Bush-Bashing Conservatives Should Focus on the Big Picture

GOPUSA.com ^ | Januray.26,2004 | Bobby Eberle

[Reagan Man]

The 2004 campaign season is well at hand. Following the dramatic turn-around from earlier polling results, the strong showing by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John Edwards (D-NC) has brought renewed focus by the media on the possibilities of President Bush not only facing formidable opposition, but also losing his bid for reelection. A newly released Newsweek poll shows Kerry defeating President Bush if the election were held today. Of course, the poll is meaningless in the sense that President Bush has not yet begun to campaign, but it does add fuel to the fire that 2004 could be as close as the historic elections of 2000. With that in mind, it's time for conservatives across the country to focus on the big picture and realize that a Bush loss is far worse than a Bush victory.

The Newsweek poll garnering so much media attention shows Sen. Kerry defeating President Bush by 49%-46%. The result is understandable considering the endless attacks on President Bush by the Democrats challenging him for the White House. These attacks, levied during debates, stump speeches, and television commercials have largely gone unanswered by the president or the Republican Party. If the public is only getting one side of the story, then there should be no surprise when the president's numbers head south. The true test of public opinion will come once President Bush begins his campaign and America hears both sides of the story. Of course, the ultimate public opinion poll will be the 2004 presidential election itself.

In addition to the hits being taken by the president from the Democrats, President Bush has also sustained damage from those on his side of the political aisle: Republicans and conservatives who vote Republican. The anger expressed by conservatives toward President Bush is primarily focused on two issues: border security/immigration and federal spending.

President Bush's recent announcement of a "temporary worker" program has drawn harsh criticism from conservatives across the country. The volume of feedback I have received on this issue has been almost unanimously one-sided and in opposition to the president's plan -- a plan which conservatives feel is synonymous with "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. Under the Bush plan, illegal immigrants could apply for a 3-year temporary worker designation which would grant them legal status to remain in the U.S. provided they have employment or have a job waiting for them. In addition to the illegal immigrant being allowed to gain the benefits of residency in America, the worker's family would also be allowed to join the worker inside the U.S.

The other "stick in the eye" for conservatives is the massive increases in federal spending which have occurred over the past three years. Increases in the rate of growth of non-defense, discretionary spending in the current Bush administration are double that of the Clinton administration. Republicans have gone on a spending spree, and there appears to be no end in sight. Despite the fact that smaller, limited government is one of the tenets of conservative, Republican philosophy, congressional Republicans have shown over the last several years that they can spend with the best of them. To President Bush's credit, the budgets presented to the Congress by the administration have included modest increases in non-defense, discretionary spending by most observations. However, the budgets returned to the president for final approval have shown no restraint and are loaded with excess pork.

As a conservative, I share the philosophical concerns of friends and colleagues. Following the events of September 11, 2001, border security should be of the utmost concern, and promoting programs that not only potentially weaken security but also reward illegal behavior is just plain wrong. In addition, one of my core beliefs in which I identify myself as a conservative and as a Republican is my belief in smaller, limited government. If one of our core values is no longer being observed by our elected officials, then feelings of anger and betrayal are understandable and justified.

The key question going into the 2004 presidential election is "What is a conservative to do?"

The answer to this question is simple: conservatives must wake up and smell the coffee. The best choice for conservatives; the best candidate to advance our agenda; and the best person in which to put our hope and faith is President George W. Bush.

On the two previously mentioned issues of immigration policy and federal spending, conservatives only need to look at the alternatives to see that President Bush is the right person for the job. Regarding immigration policy, if Sen. Kerry were to become America's next president, there would be no need to debate the merits of granting legal status to a portion of illegal immigrants, because wide spread amnesty would be the policy of choice. Both Kerry and Edwards favor amnesty for illegal immigrants and would open the flood gates on America's already porous borders. According to campaign information, both Kerry and Edwards favor legalizing the status of illegal immigrants who have worked in the U.S. for a certain period of time.

The best hope for the immigration issue and border security is for conservatives to work diligently for President Bush's reelection and to demand sensible immigration reform from members of Congress. The real work on immigration will be done in Congress. Conservatives must push for meaningful reform, while working to ensure that the candidate who most closely shares our views wins in November. That person is President George W. Bush.

