Posted on 01/22/2004 7:07:09 AM PST by Wolfstar
ED. NOTE: On Tuesday evening, January 20, 2004, the President of the United States gave one of the most conservative State of the Union addresses in at least a generation. For a SOTU speech, it had a remarkably short spending wish list. Instead, it had passages such as those excerpted below — none of which would have been spoken by a Democrat or liberal (i.e., Leftist), or even a "RINO." Check it out:
[BEGIN EXCERPTS: Bold/underscore emphasis by Wolfstar]
Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 — over two years without an attack on American soil. And it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting — and false.
[SNIP]
The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell. Of the top 55 officials of the former regime, we have captured or killed 45. Our forces are on the offensive, leading over 1,600 patrols a day and conducting an average of 180 raids a week. We are dealing with these thugs in Iraq, just as surely as we dealt with Saddam Hussein's evil regime.
Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programs, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons.
[SNIP]
Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America.
Many of our troops are listening tonight. And I want you and your families to know: America is proud of you. And my administration, and this Congress, will give you the resources you need to fight and win the war on terror.
I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments. After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted and tried and convicted, and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. The terrorists were still training and plotting in other nations, and drawing up more ambitious plans. After the chaos and carnage of September the 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States, and war is what they got.
[SNIP]
Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands — (applause) — Norway, El Salvador, and the 17 other countries that have committed troops to Iraq. As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices.
From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support. There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations, and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country.
We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare. Yet it is mistaken, and condescending, to assume that whole cultures and great religions are incompatible with liberty and self-government. I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again.
[SNIP]
In the last three years, adversity has also revealed the fundamental strengths of the American economy. We have come through recession, and terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, and the uncertainties of war. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger.
You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty, begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes.
Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward. The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years; new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years; home ownership rates, the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise.
These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have — and you were right to return it.
[SNIP]
We're requiring higher standards [in schools]. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing.
[SNIP]
We must continue to pursue an aggressive, pro-growth economic agenda. Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire. Unless you act — (applause) — unless you act — unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged $300 more in federal taxes for every child. Unless you act, small businesses will pay higher taxes. Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent.
Our agenda for jobs and growth must help small business owners and employees with relief from needless federal regulation, and protect them from junk and frivolous lawsuits.
Consumers and businesses need reliable supplies of energy to make our economy run — so I urge you to pass legislation to modernize our electricity system, promote conservation, and make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
My administration is promoting free and fair trade to open up new markets for America's entrepreneurs and manufacturers and farmers — to create jobs for American workers. Younger workers should have the opportunity to build a nest egg by saving part of their Social Security taxes in a personal retirement account. We should make the Social Security system a source of ownership for the American people.
[SNIP]
In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years.
Tonight, I also ask you to reform our immigration laws so they reflect our values and benefit our economy.
[SNIP]
I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.
[ED. NOTE: The precedent for guest worker programs goes back at least to the Eisenhower administration.]
[SNIP]
In January of 2006, seniors can get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. For a monthly premium of about $35, most seniors who do not have that coverage today can expect to see their drug bills cut roughly in half. Under this reform, senior citizens will be able to keep their Medicare just as it is, or they can choose a Medicare plan that fits them best — just as you, as members of Congress, can choose an insurance plan that meets your needs. And starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money tax-free for their medical expenses in a health savings account.
[SNIP]
On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs.
[SNIP]
Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass association health plans. I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance.
[SNIP]
To protect the doctor-patient relationship, and keep good doctors doing good work, we must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. And tonight I propose that individuals who buy catastrophic health care coverage, as part of our new health savings accounts, be allowed to deduct 100 percent of the premiums from their taxes.
A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription. By keeping costs under control, expanding access, and helping more Americans afford coverage, we will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America's health care the best in the world.
[SNIP]
One of the worst decisions our children can make is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs. Our government is helping parents confront this problem with aggressive education, treatment, and law enforcement. Drug use in high school has declined by 11 percent over the last two years. Four hundred thousand fewer young people are using illegal drugs than in the year 2001.
[SNIP]
A strong America must also value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton. That statute protects marriage under federal law as a union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.
Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.
[SNIP]
It's also important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America's religious institutions. Religious charities of every creed are doing some of the most vital work in our country — mentoring children, feeding the hungry, taking the hand of the lonely. Yet government has often denied social service grants and contracts to these groups, just because they have a cross or a Star of David or a crescent on the wall. By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. Tonight I ask you to codify this into law, so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again.
[SNIP]
The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable — and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true.
[END EXCERPTS]
Yall like to sanctimoniously label your little selves "real" or "true" conservatives, when in fact, yall have different criteria.
I used to describe my politics as "conservative" but then yall put such an ugly face on conservatism that I'm HAPPY and PROUD to be called a RINO and a Bush-Bot.
No, but will God help a nation that rejects Him and disdains Him? Taken a look at the legal assault on Christianity lately in the good ole USA?
George Washington (inaugural and Farewell addresses), Ben Franklin (speech at Const. Convention 1787), and and the U.S. Congress in 1789 - all said that GOD won the Revolutionary War, not the military or General Washington. The founding fathers trusted in the God of the bible throughout that war - that is a historic fact, and when it was over, they proclaimed Fasting and Prayer and gave God the glory. Can you imagine the apoplexy today if Congress declared a day of fasting and prayer to the God of the bible?
