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]

[RiflemanSharpe]

I am voting for the Constitution Party.

[Pippin]

"To stay home and not vote is idiocy and I do hope those posters don't show up to complain after election day if a Rat is elected and does things that will place this country in a more precarious position."

DITTO!

[Owen]

It's time once again, boys and girls, for your daily lesson.

Extremists will NEVER get to vote FOR anyone. That is the nature of the universe. That is not something I impose on you. That is not something the GOP imposes on you. That is something the reality of the political spectrum imposes on you and there is nothing you or I or anyone will ever be able to do about it. The best you will ever be able to do is vote . . . in the immortal words of W. F. Buckley for the "most rightward, viable candidate".

Now repeat after me, class:

My Optimal Procedure Is To Vote For The Viable Candidate Who Is More Conservative Than The Opponent.

There. Wasn't that easy?

Now trot along and read up on John Kerry's pro_Life credentials.

[onyx]

Keep 'em coming, Meek.

[Protagoras]

If there's a leak in the coalition, is your time better spent resenting the water, or convincing President Bush not to continue poking holes in the hull?

Wonderful analogy.

[Southack]

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

President Bush signed TWO bills into law that arm our pilots with handguns in the cockpit. That's not much until you realize that's the FIRST ever repeal of *any* federal gun control in our history.

President Bush also ordered Attorney-General Ashcroft to formally notify the Supreme Court that the OFFICIAL U.S. government position on the 2nd Amendment is that it supports INDIVIDUAL rights to own firearms, NOT a leftist-imagined *collective* right, something so radically Conservative that even President Reagan didn't dare do it.

[Mo1]

Never once have I said anywhere that I am unhappy with how he has handled the WOT or the increase in military spending so get that straight.

But yet you want to see him replaced

[Bikers4Bush]

Perfect, and thanks for that.

[Howlin]

Who's defending him? Most of us are just as unhappy about some of his policies as you are.

But we're not lemmings; I'll be damned if I'll cut off MY nose to spit this administration.

[Mo1]

I am voting for the Constitution Party.

And who would that person be??

Got a name possibly???

[skip2myloo]

Generally I agree with his stewardship of the war on terrorism -- but, we're not as aggressive as we should be pursuing ol' Osama in Afghanistan (or wherever he is) and our force protection is inadequate in Iraq. There are two reasons for that, inexperienced leaders and poor leadership overall. As a result too many young men and women are dying.

The second is the forces that are there are streched too thin. And, we need to be working more aggressively against Syria and others. We must be consistent in our policies -- if we're for democracy in the middle east - we've got to say it should occur in Jordan (even if they are our "friends") as well as in Iraq.

Temporary tax cuts are inadequate -- Bush promised us tax reform, I don't see it. He should get behind fellow Texan Tom DeLay and support his proposal in the house.

Nobody here is mentioning GWB signed CFR - he should've VETOED that bill.

The spending bills for Agriculture and Education went far beyond any rational limit.

Maybe he couldn't do anything about the SCOTUS ruling in the Michigan affirmative action case -- but he could STOP affirmative action in hiring decisions within all the federal departments that are part of his executive branch.

He has not done so - affirmative action is steaming full speed ahead in the executive branch.

As for new, tougher standards in education, the states are bypassing him on that one too. In Virginia a bill has been proposed that students attending "failing" schools who also fail their own standards of learning (SOL) tests -- will just be given a diploma anyway !!

But, voting for Bush is a no-brainer, we simply cannot allow the Presidency to fall into the hands of any of the Democrats who are running.

Bush is a 'Hobson's Choice,' that is, he's the only choice we have. Rove knows that and they're carrying Morris' idea of "triangulation" to an absurd extreme, neglecting conservative values and issues almost totally. The rhetoric is there -- but not the action.

[MEG33]

I worded that poorly.Leave out the "back".It does seem to imply something I did not wish.

I do not look forward to your"I told you so" celebration if Bush loses.I will be very upset and will not enjoy it at all.I really believe this nation needs him at this time in history.

I truly fear a Democratic administration and perhaps,Senate,if a Democrat wins the Presidency.I have no ability to change your mind.I would if I could.

[Dane]

I am voting for the Constitution Party.

You've told us a 100 times already. Like I didn't know.

[looscnnn]

How about a "revolt"? Kick everyone out of DC and elect people new people. Ones with common sense, spines, morals and the will to defend the Constitution.

[Protagoras]

It's time once again, boys and girls, for your daily lesson.

And that's the gospel, according to Owen.

Take a humility pill and call me in the morning. If your test shows what I suspect, you will need a personality transplant.

[exmarine]

No. Liberal policies will hurt the country if enacted. That is why I am not voting for Bush. A divided country will produce gridlock, rather than a Congress rubber stamping Bush's liberal social agenda. Gridlock is the best we can hope for until we get a real Republican leader.

My sentiments exactly. While I like Mr. Bush as a person, I can't accept his socialist policies. I don't like legalized theft and that's exactly what our tax system is. I want leaders who will REJECT the status quo, not enhance it!

[Howlin]

Now, this is what I asked you:

Why don't you tell us all your vision of the country when the Democrats return to power. Exactly what will you have accomplished?

And your reply to me was:

Aaaah, more fear mongering. How nice.

So, you're actually acknowledging to everybody on this thread that you are fully aware that we should be afraid of what YOUR plan will do for the country?

[Joe Hadenuf]

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

Correct.

[PhiKapMom]

Ask the Admin Moderator -- don't have a clue!

[Texas Federalist]

Actually the fact that 90% of Republicans support Bush and his approval rating is only 50% means that all his support are coming from his base. That further proves the point that he may lose because of an unenthusiastic base. A portion of that 90% are not enthusiastic enough to take time out of their busy day to vote, and Bush loses.