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."

[rep-always]

Bye the way SquirrelKing great post.

[MJY1288]

"He is, I believe, very strong on the most important ones: defense of life, defense of our country, and appointment of sane judges to a crazed judiciary."

And I would add: Strong leader and excellent foriegn policy

[The Toll]

I understand your point but I'm not giving amnesty to anyone.

[rep-always]

Touch, Ms. Marple. The Toll needs to leave us realists on the cliff with a country.

[MJY1288]

"I am kind of tried of every thread turning into a immigration thread though. You'd think people would be able to separate the issues."

how long was it before it began on this thread?

[Dawgreg]

I couldn't agree more. I have problems with some of the president's actions, but I wouldn't have anyone BUT him in the White House at this time. It will be shown in time that a REAL leader is what we need and he fits the bill. I think the problems we have with the things you mentioned will, over time, be worked out.

[OldFriend]

Your post #11.....says it all and says it best.

[rep-always]

Sorry. Touche!

[kevao]

but is now the time to bellyache and trade shots?

When is the time for Bush supporters to voice their opinions about what our policies should be?

[OldFriend]

Nah, you don't hate bashing the President at all. You love every minute of it and the attention you garner here on FR when you rant.

[Howlin]

It was the "Somebody's got to do it" post. :-)

[Howlin]

Why don't you spend a little more time looking at the BIG PICTURE.

[The Toll]

Thats the problem I think, the pig picture is going to happen regardless of who we elect if the leader of "our" party is not held to account.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Thanks for the ping! Good read.

[Howlin]

Clue: there will be NO immigration plan.

So you can relax; things will stay just the same, rather than somebody trying to do ANYTHING, SOMETHING to fix the problem.

You've raised enough hell that NOTHING at all will be done. Happy now?

You could have taken a FEW STEPS forward, but that's not enough for you all; so instead, we'll get NOTHING.

But perhaps you'd rather THESE PEOPLE make the laws:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1067328/posts

[Pern]

Sorry, I know it stinks and I hate doing it but sometimes you have to be willing to go over the cliff.

Traitor!! How dare you, to think outside of the Republican party box?! :-)

But seriously, you're right, GW will have to change a few things for him to get my vote in Nov. Until he does, I plan to vote 3rd party.

[Miss Marple]

Here's a thought: CONTACT K-MART!!! Tell them you are not doing business with them because of the filthiness of their store. It probably also has a high loss due to theft. Ask them if that store is profitable, and tell them how it could be improved. Point out your family is AFRAID to shop there because of the criminal element.

Do not mention immigration or race. Simply state facts. I bet you get some action.

[The Toll]

I never get any attention when I rant, truthfully I don't even think I'm ranting. I just agreed with the earlier post that we "immigration crazy's" were going to be on this thread. We will be screaming this from now until he reverses himself and if he doesn't then I do believe some will not show in November. Some will knuckle under and vote for him.

[trebb]

At this moment we should be considering what we can do in the next 4 years to improve things while keeping a great President in office. If not, we will be back to square one and have real reason to complain.

Good summation. I'm really puzzled by all those who, having had their toes stubbed by some Bush policies, are willing to cut off their heads to "teach him a lesson". Stupidity to the nth degree.

[kevao]

You've raised enough hell that NOTHING at all will be done. Happy now?

Who is this Troll guy, who single-handedly put the kibosh on President Bush's amnesty proposal?