Stay the Course (Why should we vote for Bush again? Good editorial.)

World Magazine ^ | 1/26/04 | Marvin Olasky

[SquirrelKing]

Stay the Course

For all of the Bush administration's faults, it's good to have a president who knows about a set of rules "bigger than government rules"

JOIN THE CLUB." THAT'S WHAT PRESIDENT-ELECT Bush said in December 2000, when I told him I was journalist first, Bush supporter second, and would probably be criticizing some of his decisions early and often. That's the way it has worked out, and it's easy to enumerate complaints. No vetoes of pork-barrel spending. No nationwide vouchers or tax credits to begin creating parental choice in education. Missed opportunities during the first year of the faith-based initiative. Etcetera.

This magazine and now www.worldmagblog.com have criticized the Bush administration and will keep trying to tell the truth, regardless of partisan considerations. But, as we keep in mind two speeches President Bush has given this month, and the beliefs underlying those talks, let's remember that we're better off now than we were four years ago (when Bill Clinton was in office) or than we will be a year from now, if millions of Christian conservatives stay home in November.

Much could be said about our war against terrorism, but I'll concentrate here on domestic policy and the way President Bush in the State of the Union address on Jan. 20 reemphasized his commitment to compassionate conservatism. He was right to ask Congress to act "so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again." The faith-based initiative's emphasis on grants has been frustrating—tax credits and vouchers would work better both practically and politically—but as long as we have big government Mr. Bush is right to fight against red-lining religion.

The other speech wasn't heard by many outside of the New Orleans church in which it was given, but President Bush's remarks at Union Bethel AME on Jan. 15 went much deeper than the nationally televised address that should be called the State of the Onion, because every president spends so much time slicing and dicing (the infamous "laundry list" of items) that many viewers begin to cry.

The church speech laid out a bottom-up political philosophy that is the opposite of the top-down approach demanded by Democrats and relished by liberal Republicans. President Bush spoke, sometimes reaching for words, of problems beyond the ability of government: "Intractable problems, problems that seem impossible to solve can be solved.... Miracles are possible in our society, one person at a time. But it requires a willingness to understand the origin of miracles. Miracles happen as a result of the love of the Almighty."

He stated well the problem for religious groups: "Government policy says, on the one hand, perhaps you can help; on the other hand, you can't practice your faith. Faith-based programs are only effective because they do practice faith. It's important for our government to understand that. Government oftentimes will say, yes, you can participate, but you've got to ... conform to our rules. The problem is, faith-based programs only conform to one set of rules, and it's bigger than government rules."

[WaterDragon]

Very excellent post. Thank you so much for pinging me to it!

[Peach]

Can you name one single Democrat candidate or Republican candidate who will handle the immigration issue to your satisfaction? No. Didn't think so.

When/if a Rat is elected to the presidency, I do so hope you don't come here to complain.

In the interim, if you don't like some of the president's proposals, why don't you write your congressmen? The president proposes, Congress disposes.

[Peach]

Good point in your #55, Old Friend.

[The Toll]

I don't think anyone in their right mind would think that a dem could handle this war, however it is important that the soldiers have a 1st world country to come back to.

[Wphile]

My vote goes to the leader who knows the Almighty is bigger than himself.

My vote goes to the most unselfish man who can make a difference.

My one precious powerful vote will not be wasted on philosophy.

My grateful vote will be for Bush.

Just had to repeat this as it is an absolutely beautiful message and one which many on this forum should adhere to.

[hoosiermama]

DO you remember how in the SOU "W" got the "D" to applaud and then turned it around against them. Don't know who was on the radio the other day, he suggested Bush was setting the "D" up by making it an issue and making them commit. Baiting them a bit. They have to go far left or right of his opinion. (And just who is going to go far left? duh

Think there is a possibility he's playing chess with them and is a few moves ahead....Leading them where we need to be......He's crafty that way. So sit back, call your rep again, and again and again. Trust him.

[skeeter]

Another whose problem is you don't like Mexicans and it has nothing to do with illegal immigration.

Unbelievable.

You deserve a round of applause, Toll, for enduring this thread with such dignity.

[The Toll]

Tancredo for one. I do not need to publish my correspondence with my representatives in order to hold an opinion in opposition to the President on FR.

[MeekOneGOP]

Very excellent post. Thank you so much for pinging me to it!

You bet.

Yes, thanks, Howlin ! You always find the GOOD stuff !

[jimt]

I respectfully ask that you not take the entire country with you.

Having always ejoyed your thoughtful posts, I would ask you to do the same.

While President Bush has been great for America on several issues, recent moves have been highly negative. Some even appear to be unnecessary, gratuitous slaps in the face, like increasing funding for the NEA.

The immigration issue, for me, is an absolute show-stopper. It is harming America now, unenacted, with illegals flooding in like there's no tomorrow. If actually put into place, it will be the end of America, with legalized illegals demanding more and more services paid for by others' taxes. Sure, some businesses will benefit from taxpayer-subsidized wages, but the overall impact will be highly negative.

President Bush IS taking the entire country with him - down a path to certain ruin.

[Peach]

Tancredo is the ONLY one, I believe.

And no, of course you don't HAVE to publish your correspondence. But complaining on FR won't change A THING. Whereas writing to your congressmen MAY change things. But it's more work to write sensible, helpful suggestions to congressmen than it is to complain on FR.

[Peach]

Good article; thanks for the ping.

[The Toll]

Appreciated.

[Wphile]

The immigration issue looks to me like a dead issue as the Republicans in Congress are adamantly opposed to it, as is the public at large. However, it will probably remain as a campaign issue and the Dems are even more full-throttled amnesty proponents than W is. In fact, by bringing up the immigration issue, W has forced the Dems to state their positions on immigration which are obvious to us but not necessarily so to the rest of the voting masses.

Now there is the outside shot that a Dem will wise up and take hold of the immigration issue and propose tightening up the border and enforcing the current laws but that is highly doubtful. I think W has probably boxed them in. Compared to the Dems, W's proposal looks far more reasonable. And who knows? Perhaps that was his whole objective - get the beliefs out on the table for all to see. Perhaps he knew this was a dead issue in Congress and therefore he could be safe proposing it in order to get the dems out front and center on it. Strategery perhaps?

[deport]

Not to worry..... I'm sure one of the following will do a much better job of leading the nation...... But what so many forget it is the 535 members of Congress that sign onto the legislation that ultimately authorizes the money, writes the legislation that grants amnesty, etc. or usurps many of the powers left to the states. If the responsibilty must be laid at the feet of one person then I'm sure one of the following can bring the Congress into tow much better than President Bush.....

[hoosiermama]

Exactly, much better said than my comments. It's political awareness time! Let the country see just how the D's really think!

[The Toll]

I fell for that argument the first time with CFR. I will not be fooled again. Don't think that the fire is for the Presidents feet only. I wouldn't trust the congress with a wiffle ball!

[goodnesswins]

Aw...Wphile...you just gave away the "SECRET".....LOL....good analysis!!!

[b9]

thank you most kindly

[hoosiermama]

Do hope you are being sarcastic! Nice graphic! LOL