What Has Bush Done For Conservatives Lately?

Accuracy In Media ^ | August 23, 2002 | Paul M. Weyrich

[Tailgunner Joe]

Recently, I did an interview with Focus on the Family in which I stated that pro-family conservatives are not motivated to vote in the upcoming elections in November 2002. While I stand by that statement - because it is true - I was contacted by a high level White House staffer who pointed out all the reasons he believes that pro-family conservatives should be motivated to get out there and support President Bush. Taken together, it is a pretty impressive list. I will mention some of the items on his list, but by no means all of them, for purposes of discussion.

First there is the passage of the tax cut and the effort to make it permanent. Then, there is the nomination of excellent judges and the defense of those nominees who are encountering opposition for partisan purposes. President Bush rejected the International Criminal Court. He got us out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and thus paved the way for a missile defense system. The Ashcroft Justice Department, directed by the President, opposed partial birth abortion in the Ohio case and opposed euthanasia in the Oregon case.

The President opposed human cloning and has pushed for the right legislation in the Congress to ban it. The President opposed taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research. The Justice Department has supported the correct view of the Second Amendment.

The President has pushed for energy independence. He signed the parsonage tax credit bill and the Born Alive Infant Protection bill, during which, at the signing ceremony, the President made the strongest pro-life statement coming out of the Oval Office in a couple of decades.

The President signed the Child Custody Protection Act. In the Prenatal Health Insurance Bill, he insisted that the definition of eligibility include the fetus. In the House he pushed for a welfare reform bill where marriage, work and the family are central.

The President rejected the United Nations Rights of the Child Treaty. He rejected funding for the United Nations Population Fund. He raised abstinence education funding to a record $300 million.

In addition, the President has praised single sex schools, highlighted the Boy Scouts, and condemned the Ninth Circuit Court's ruling removing "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.

My White House friend says that the whole demeanor and atmosphere in his place of work has changed. He is right about that. No more pot smoking, condom swinging, late night liaisons with teeny-boppers at the White House. It is a dignified place to work once again.

Now, in fairness, all of this has to be weighed against the sight of the president and Teddy Kennedy working together to pass the budget-busting education bill that threw out vouchers on day one. And there are liberal holdovers at the Justice Department and others departments pursuing policies that should be rejected by a conservative administration. Moreover, the administration seems to have a weakness toward homosexuals. Not only have there been a number of high level appointments, but the Justice Department, under the leadership of one of the heroes of the religious right, had a so called Gay Pride event. The President signed into law the so-called campaign reform law which has hurt the ability of every pro-family organization to explain to the voters the records of the Members of Congress or the positions of the challenger candidates. Then there is the huge agriculture subsidy bill that undoes most of the excellent "Freedom to Farm" reform effort of 1996, with most of the money going to big farm conglomerates, doing little for the family farm.

And now the Department of Health and Human Services has ruled that the government can share medical records with employers and insurance companies without your consent. And HHS is pushing a plan to deal with 9/11 type medical emergencies that all but does away with any remaining states' rights.

Again, I could go on. You will have to determine which list means the most to you.

But of the many good things the president has done, almost no one knows about them. I was speaking with some Midwest grass roots activists, who pride themselves on knowing what is going on. I read them the list from the White House staff member. They were shocked. They had heard of only about a quarter of the items mentioned. If folks like this haven't heard the good news, it is a lead pipe cinch that folks in the precincts know less.

If the Bush Administration expects to motivate voters for this fall, it had better learn to tell its story, short and sweet. One way that might be done would be for the president to cut a series of radio spots to be played in states where the stakes are high.

But what the heck, my advice on such things is never followed anyway.

[ohioWfan]

I would suggest you go back and reread my posts, and those I was replying to, and rethink your comments, trying to be as objective as your nastiness allows you to be, because you are completely and absolutely off base.

It's ironic that you accuse me of being 'shrill' when it was you who attacked my very decency based on total misinterpretation of what I was saying. Perhaps it was your own distaste for the President caused you to misread what I was saying, and your own lack of respect for the President that caused you at attack me for mine.

Respect. Dignity. Morality. Integrity. Honor. Ever heard of these things? I guess not.

[dcwusmc]

Actually I was making a rather broad statement, not necessarily directed at you. Nor was I at the time aware of your gender. I was, however, rather unhappy with you and your attacks on Uncle Bill and Miss American Pie. It seemed to me (and still does, for that matter) that you are somewhat over the top in your defense of the man, rather similar to but not unlike the "soccer moms" who defended the Clown. I was never able to completely figure out if it was that they were unable to cope when they saw through him or it was sheer jealousy of Monica. Nonetheless they seemed as aggressive in their defense of the indefensible as you do of Bush2.

So, for what it's worth, I did not mean to impugn your reputation. If you took it as a direct and personal thing, you were mistaken and I was not in the right to suggest it. Perhaps we can call it a truce... I firmly believe that you are wrong about Bush2 overall but his public morality is, indeed, impressive.

