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."

[MeekOneGOP]

You called it right. I can't believe an article that doesn't mention that issue gets so messed up by those folks. Unbelievable.

Think I'll vote for Ross Perot or Ralph Nader. If they don't run, I'll write them in. < /sarcasm >

[hoosiermama]

Just occurred to me that if the police officer replied "that's why they were there." You may have been approached by an undercover officer.

You obviously feel very passionate about this subject... get and stay involved, but realize it's not "W" fault. We have enough immigration laws on the book that would do the job if they had been enforced...(as well as laws in many other areas). Manpower has been cut. IMO even more drastic has been the lack of law enforcement. Since the 60-70 the liberals have seen law (immigration included)as simply an obstacle to get around....to reinvent. When a country becomes "lawless" and the law is not enforced and means nothing, we have major problems.....

That is why it is SO IMPORTANT that "W" is reelected and that enough R Senators are elected to appoint conservative judges...our very country may depend on it.

[The Toll]

I understand your concern, heaven knows I can't stand loosing to those jerks either. The President is wrong and he must change his direction. Like I said earlier, countries have borders for reasons. I have a front door on my house for a reason. I do not hate my neighbors, however I will gladly burn the house to the ground before allowing it to be overrun.

[ilovew]

I wish you would go over a cliff. I may not agree with my president on everything but I ADORE him and there's practically nothing he can do that would make me change my mind.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[The Toll]

Are you for real! You can put your right arm back down. I promise I'm not trying to sully your Fuhrer. (that Fuhrer shot is at you not the Pres.)

[firewalk]

Worth the read!

Yes, it was
thanks for the ping

[skeeter]

His proposal is just rhetoric. He just want to get the subject out in the open.....It's been ignored for years and is getting worse. Something must be done. So he presents a solution that no one will buy. The D must get to the left of or come up with something acceptable. The country raves! Therefore: They're not going to go further left....We get something acceptable. CHeck and checkmate.

If you're correct, and the result of this is no amnesty of ANY sort & the country finally gets serious about enforcement I will beg your forgiveness for my skepticism.

[hoosiermama]

Now now! Go in your house and close the door for a while! (Tell your wife to hide the matches.)

[hoosiermama]

I'll save your post and remind you. It's not gonna be presented in any house before Nov. Just used as an issue and then after a few more "R" are in place a more logical solution will emerge from the discussion......and you can count on it!

Sure would feel better if "W" was not holding the lightening rod in his own hand....but he's a Texan! clang!clang!

[The Toll]

That women would never let me get anywhere near flamables!

[k2blader]

Marvin Olasky?

He is a man worth listening to.

Bump for later read and contemplation.

[hoosiermama]

Smart lady! Have faith. "W" is a man of faith he will do what is right for the country. Security first. Adios must go!

[ilovew]

Back off, Osama. Leave me alone. Why don't you try constructing some real criticsm instead of just flinging out insults at everyone?

[ilovew]

**George the Duce**

Did you forget how to spell?

[ilovew]

I think clearly Toll was born without any logic whatsoever.

[DollyCali]

Good post SK.. and excellent point re: the timing Hoosier..

read all the posts.. hmmm.. I am so thankful we have a president who has addressed the issue that most others have just hidden under the carpet. I suspect his putting the problem & ideas of the table will raise dander...NO MATTER WHAT HE PROPOSES.

Can any one here who is super PO'd over the immigration situation PROPOSE a better solution (and one that everyone here on FR will support.. and yes, also one that the Dems will support, and one the collective RINOs & DINOs we hear so much about will support.)

I doubt it.

Get real everyone. This issue is timely & I am proud my CIC finally is willing to address it. The problem will not go away. and as we all know, closing the barn doors after ..etc. He has opened the door for discussion & lots of ideas & brainstorming will be done before anything IS done.


We can't just run home with our marbles Everr our pres does not comb his hair to please us or has an opinion that will raise our dander. He knows the situation far better than you & me ..and he has much more at stake than you & me with what his presidency will reflect. He wants to do a most excellent job and I do believe he has done so against terrible situations.

[The Toll]

Ma'am if you care to read you will see that this has been a very constructive debate until you entered the fray. Just because you lack the intellect for debate does not mean you will have the last word. The President is wrong on this issue and he will reverse himself if he wishes to win in November. This will happen with or without your laughable "adhoration".

[ilovew]

Your whining about K-mart was hardly constructive. Perhaps we also need to give you a grammar lesson. The president will win with or without your silly, idle threats.

[The Toll]

Grammer, much like your idol worship, is obsolete. If you care to read my whining about Kmart again what I said was I would be pleased to see the President spend some time in the one near my home. This is so he could actually get a whiff of the 3rd world he is helping to import. As far as the election goes you and your fellow worshippers can hold your breath and stomp your feet from now until November and you will not get the numbers you will need.