In regards to federal spending, one can only imagine the budgets that would be submitted by Kerry, Edwards, or Dean. A score card of liberal votes in Congress maintained by Americans for Democratic Action shows that Sen. Kerry actually has a more liberal voting record (93%-88%) than his Massachusetts counterpart: Sen. Ted Kennedy. Thus, a Kerry presidency means spending restraint by the Executive Branch goes right out the window. Conservatives have a right to be angry over spending, but the way to fight for our cause is to demand that our Republican legislators trim the pork. It is also up to us to push for presidential leadership in this area. We should support President Bush in his call for fiscal responsibility. We should also call on the president to unleash his veto pen if fiscal responsibility is not what he gets.

Much has been written in recent weeks in op-eds, letters to the editor, Internet discussion boards, and so on regarding conservative dissatisfaction with the current administration. The Bush administration should listen to their concerns, and the conservative community should work for positive solutions. Staying home on Election Day is not the answer. Voting for a third party candidate is not the answer. Writing in a protest vote is not the answer. Had just a small percentage of liberal voters stood with Al Gore in Florida rather than voting for Ralph Nader, the entire outcome of the 2000 presidential election could have been different. Conservatives cannot stay home in November. We must be on the ground working for President Bush and advancing our agenda in the process.

The conservative movement needs a voice, and it needs a leader. President Bush is that leader, and he has stood by conservatives on many of the issues we hold dear. The president is a stalwart on life issues and has been unwavering in his support of a ban on partial birth abortions. The president has been equally strong in putting forward judicial nominees who respect the Constitution and who will not legislate from the bench. The president is a leader in the war on terror, and I can think of no one better suited to occupy the oval office in this time of turmoil. The best way to fight for the conservative agenda is to fight for the reelection of President George W. Bush.

---

Bobby Eberle is President and CEO of GOPUSA (www.GOPUSA.com), a news, information, and commentary company based in Houston, TX. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Rice University.

[Capitalist Eric]

If having the threat of being deported by a surprise INS raid hanging over your head like a sword of Damocles isn't a stick, or if being unable to get a credit card or a home loan ...

Ahh... I get it, now... So it wasn't a stick before, but somehow- magically- it will be NOW???

You can't be that naive....

[Southack]

"Ahh... I get it, now... So it wasn't a stick before, but somehow- magically- it will be NOW??? You can't be that naive...."

No, apparently you still don't get it. INS raids were always a "stick," but in the past there was no carrot. Turning yourself in back in the past simply got you deported, the same result as if you waited for the inevitable INS raid. So they waited.

But it is Bush's immigration plan that offers them the carrot worthy of enticing illegals to accept the plea bargain, register, and pay their fines.

Sure, the carrot alone might do it. Or the stick alone could do it.

But the carrot *and* the stick offer far better odds of finally working.

[ohioWfan]

My husband and I have written and called our Congressman, our Senators, and the White House when we were displeased with their lack of Conservatism, or wanted to express our Conservative opinion.

We're good citizens of a great country, and value our freedom to dissent.

And you?? Are you a good citizen as well, working in positive ways to improve the culture and well being of this nation, as we are?

[skip2myloo]

The threat of INS raids hardly hangs over the heads of illegal aliens like the sword of Damocles.

Alas, I wish it did.

The truth is, they are as rare as proverbial hens' teeth.

Frequent FR threads highlight INS lack of interest in pursuing illegal aliens. One recent thread discussed masses of illegal aliens rushing to North Carolina last week to get drivers licenses before tougher documentation for legal status was implemented. One jurisdiction had 14 illegal aliens in jail, INS would not come get them.

Not much of a threat at all -- the norm is inaction.

[skip2myloo]

I know, you've got nothing to hide, so its OK if they listen to you if they have concerns about foreign agents.

Right ??

We may as well stop - we will not change each other's opinion.

[Southack]

"The threat of INS raids hardly hangs over the heads of illegal aliens like the sword of Damocles. Alas, I wish it did. The truth is, they are as rare as proverbial hens' teeth."

Searched the web for INS raid.

Results 1 - 10 of about 125,000. Search took 0.20 seconds.