[WRhine]

I hope he doesn't tell his flock of true believers to "just put some ice on it" when they start to really see what's going on...

hehehe. No I doubt that would be GW's style. His style is convince the "true believers" that no matter how liberal he acts, no matter how much he concedes to the Democrats or give away in America's sovereignty, it is all part of a divinely inspired Brilliant Master Plan that is designed to screw the Democrats at a predetermined point and place in time...details of which will be released on a needs to know basis when appropriate.

[dcwusmc]

Yeah, that's what I keep hearing... the PLAN is being worked. I fear they are right... it's just that it's not the PLAN the devotees think it is. Nor will it be solely the DimoRats that get screwed...

I did have hopes that I was wrong when W was hired. Somehow I have the sinking feeling that I wasn't...

[WRhine]

Nor will it be solely the DimoRats that get screwed...

Yes, the Bush agenda seems to go WAY past that, particularly on immigration.

[ohioWfan]

Just for the record, I did not attack Miss American Pie. We have had many discussions before, and my telling her to "have a miserable life" was based on her pessimism, not any wish for her. I'm sure she knew that.

As for Uncle Bill, it was sarcasm, not an attack, because of his overkill, and arrogance. And he called me an idiot for it.

At any rate, thanks for the apology (it was one, wasn't it?) about impugning my character.

I appreciate the fact that you think I'm wrong about President Bush. I'd like you to wait and see how much has been accomplished for the Conservative cause at the end of his 8 years. IMO, it will be greater than in any recent President's administration, because he is willing to make small progress for the greater goal.

[Uncle Bill]

That's pretty good son, did I show you this?

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Bush's Spending

Federal domestic spending has grown more under President Bush than under any other administration in history, and more than under the administrations of Presidents Carter and Reagan combined - even after excluding the costs of the savings and loan bailout and net interest costs on the federal debt.

• Domestic spending rose a total of 17 percent after adjusting for inflation during the 12 years of the Carter and Reagan administrations.

• After only four years, domestic spending will have increased by 24.5 percent after adjusting for inflation under President Bush.

The Bush administration has also reversed the trend in domestic spending as a share of the national economy.

• Domestic spending under Reagan was cut from 14.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in fiscal 1981 to 12.2 percent in 1989.

• Under Bush, domestic spending has risen from 12.2 percent of GDP in 1989 to 14.6 percent in 1993.

• Current projections of the Office of Management and Budget call for domestic spending to remain well above 14 percent of GDP through fiscal 1997.

When domestic spending is compared with the rate of inflation:

• In eight years, domestic spending by the Reagan administration exceeded inflation by $58 billion.

• Through fiscal 1997, Bush's domestic spending will exceed inflation by $1.3 trillion - 22 times more than that of the Reagan administration.

Source: Scott A. Hodge and Robert Rector, "What George Bush Is Not Being Told about Federal Spending," Backgrounder No. 886, March 4, 1992, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4999, (202) 546-4400.

SOURCE

[Uncle Bill]

Bush Signs Emergency Spending Bill, Includes Help For NM

Bush Warns Democrats on Spending

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[wcbtinman]

"UNAPPEASEABLES, all of you."

No, we are just not willing to accept someone pissing on our leg and telling us it's raining.

[NMC EXP]

but I admire and respect the President as a brother in Christ, who is honorable and filled with integrity.

If your president is so "honorable and filled with integrity" why does he violate the oath he swore with his hand on a Bible to "uphold and defend the Constitution..."

That does not meet my definitions of honor and integrity or that of a good Christian.

Regards

J.R.

[Askel5]

The Rhinoceros is perfect. (But you knew that.)

Talk about your Theatre of the Absurd.

[ohioWfan]

Sorry, NMC, but it's God's definition of honor and integrity that matter.......not yours.....and you're pretty presumptious to assume that your personal opinions are truth .

btw, how interesting that you should refer to him as "your President" and not "our President," and very revealing about what kind of man (?) you are.

Are you no longer an American because you don't happen to like our President? Are you from another country by birth, or have you just abandoned your own because our President doesn't toe your line. Some patriotism.

[NMC EXP]

Sorry, NMC, but it's God's definition of honor and integrity that matter.......not yours.....and you're pretty presumptious to assume that your personal opinions are truth .

You call me presumptious because I point out that Bush dishonors a sacred oath and then you claim to know the opinion of God on the matter?

btw, how interesting that you should refer to him as "your President" and not "our President," and very revealing about what kind of man (?) you are.

Are you going to sic your husband on me as well?

Are you no longer an American because you don't happen to like our President? Are you from another country by birth...

Your jingoism is showing.

...or have you just abandoned your own because our President doesn't toe your line. Some patriotism.

I have rejected the dross of those whose "patriotism" is limited to the dogma of a political party. i.e. nothing matters but re-election. I have instead adopted the real metal that is strict adherance to the Constitution.

You and yours have already co-opted the term "conservative". You are welcome to "patriot" as well.

The term Constitutionist suits me quite well.

Regards

J.R.

[ohioWfan]

I didn't claim to know the opinion of God on the matter. My only claim was that yours was not the one that mattered. Read more carefully.