America has turned from its Christian Heritage. Will God protect us? I don't know. He is merciful I know that. But I also know this: If God wants to judge this nation, there is nothing Bush or anyone else can do about it. Was 911 a judgment from God? Could be - I don't know - no one does. God used the Babylonians and Assyrians to punish Israel. Maybe it was a warning or wakeup call - I don't know.
It just surprised me coming from you.
The government's main job is to protect us, and God can use, and has used our military to protect us in the past, and in the future.
And I never said you couldn't be angry at some of the President's decisions. Of COURSE you can. Who hasn't been?
(Where did that come from?)
Well, that is awfully decent of you. So , which Democrat are you hoping will punish us back to our senses?
I do hope that you do not have the role of Charles.
Uh - hum. . .
Mild reminder. It was the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corp, and the U.S. Coast Guard that rousted Sadam from his hole.
Bush did the right and only option he had by counterattacking Islam. Any other choice would have spelled "open season" on any American citizen anywhere in the world, including the continental United States.
He had no choice but to attack. But he does have unprecedented latitude and options when it comes to ensuring the integrity and sovereignty of our southern border with Mexico.
His words over the past five years are not matching up with his actions . .
George Bush on immigration reform:
I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life
"This plan is not amnesty," the president said of his plan to match workers with jobs. "I oppose amnesty because it encourages violation of our laws."-President Bush 1/12/04
2000
"I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration." -President George W. Bush
1999
In his book , GWB wrote, "the most compassionate way to deal with illegals is to stop them at the border."
Richard W.
Oh.......and I apologize for 'baiting you' about that morality thing. I just recoil when someone accuses others of immorality because they have differing political opinions. But I still shouldn't have done that, so I apologize.
(btw, don't call me a Bushbot for this post. I readily admit that I admire and respect the man, and I'm not offended by the label).
What was posted on this sight were tons of posts by the fringers who posted just like Godebert. But come election day in 2000 there were 105 million people who voted. Only 1 million plus were right wing fringers like Godebert.
Here is how I see the electorate. In the last 60 years turn out has run between 50 and 58 percent of the registered voters. Only a little over half the registered voters vote in a presidential election.
Now what is the break out. About 17 percent of the registered voters are Republican and about 17 percent are democrats and about 17 percent are centrists. About 3 to 15 percent are fringe voters. There are always between 42 and 50 percent who do not vote.
You see the fringers on the left (Nader etc) and the Right (Reform, Libertarian)sometimes vote and sometimes they don't.
Follow me on this. In 1992 about 105 million people voted ant 19 million of them voted for Ross Perot.
Conventional wisdom says Perot took votes away from Bush 41. People say had Perot not been in the race Bush would have won. The numbers say that is not true.
Fast forward to 1996. That year 10 million fewer people voted. In 1996 only 95 million people voted. And guess what? Perot got 10 million fewer votes. So the big difference between 1992 and 1996 was 10 million fewer people voted and Perot got 10 million fewer votes.
Now go out and talk to all the Godeberts in the world. The first thing they tell you is they are going to vote for a fringe candidate like the Libertarian, or a Perot, or a Buchanan type to send a message to the Republican Candidate.
When you tell him that a vote for the Libertarian is a vote for the Democrat, he replies that there is no difference between the Republicans and Democrats. You try to point out how much more Bush will do for him than the Democrat. He tells you there is no difference between the major parties. Believe him. That is how he will vote if he does not vote for the fringe candidate. Let me prove it.
Lets look at 1988, 90 million people voted and Bush 41 won. Not even a million fringe party votes were cast. NOw fast forward to 2000. In the 2000 election 105 million people voted. Just like 105 million people who voted in 1992.
Hey if those Perot voters in 1992 were really Bush 41 voters if there was no Perot, then we should have a Bush 43 landslide in 2000 right? We had a tie vote in 2000. So who did those Perot Voters in 1992 and 1996 vote for in 2000.
They split their votes didn't they. Half voted for Bush 43 and half voted for Gore. When the fringers tell you they see no difference between the Democrats and Republicans they are not lying. It is hard to refute that in 1992 we had 105 million votes and Perot got 19 million. Then in 2009 we had 105 million votes and Bush and Gore tied. Hummm You tell me who the 1992 Perot voters voted for in 2000.
The truth is ohioWfan, people like Godebert don't have any effect on who gets elected president. They only do three things .. if there is a fringe candidate they like, they vote for the fringer. If the fringers vote for a major party candidate, half vote for the Republican and half for the Democrat. The third option as they did in 1988 is they don't vote at all.
One thing you can see from the study of actual returns. Fringers are not a factor. They have never elected a president and more importantly they have never defeated one either. People like Godebert are a total non factor.
If you want to help Dubya get elected go after the centrists. The centrist are not ideologues and do not vote for ideological reasons. They voted for Clinton in 1996 and they just about split down the middle for Bush and Gore in 2000. They are the voters that have elected every president since the modern era began.
ohioWFan, spend your time working on Centrists if you want to re-elect George W. Bush. The fringers are no factor. They are a giant waste of your time.
Will He be conservative enough, though?
Quote of the day. LOL!!
No, Time Out, go to your room, write (not keyboard) 2000 times "Anger is bad for Me". Come back & FReep when finished.
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