I-9 Enforcement -- Meatpacker's managers arrested in INS raid
... of California. 12/6/00 News Report -- The Omaha World-Herald Meatpacker's
managers arrested in INS raid by Cindy Gonzalez. In an unprecedented ...
are.berkeley.edu/APMP/pubs/i9news/ managersarrested120600.html - 10k - Cached - Similar pages

wfn.org | INS raids threaten basic freedoms of all, new study ...
... do not hesitate to use INS raids against workers involved in a union organizing
drive or seeking to negotiate a union contract." She recalled a raid at one ...
www.wfn.org/1998/10/msg00134.html - 11k - Cached - Similar pages

UFCW | INS Raid on Omaha MeatPacking Plant(12/6)
you are here: Home » Press Room » Press Releases 2000 » INS Raid on
Omaha MeatPacking Plant(12/6). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2000, ...
www.ufcw.org/press_room/press_releases_2000/ raidonomahaplant.cfm - 17k - Cached - Similar pages

rediff.com US edition: Census officials upset by INS raid
INS raid upsets Census officials. ... But a raid conducted by INS in Arizona and the
arrest of 140 illegal immigrants early this week has upset Census officials. ...
www.rediff.com/us/2000/mar/21us1.htm - 11k - Cached - Similar pages

Immigrant workers rounded up in Detroit INS raids
... Following the arrests John Dam, supervisory special agent for the Detroit District
Office of the INS, said, the raid "makes approximately $1 million in ...
www.wsws.org/news/1998/nov1998/ins-n18.shtml - 17k - Cached - Similar pages

CNN Transcript - Reliable Sources: Was Coverage of the INS Raid ...
... Reliable Sources. Was Coverage of the INS Raid Fair or Inflammatory?
Aired April 22, 2000 - 6:30 pm ET THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. ...
www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0004/22/rs.00.html - 51k - Cached - Similar pages

November Archives: Goshen, Indiana: Public Vigil Challenges INS ...
... GOSHEN, INDIANA -- Approximately 65 people vigiled today at the Goshen Courthouse
to decry the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) raid on a Syracuse ...
www.cpt.org/archives/1997/nov97/0010.html - 4k - Cached - Similar pages

The Enterprise Newspapers - Fake green cards seized in INS raid in ...
Fake green cards seized in INS raid in Shoreline By Shannon Sessions Lynnwood
/ Mountlake Terrace Enterprise editor A seizure in Mountlake Terrace and ...
www.enterprisenewspapers.com/archive/ 2002/9/20/20029191548296.cfm - 38k - Cached - Similar pages

NCM: Fear Arises in Response to Alleged INS Raids
... Fear Arises in Response to Alleged INS Raids. Vida en el Valle, Daniel
Rodriguez, Aug 01, 2002. VISALIA -- General doctor visits which ...
news.ncmonline.com/ news/view_article.html?article_id=823 - 23k - Cached - Similar pages

The Progressive: The INS raids airport kitchens. (Forced Departure ...
... The INS raid was part of Operation Tarmac, the federal government's
big push to make airports safe after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. ...
www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m1295/ 2_67/97910067/p1/article.jhtml - 14k - Cached - Similar pages

Marxism message, On the Walmart INS raid
... On the Walmart INS raid. To: marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Subject: On the
Walmart INS raid; From: Jon Flanders <jonathan.flanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>; ...
archives.econ.utah.edu/archives/ marxism/2003w42/msg00191.htm - 13k - Cached - Similar pages

deseretnews.com | Provo INS raid sparks ire
... Provo INS raid sparks ire Friends, family say workers didn't get to show citizenship ... I
think this is strictly an INS raid trying to flex their muscle.". ...
deseretnews.com/dn/view/1,1249,460030017,00.html - 15k - Cached - Similar pages

H-1B Concerns in view of 2000 INS Raid
... The raid appears to have been unwarranted; if the INS was so concerned about the
problem, it should have gone directly to the employer because this is an ...
ingber-aronson.com/archive/H1B%20concerns.html - 12k - Cached - Similar pages

MetroActive News & Issues | Windsor INS Raids
... from Pueblos Unidos, the ACLU, and Amnesty International, told Cedarholm what
they considered the worst part about the INS raid: the participation of two ...
www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/ 11.19.98/ins-raids-9846.html - 14k - Cached - Similar pages

Images from INS Raid to Seize Elian Gonzalez
... Images from INS Raid to Seize Elian Gonzalez. Crowd Gathers Around House Immediately
After Raid Donato Dalrymple Talks of Guns Pointed at Him and Elian. ...
www.newsmax.com/articles/?a=2000/4/22/90656 - 20k - Cached - Similar pages

