So you think George W. Bush is not a conservative?

SOTU transcript ^ | 1/22/04

[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]

[zook]

"Who is "we"? Do you have a mouse in your pocket? I'm still here! I always say that it's better to give a resentment than get one. Enjoy yours!"

If people knew what you were talking about, you might have a point.

[skip2myloo]

It sure is looking that way.

How our adherence and allegiance to those principles expressed in our Declaration of Independence and in our U.S. Constitution have come to be characterized as reactionary and radical conservatism is a bizarre example of Orwellian doublespeak.

To us, obedience to the rule of law shouldn’t provide wide latitude for interpretation at all; much less complete reinvention based on whatever notion is politically correct from time-to-time. We understand who the “people” are, and we understand the meaning of “Congress shall make no law…”

To most of us, what is right and what is wrong are relatively easily differentiated. Coupled with our unalienable Constitutional freedoms, we believe free enterprise and capitalism in the hands of a dynamic and naturally industrious people have assured our success as a nation.

I believe a lot of hardworking folks out there in flyover country, who think they're Democrats feel exactly the same way.

The Republicans ought to be exploiting them by appealing to their fundamental instincts as Americans.

I truly believe Ron Paul's common sense would appeal to many others than just "conservatives" if they took time to listen to his clear message. Mr. Constitution.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks....but I'm not discouraged. I can see 'em for what they are. And I'm probably NOT going to argue with them.

I have 3 brick walls in the back yard that are equally effective, if you know what I mean!

Well, wait....they're not really OLD brick walls. Perhaps I should find one that needs taking down so I can periodically "do it".

I truly do thank you, though.

[Sabertooth]

I am more than pleased to defer to your knowledge on this subject, Sabertooth. You have informed yourself very thoroughly on it while I have not. However, the current political climate is not favorable to proposals such as yours succeeding.

Where could you p[ossibly get such an idea?

I'm asking in all seriousness.

President Bush's Amnesty is a political disaster. People hate it by a wide margin now, and that margin will widen as they understand that the "not an Amnesty" is exactly that.

There has never been a better political climate than now for the proposals I've put forth.

For example, a number of the leaders in the Arizona congressional delegation are pushing for a guest worker program. New Mexico, with Bill Richardson as governor, would like to lead the way toward open borders. Texas, although a conservative state, has long had kind of a blurry border with Mexico. And I don't need to tell you about California.

Yeah, in California, pandering to Illegals failed, yet again, as it always does.

Those you named are all politicians who are woefully out of touch with the electorate on the matter of Illegals. This issue is about to blow up again. The vast majority of the political and media elite have badly misjuidged the potential for voter wrath.

The Democratic, Libertarian and Green parties all want to erase the border altogether. Only the more conservative members of Congress (most not from border states) are holding the line on this issue. The President, as a former governor of a border state, is not unlike most other border state politicians on this issue. So how do the kinds of reforms you propose ever rise to the point of becoming serious legislation with a chance of passage?

We apply the California solution: start throwing the recalcitrant bums out.

[Godebert]

"GWB Is The Man ~ He Keeps His Word And He Has Cajones!"

Did George Bush place his hand on the Holy Bible and swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America? Did George Bush say he thought the McCain/Feingold Campaign Finance legislation was un-Constitutional? Did George Bush then sign that legislation into law abridging our 1st Amendment rights? Did George Bush keep his word and uphold his sworn oath?

[George W. Bush]

It seems that no one will ever change the others mind here.

Yes, they do. Don't be impatient just because people are hardnosed.

Plenty of people change their positions on FR over the course of time. Of course, many just won't admit it.

If there was no chance that anyone would ever change their opinions, what would be the point of FR anyway?

[George W. Bush]

And I also think that GWB has a vision that hispanics being of a religious and faith based culture...they will not side with the secular left that is maorally destroying our country and values....

A proposition that remains untested. The results of 2000 and 2002 national elections were not encouraging.

The whole Arnold-macho thing may be peculiar to a single candidate. He's simply not the average Republican candidate.

I don't think the election of a very liberal Republican movie star in one state somehow changes the entire voting pattern of a particular minority demographic.

Of course, I'd welcome a conservative or even a GOP political realignment. But like the claims we see floated here at FR that the historically solid Jewish vote for Dims is eroding rapidly, there is no evidence for it yet.

[George W. Bush]

Calling on conservatives to sit out the election, thus allowing one of these Democrats to win the White House, is an act against freedom.

So, exercising our freedom to vote for the candidate we choose or not to vote at all is the only freedom we can't enjoy?

Strange, I thought we still had rights in this country.