My husband has nothing to do with this discussion.

Jingoism.......you think you're pretty cute, don't you.

I am a patriot. I am a conservative, and I'm not interested in any further discussions with you, because your opinion is not worth my time.

When I had only been on FR for two months, you did me the honor of calling me nasty names and making inane accusations, because at that point, you already had a disdain for this fine President, and any respect for him was a cause for ridicule from you. I see you have not changed, since this thread is days old, and you sought me out to insult me.

Since that point, however, I have met hundreds of fine people and have a home here among fine loyal, Americans, and you are still nasty.

[Uncle Bill]

Worse Than Drunken Sailors

George W. Bush - You Can Trust Him - To Spend More Of Your Hard Earned Money Faster Than Any American Politician In American History

When Bush Is Seldom Resting From Signing Socialist Spending, Congress Can Always Be Counted On - U.S.S. PORK

Just for chuckles:

White House
"Milton Friedman has shown us that when government attempts to substitute its own judgments for the judgments of free people, the results are usually disastrous. In contrast to the free market's invisible hand, which improves the lives of people, the government's invisible foot tramples on people's hopes and destroys their dreams.

He has never claimed that free markets are perfect. Yet he has demonstrated that even an imperfect market produces better results than arrogant experts and grasping bureaucrats. But Milton Friedman does not object to government controls solely because they are ineffective. His deeper objectives flow from a moral framework. He has taught us that a free market system's main justification is its moral strength. Human freedom serves the cause of human dignity. Freedom rewards creativity and work, and you cannot reduce freedom in our economy without reducing freedom in our lives."

Meanwhile, Back On The Farm

Bush’s budget proposals call for spending increases that make Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Ford, and Nixon look like fiscal conservatives
"If Bush had been elected on the Socialist Party ticket, this is just about the kind of behavior we would expect (and yet the socialists would have been squeamish)."

Republicans and Democrats want to: "Secure America's Future." - God, Please, Help us

[Uncle Bill]

George Wanted To Spend $300 million, and, Have The Government Provide "Marriage Training."

The first course would be fiscal management for newly married couples.

HOW BIG IS THE GOVERNMENT'S DEBT? - $33.1 Trillion

It could be implemented at the state level.

States in Worst Fiscal Crisis in Decade

[Uncle Bill]

My Socialist Agenda - Hillary Clinton / Hillary, forget it, George W. Bush had already accomplished most of it.
Hillary, rainwater has been taken, air is still available.

Bush continues Clinton Agenda - "We have been building this for a long time."

George W. Bush - The Big Government Socialist With Compassion

The Socialist Will to Power

"Government ought to have a policy that helps people with a downpayment." - George W. Bush.

A downpayment. God help us.

Bush Ratifying Clinton’s Eco-Fascist Agenda

Could Al Gore Get Away With This?

Bush Pushes Homosexual Agenda

Bush In Bed With Homosexuals

Christians and conservatives have been Bush-whacked

Redirection of $34 million from UNFPA to USAID a 'stab in the back' - AMERICAN LIFE LEAGUE NEWSROOM

Bush Pushes Gore Plan For Orwellian Government

"Because Bush keeps his pants on, we are going to ignore any and all unconstitutional or liberal policies he may enact. We choose to support him irrespective of the facts and, furthermore, want you to stop sending us any more facts."

Contra Chavez: A socialist admires Bush

Republicans and Big Government - A Tradition

REAL AUDIO - Reagan Identifies "the problem"

DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN

GEORGE W. BUSH: CLINTON'S THIRD TERM ©

[Uncle Bill]

"Republicans and Democrats are in surprising agreement about what issues voters are considering"

Tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumber

Tweedledee or Tweedledum

If only I could get a downpayment

[Uncle Bill]

Isn't all this George W. Bush Limited government, small government, compassionate conservatism great?

Bush Urges Congress to Deliver on Prescription Drugs for Medicare

Bush administration has been "as bad, if not worse" than the Clinton administration when it comes to the transfer of sensitive technologies to the Communist China

Bush: A Democrat in Republican clothing - "he finds himself looking peculiarly like a Democrat -- and almost a New Deal Democrat at that" - The Washington Times

Walter Williams - Bush called for hundreds of millions of dollars to devise innovative ways to spy on Americans

[Uncle Bill]

Bush has been increasing real federal domestic expenditures by 8.7 percent per year, a faster rate of growth than under any previous president since John F. Kennedy.(2) Since 1989 Bush has also run up bigger deficits, both in dollars and as a percentage of GDP, than any other post-World War II president. If massive growth of government and multi-billion-dollar deficits were the solution to America's eco-nomic problems, the nation would be basking in unprecedented prosperity, and Bush would be widely acclaimed as an economic miracle worker.

Despite the fact that the Republicans control the White House, the House of Representatives, and 30 governorships, the nation is now in the midst of the biggest government spending spree since LBJ. Incredibly, the domestic social welfare budget has expanded more in just two years ($96 billion) under George W. Bush than in Bill Clinton's first six years in office ($51 billion).