[nukkad] Facts on INS Raid at Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX
... [Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread
Index] [nukkad] Facts on INS Raid at Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX. ...
www.mumbai-central.com/nukkad/jan2000/msg00125.html - 19k - Cached - Similar pages

High Country News -- February 3, 1997: INS raid leads to lawsuit
High Country News -- February 3, 1997: INS raid leads to lawsuit: Three people
who claim they were mistreated in an immigration raid in Jackson, Wyo., are ...
www.hcn.org/servlets/hcn.Article?article_id=3045 - 101k - Cached - Similar pages

"Resettling the West" transcript: 1996 INS Raid in Jackson
Resettling the West. Segment: 1996 INS Raid in Jackson. Song: "The
INS wants to get rid of the entire Latino race. They search for ...
focuswest.org/latino/transcripts/insraid.htm - 4k - Cached - Similar pages

Marxism message, Re: On the Walmart INS raid
... Re: On the Walmart INS raid. To: marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Subject: Re:
On the Walmart INS raid; From: Andy Coates <esquincle@xxxxxxxxxxx>; ...
archives.econ.utah.edu/archives/ marxism/2003w43/msg00089.htm - 7k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from archives.econ.utah.edu ]

Attorney Murthy : Update on INS Raid in San Antonio, Texas
Update on INS Raid in San Antonio, Texas We have recently received some
much awaited good news on the INS raid at San Antonio, Texas. ...
www.murthy.com/UDuirsat.html - 15k - Cached - Similar pages

An INS raid on January 21, 2000 resulted in the seizure of over ...
... An INS raid on January 21, 2000 resulted in the seizure of over one million
fake documents, including Social Security cards and driver's licenses. ...
www.migrationint.com.au/news/glasgow/feb_2000-02mn.asp - 27k - Cached - Similar pages

Townhall.com: Conservative Columnists: Linda Bowles
Linda Bowles (archive). April 25, 2000. Justifying the INS raid.
We have it on good authority that the pre-dawn, paramilitary raid ...
www.townhall.com/columnists/lindabowles/lb000425.shtml - 34k - Cached - Similar pages

INS raid finds 132 Chinese on ship
Savannah Now. INS raid finds 132 Chinese on ship. ...
www.savannahnow.com/features/aliens/ - 2k - Cached - Similar pages

INS RAID AT MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL DRAWS SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ...
< back. INS RAID AT MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL DRAWS SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED
WORKERS. The INS arrested eight housekeepers at a Holiday Inn ...
www.visalaw.com/99nov/37nov99.html - 20k - Cached - Similar pages

Why War? FBI, INS Raid Jewelry Stores
... FBI, INS Raid Jewelry Stores. ...
www.why-war.com/news/2002/07/08/fbiinsra.html - 15k - Cached - Similar pages

Nation's Restaurant News: FBI, INS raid China Cafe chain in bust ...
You are Here: Articles > Nation's Restaurant News > April 2, 2001 > Article.
FBI, INS raid China Cafe chain in bust of alleged alien ring. ...
www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3190/ 14_35/72986845/p1/article.jhtml - 13k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from www.findarticles.com ]

DodgeGlobe: The Dodge City Daily Globe - FBI and INS raid dozens ...
... FBI and INS raid dozens of jewelry stores in search for terrorist financiers,
immigration violators By Christopher Newton Associated Press Writer. ...
www.dodgeglobe.com/stories/070902/ nat_jewelryraid.shtml - 33k - Cached - Similar pages

[MissAmericanPie]

Well if you guarantee it then I must be wrong.

[skip2myloo]

26 articles since 1996, in 8 years ??

And there are 8-13 million illegal aliens in this country?? You use that as an example of the Sword of Damocles ??

The very first article says the I-9 INS raid was unprecedented.

The INS could conduct 26 raids a day here in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and not make a dent in the illegal immigrant population. And not just Latinos, there are plenty of Asians, Europeans, Africans, Middle Easterners and every other persuasion you can think of to round up here. The INS could go to any restaurant, any cab company any construction site, any landscaping site, in fact any federal government building where they work as cleaning crews, and a host of other traditional small businesses to round up thousands daily.

The fact they would be overwhelmed by an earnest effort is irrelevant -- they don't make any effort.

The INS doesn't even go after the dangerous gangs. There is a gang shooting in this area almost daily, usually resulting in a least one death. And that's every single day of the year !!

