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]

[Joe Hadenuf]

Oh come on. Bush is no conservative, and most everyone that's honest, knows this. It has become painfully, inordinately clear. The man is a globalist. America is just another member that needs to be downsized.

[George W. Bush]

This is a discussion for grown-ups.

You mean, only Bushbots need apply?

Just come out and say it. Any other position is considered illegitimate by most of you.

[Mo1]

I have also heard that RATS are actually being TRAINED to call conservative talk radio shows to blast Bush and pose as people that voted for Bush in 2000 but will not do so this year

Yep and people like Moveon.org are sending out emails telling people to call

[deport]

Keep things in some perspective...... Sharpe can vote for CP till the cows come home and not make a bit of difference here in TX. The CP party got some 597 votes in 2000 and may be lucky to do that good this time around. Their biggest state was CA with some 17,000 votes, PA with some 14000 and CT with some 9000...... A few more over a 1000 or so and then smaller numbers in the rest. This time they'll have a new candidate as Phillips their perpetual standard bearer has bowed out.... So name recognition will be down I'd guess.....

So it's basically useless to spend the effort on such a minor candidate or their supporters.... I doubt they'll sway many to their side. Remember the President hasn't even kicked off his campaign..... He's got some $100+ million to use in the next few months prior to the Convention. The issues will be framed by the campaigns and not a few supporters or malcontents on the forums such as this one, imo.

[m1-lightning]

The government could make it a requirement that after so long on unemployment, you will have to work for farmers until you are able to find a different job. This would light a fire under people to get a job.

The ACLU won't let that happen.

[Southack]

"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!"

You mean like REJECTING roe v wade by signing the FIRST federal ban on (partial birth) abortion in American history last year?!

You mean like REJECTING the International Criminal Court?!

You mean like telling the UN to go get stuffed regarding their International Ban on Small Arms Trafficking Treaty (read: the death of the 2nd Amendment if ratified in the U.S.)?!

Or like REJECTING the Eurocentric "don't invade Iraq" mantra?!

Or like REJECTING tax hikes (you know, that legalized theft, socialistic thing that you were railing about above)?!

Or signing the FIRST ever federal repeal of gun control by arming pilots?!

Or like REJECTING the U.S. - CCCP ABM treaty so that we could finally start building our national missile defenses?!

[RiflemanSharpe]

He is push a large part of the dem agenda, that is why I call him a rino.

[Sabertooth]

*they will be allowed to remain here and pursue citizenship

**This is new to me. Please show me where in any bill sponsored by Bush or quote from Bush that will give illegal aliens citizenship.

**Bush's actual quote: "we should not give unfair rewards to illegal immigrants in the citizenship process or disadvantage those who came here lawfully"

The President's actual quote, from the speech where he unveiled his Amnesty:

All who participate in the temporary worker program must have a job or, if not living in the United States, a job offer. The legal status granted by this program will last three years and will be renewable, but it will have an end.
Text of Bush immigration speech
President outlines plan to give illegals legal status

So, the "guest worker" legal status is "renewable, but it will have an end?"

It will have an end, unless it doesn't have an end.

And there are ways in which the "legal status granted by this program" can end, that don't require the legalized Illegals to go home...

Some temporary workers will make the decision to pursue American citizenship. Those who make this choice will be allowed to apply in the normal way. They will not be given unfair advantage over people who have followed legal procedures from the start.
Text of Bush immigration speech
President outlines plan to give illegals legal status

Of course the legalized Illegals will be "given unfair advantage over people who have followed legal procedures from the start;" they'll have an unfair advantage over any legal immigration or guest worker applicant who is abiding by our rules, but hasn't yet been admitted.

Then we get to the President's hairsplitting over Amnesty...

I opposed amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages the violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration.
Text of Bush immigration speech
President outlines plan to give illegals legal status

Now Amnesty is redefined as not putting Illegals on the "automatic path to citizenship."

The "automatic path to citizenship" is defined as giving Illegals a green card without first requiring them to get a blue card. In either case, however, the Illegal can get a green card at some point, and then citizenship down the road.

So, the Bush "not an Amnesty" Amnesty puts Illegals on the not-quite "automatic path to citizenship."