[gatorbait]

Do you really think I'd vote Democrat? I hope to vote Constitution Party

Why fook with the middleman? Vote Democrat directly instead of some third party time waster.Your irrational act would be the same and a bit more honest.

[gatorbait]

fook=fool in typonese

[looscnnn]

Hmmmmm. How about enforcing the current laws? What makes you think they will pay the fine? What will happen if they don't?

[Happy2BMe]

"We apply the California solution: start throwing the recalcitrant bums out."

Breaking applause growing audibly louder in the background . . (coming from all FIFTY STATES) . .

[Happy2BMe]

"How about enforcing the current laws?"

What Is Considered An Illegal Activity Under Immigration Law?

Here are some examples of the most common violations of United States Immigration laws:

Examples:

(This is not a complete list of violations.)

• filing false statements on applications or petitions
• making a false claim that you are a United States citizen
• making, altering or using counterfeit immigration documents
• making, altering or using counterfeit documents to support immigration applications or petitions
• failing to report the arrival of illegal aliens
• assisting or encouraging aliens to come to the United States in violation of the law
• harboring an illegal alien
• knowingly employing aliens who do not have permission to work in the United States
• recruiting or referring for a fee aliens who do not have permission to work in the United States
• failing to complete and maintain immigration Form I-9 for all new employees, whether citizens or aliens
• failing to depart the United States when ordered removed (deported)
• entering or attempting to enter the United States at a time or place which is not authorized
• attempting to enter the United States by misrepresenting (lying about) material facts
• entering into a marriage to circumvent the immigration laws
• entering or attempting to enter the United States without permission after having been removed (deported)
• assisting an alien to enter the United States for prostitution or other immoral purposes

[Texasforever]

Gee, Wolfstar, in precisely what respects has Bush been more conservative than Reagan?

Oh that's easy. Bush has not raised taxes, Reagan did. Bush did not advocate for the Brady bill Reagan did. Bush did not pull troops out of harms way when they took casualties, Reagan did, Bush has actually signed anti-abortion measures, Reagan never did. Bush has stood up to the UN Reagan never did. Bush is advocating privatization of Social Security, Reagan signed the largest increase in payroll taxes in history to "save" social security. Shall I go on?

[skip2myloo]

We'll waive the fine, give 'em a brand new truck which includes a manufacturer's $1500 rebate, plus $500 in food stamps and send 'em to Minnesota, the state with the most generous welfare benefits.

In the meantime we'll process their application for SSI as rapidly as possible.

[Texasforever]

In the meantime we'll process their application for SSI as rapidly as possible.

You really, really dislike these folks don't you?

[skip2myloo]

For public officials, there is no concept of personal accountability for behavior contrary to the Constitution, or for unlawful acts, prevarication and misfeasance.

On the rare occasion a public official is found guilty by a court for an unlawful official act, the government pays fines or restitution from the public treasury to settle grievances.

That’s not justice, that’s a perverse irony.

Instead of holding accountable the guilty individual, the government punishes the whole of the people, the taxpayers, by levying the public treasury, picking the pockets of citizens, for its own misdeeds, meanwhile often completely absolving and holding harmless themselves and their cronies.

Our governments at all levels (federal, state, local) have lost sight of the idea their role is as servants of the people, not our benefactors.

The politicians have failed, nay REFUSED, to enforce our immigration laws, and now they want to legitimize their unlawful acts.

[tubavil]

Bush a conservative? Right!

-Sodomy ruling.
-10 Commandments removal.
-Outspent Klinton and every other president for the last 40 years.
-Socialized medication for seniors.
-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AMNESTY.

I could go on but these are just at the top of my list.

[4Freedom]

"On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard."

Bush, the champion of the "people's voice", when it suits him and Rove.

So far, Bush is doing a bang-up job of ignoring the "people's voice" on out-of-control legal and illegal immigration, big government spending, big government borrowing, big government intervention in our daily lives, etc., etc., ad infinitum, but he heard some people voice an opinion on marriage and by gum he's going to do something about it.

This is proof positive he does remove the Presidential earplugs for people other than Vicente Fox and Sila Calderon.

What a hypocrite.

LOL!

[bray]

I never called you a liberal, but that you have the liberal mindset- which is to say, you're either insane or ignorant. Whether or not the shoe fits, has no relevance on whether I have the "answer to the question." Which, BTW, I do.

You are way out of line. Who are you to decide who is a liberal or a Conservative. I have been fighting liberals for 25 years. Calling me ignorant or insane only proves how weak your argument was. And don't try to say you didn't with your cute little phrase. I have no more interest in discussing anything with your cheap namecalling. Out!

Pray for W and The Truth