You're welcome to do a search on that statistic too.

Finally, I'm married to a Latina, I speak Spanish, and I can assure you without reservation - to the Latino community, the INS is a joke, a passing nuisance at worst.

[ohioWfan]

You wanna 'splain?

You being cutesy, or just being nasty?

I'm trying to keep respecting you here MAP, but you're making it VERY hard.........

[skip2myloo]

Old joke.

Will you respect me in the morning ??

I doubt it, I don't respect you right now :-)

What's going on here, I thought you two had been getting along pretty well, up to now !!

Can't we all just get along ??

[ohioWfan]

Similar to the old joke......."Will I be able to play the violin after this surgery, Doc?"

Doctor says yes, and patient says, "Good, I wasn't able to play it before."Waiting for an answer from MAP for her slam on both my character, and the character of a whole lot of fellow freepers.

I don't like being called a liar.......but I'm guessing she won't apologize.

btw, in all your political posturing, don't forget 9/11, OK?

We need President Bush to fight this War on Terror. We need him as our Commander in Chief.

Don't forget that.

[ohioWfan]

Oops. Proofread, ohio........

[ohioWfan]

Oh, hey.......is that 'loo' in your screenname used in it's British connotation, and do you really skip there? :o)

[MissAmericanPie]

No, not cutsey or nassy, just worn out dealing with this hunk of junk computer that freezes and has to be restarted every ten mins. Never by a Dell.

I just had a repairman here to fix the central heat which isn't working, he was mad to be made to stay at work late, rushed the job, now I have electricity arcing, snapping and popping. I was afraid to touch the thermostat but did anyway to cut the unit off. Now they have to come back out.

Not my best day so I best sign off.

[ohioWfan]

Holy cow! Can you get out of the house??

It sounds like it might be dangerous for you to be there.....

btw, I'm glad I have a Compaq! :o)

You take care, OK?

[Capitalist Eric]

And you?? Are you a good citizen as well, working in positive ways to improve the culture and well being of this nation, as we are?

I've sent hundreds of letters. I have a stack of form-letters from various politicians, including Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, and even one from John McCain... (The replies of the House of Reps, I toss in the garbage.)

They're pretty much the same:
"Thanks for your input, we appreciate our constituents, and we'll do what we think is best."
Translation: "Piss off, we can't be bothered to listen to you."

Playing the game doesn't work, when the game is rigged.

[skip2myloo]

Good story.

Yes, I've bashed Bush -- but, I've said all along, based on what I know today, I'm gonna vote for him again.

Bush is a far sight better than any of the Democrats who will be that party's ultimate nominee.

And there's no chance a third party candidate can win.

We also need to give Dubya a Senate with 60 loyal supporters. He would be a lot more conservative (I hope), if he didn't have to worry about Senate rules for a super majority.

And there are some liberals and RINOs in the House that need new jobs, in the civilain sector.

I'm most upset with him over CFR - and I want to see him back off FTAA, its much worse than Kyoto.

Lastly, we need to focus on growing good conservative candidates for '08 and '12 and beyond.

We've got a 100 years of liberal encroachment to repair, it'll take awhile.

[skip2myloo]

yup, and frequently

[ohioWfan]

HA! I LOVE it!

You take care, skip. :o)

[Capitalist Eric]

No, apparently you still don't get it.

Actually...? I do get it... I understand all of your points, your arguments, and your rationalizations for your position. And clearly, you are not capable of rational thought, with regard to this subject. I have been patient with you, pointing out the errors in your points, asking for clarification, honestly trying to get you to "get real" about this... And simply put, it's beyond you... Oh, well.

Your position boils down to this: You think there's some grand scheme by which everyone will be happy, tax-paying, law-abiding citizens... (And, Capitalist Eric, it's really too sophisticated for someone of your limited intellectual prowess...)

But the reality of this debate is far more simple: Bush proposes to abandon his responsibilities, trash the rule of law, violate the trust and faith of the people he was elected to serve, and destroy any vestiges of sovereignty that the USA still has left, all to pander to people who won't vote for him anyway... And contrary to your smug demeanor, it is you who still doesn't get it. That's why- regardless of your illogical, idealistic interpretation of this abomination that Bush proposes- 87% of the electorate is smarter than you, and sees this for what it is.

We get it... You don't.