This is the rhetorical dodge on which excuse-makers for the Bush Amnesty hang their case.

[Howlin]

How about a "revolt"? Kick everyone out of DC and elect people new people.

How about trying to add some substance to the conversation by proposing something that is actually "doable" -- or is the whole point to keep putting up strawmen?

[looscnnn]

How will voting for say, Tancredo, strengthen Al Qaeda? Why wouldn't reelecting Bush do it also? After all, wouldn't more muslims be mad that he got reelected and would join up?

[PhiKapMom]

Bob Dole was a weak candidate period who campaigned horribly -- he was given the nod because who do we have that stayed in the race. I voted for Phil Gramm when the primary came to Texas and he wasn't running anymore.

You really don't believe what you wrote that you could compare Pres Bush to Bob Dole as candidates? I am a lifelong activist and I didn't go around touting Dole but he did win Texas. I am spending every spare minute I have to support President Bush in his reelection bid and so are a lot of others! We are energized by President Bush and Vice President Cheney -- Bob Dole was never President and did not energize people.

Huge difference in the two candidates -- if you cannot see that, you don't want to see the difference.

[new cruelty]

Protagoras, here is the article Howlin cited...

David Brooks: Bush has crashed through the 45-45 partisan divide

And here is the paragraph wherein he cites the percentage in question...

The first result is that the Republican Party is more unified than ever before. Ninety-one percent of Republicans approve of the job President Bush is doing. In 1992, Bush's father didn't have anything like that level of support, and even the Reagan administration was split between so-called pragmatists and ideologues.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Many Bush supports believe in party over principle.

That's the worse. I find that so distasteful, as I'm sure many others do.

[ohioWfan]

This is not a thread on the Roman Empire, son.

Good Christians don't stay home on election day.

[Land of the Free 04]

"true" conservatives have no right going around saying who is and who is not a Republican.

True---Republicanism and conservatism no longer have much to do with each other, so "RINO" has lost most of its meaning.

[Mo1]

Am I in Bizarro World? Don't WE get bashed for "voting for the party" but now it's okay to "vote for the party as long as it's the Constitution Party?"

BINGO!!!

[Ophiucus]

And we never had an illegal immigration/southern border problem until the bracero program was killed in 1965 at the behest of labor unions...

I don't know, hchutch, documenting workers, making them get permits, being able to start tracking them, and even having payroll taxes applied....sounds like AMNESTY!!!

Of course, rounding them up and kicking them out first would have sent a stronger message but might have screwed up the deal (that Fox is holding up) on letting the U.S. get it's hands on the untapped Mexican oil, increasing trade, reducing dependence on Arab oil.

But dang, that's that big picture stuff again.....gotta focus on just the one issue.

[Dane]

Oh come on. Bush is no conservative, and most everyone that's honest, knows this. It has become painfully, inordinately clear. The man is a globalist. America is just another member that needs to be downsized

Thus sayeth the "truest of the true conservatives".

JMO, but with your messiah complex, you turn people off, like Hillary truns people off with her messiah complex.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

If you break the Republican party and simply sit out the next 4 years with a DUmocrat in office, for just a few items, you get:

A watered down military reeking of mostly UN forces.

WIDE OPEN borders and total amnesty for illegals (as long as they register DUmocrat)

Punishing taxes on the rich that will cause them to leave this country and take their financial support with them.

Business will run faster from this country than ever before.

With all the Supreme Court justices ready to retire, we will get full replacement by radical leftist judges.

The Constitution will become that wonderful "Living Breathing Document" that Algore loves so well.

Your taxes will go through the roof.

The economy will crash to levels since the 30's.

You might as well hand in your guns now because they will hunt you down like dogs if you don't.

Oh, one small point, the Electoral College will be abolished to take away the voice of rural and small communities which will give the DUmocrats even more power to control the vote.

In other words, at this critical junction in our history, it you allow a DUmocrat victory, you won't be able to take this country back as easily as you claim.

[deport]

I agree with you . GWB needs to go away.

---

Hang tight.... He has only 5 more years and he's gone..... Jan. 20, 2009 someone else will be inaugurated.