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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

since nobody with extreme views will EVER be elected.

My "extreme views" were where the GOP House was, back in 1994.

It's not MY fault that the GOP has moved so far left since then that they've damn near fallen off the edge.

I think I dozed off during that part. Sad, though, that still there is no mention of impeachment of judges whatsoever - in fact his statement as quoted seems to deny there is even that option, and instead advances the far more radical option of modifying the Constitution (which I don't trust ANYONE in power today to do).

"Bush realizes that he must do certain things in order to keep the country moving in the right direction"

SO TRUE!!!!!

After eight years of an ADD president, (except when it came to women or other self-serving interests) GWB inherited a total disaster, IMHO.

He has had a KILLER juggling act, trying to put this country back on track, and he's done it facing some uphill battles. I was delighted to see the Pickering recess appointment.......done I'm sure with the firm belief that he (Pickering) will be permanently installed when GWB wins re-election and the Senate will become a bigger Republican majority!!

"I would like your thoughts on how you would handle the illegal immigration crisis. And keep your answer within the realm of reality. Remember all the obstructions that you face in our current PC culture."

First, I would lean heavily on departments that do not report and turn over illegals (police, FBI, etc.). Threaten to reduce/withdraw any Federal grants, etc.

Second, hire more agents for border patrols, tracking people that overstay their visas, etc. Maybe integrate DEA with the patrols.

Third, require sharing of information between departments/bureaus of the Dept. of Homeland Security.

I am sure that there are other things that can be done, I have not fully looked at the issue.

Has anybody bothered to even venture a synopsis of what this Nirvana they are seeking will look like after we lose what power we have and the Democrats take over?

How will they be heard then? Who will they turn to to voice their concerns then? Who will care?

How EXACTLY is putting the Democrats back in power going to further your goals?

I guess they think we didn't get screwed over enough?

Oh Heck .. let's bring back Jimmy Carter so we can go back to the days of wearing sweaters and watching the terrorists hold Americans hostage on TV

Oh yea .. thems were the days .. so much dang fun we had .. / sarcasm >

Once you "break the party," as so many of you want to do, what are your options then, since nobody with extreme views will EVER be elected.

You can do it, too: tell me exactly how this country will be a better place when you hand the little power we have back to the Dems?

The party is broken. I and others are hoping to give the powers that be a wake up call. They cannot ignore conservatives, or it will hurt them.

bookmarked. By the way, for fun, there is a life size cardboard cut-out available of President Bush. I purchased one yesterday.

It's a great idea to set up at fundraisers in the home, to take to local events so fellow Bush supporters can get their picture taken with the Commander in Chief. When I walked through the mall after I purchased Dubya, store clerks took note and commented. They weren't scowling and talked about watching the Address on the 20th. Even a security guard at the mall noticed I was walking around with the President. It put a smile on his face.

STANDEES -George W. Bush #422 (by advanced graphics).

I don't expect to see a Dean cut-out any time soon - it would take less cardboard but would be scarier.

I heard this BS back in 92 and all we got was srewed up the you know what

So rather than blame the situation on the fact that Bush I moved left, you chose to blame those who decided to cast their vote for someone they felt they could believe in. The politician is supposed to work to gain the trust of their constituency, not the other way around

NO. I am not demanding that anyone vote for President Bush.

I am just asking for intellectual honesty.

If you DON'T vote for him, your vote is in essence cast for the Democrat, and you should admit that.

You don't have to like it, but it is the reality of the situation.

And once again, he has not 'squandered' votes of his base. He still has 90% of his base.

And I would ask you the same question as Howlin has asked others.

How would putting a Democrat in the Oval Office further YOUR goals, Sabertooth?

How EXACTLY is putting the Democrats back in power going to further your goals?

If people stay at home and don't vote, they didn't put Democrats in office.

And to answer the very simple question that others didn't bother to answer (because it is obvious, and inane), not voting for Republicans sends them a message that people want their goals met, not just talked about and taken for granted. Therefore when they lose, they will change in the next election, and then THE PEOPLE HAVE A CHANCE TO HAVE THEIR GOALS MET, which of course they have no chance of now with the Republicrats.

So much for "none of them".

Is the word "compromise" even in your vocabulary?

Do you not realize that they are the representatives of ALL the people, not just the people on this thead?

How about you: what's your world going to look like with the Democrats back in control?

Do you have the nerve to answer?

I am not voting for a dem, I am voting for the Constitution party. I vote for the most conservative candidate I can. Ih this election it sadly is not Bush.

I heard that same BS back in 92 and we got SCREWED!

Hey I hey Bill Clinton wants to be the next Secretary of State .. maybe Arafat will get his wish after all

I could care less that anyone is scared, my vote doesn't hinge on striking fear it hinges on someone doing the right damn thing for a change and so far I'm seeing less of the right thing being done and more of the wrong thing.

My point was that attacking me as some sort of minority in this is foolish if the fact that you know I'm not scares you.

Voting Constitution or whatever else is at least a principled stand against what you feel is wrong. How does constantly voting for those NOT defending the constitution help any of us?

If you DON'T vote for him, your vote is in essence cast for the Democrat, and you should admit that.

You can repeat a falsehood a thousand times, but it is still false.

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