steady with all he must bear,
Ready to meet every challenge with care,
Easy in manner, yet solid as steel,
Strong in his faith, refreshingly real.
Isn’t afraid to propose what is bold,
Doesn’t conform to the usual mold,
Eyes that have foresight, for hindsight won’t do,
Never backs down when he sees what is true,
Tells it all straight, and means it all too.
Going forward and knowing he’s right,
Even when doubted for why he would fight,
Over and over he makes his case clear,
Reaching to touch the ones who won’t hear.
Growing in strength, he won’t be unnerved,
Ever assuring he’ll stand by his word.
Wanting the world to join his firm stand,
Bracing for war, but praying for peace,
Using his power so evil will cease,
So much a leader and worthy of trust,
Here stands a man who will do what he must.

Harper's reported in March 2006, "Several Pakistani newspapers claimed the poem had been deliberately included in the book at the behest of President Pervez Musharraf in order to please President Bush."

I assume it was "Mission Accomplished".

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