GOP slams Bush policies at retreat

The Washington Times ^ | 2/6/04 | By Ralph Z. Hallow and James G. Lakely

[ovrtaxt]

Growing frustration over President Bush's immigration plan and lack of fiscal discipline came to a head behind closed doors at last weekend's Republican retreat in Philadelphia.

House lawmakers, stunned by the intensity of their constituents' displeasure at some of Mr. Bush's key domestic policies, gave his political strategist Karl Rove an earful behind closed doors.

[Neets]

You bushbots can't have it both ways

You had my attention during your debate with Mo and others, until you made that comment.

And then this gem

Is Bush like the right hand of God for you? Jesus's clone?

Who is the "we" you keep referring to?

[.30Carbine]

If they don't like the President's suggestions .. then don't pass them

I'm sorry, but having seen the unified front so strongly encouraged here at FR, I have a hard time believing that you would suport the lack of one in Washington.

[kristinn]

It's the reverse. The price for selling out GOP principles became too high for the grassroots base.

[ovrtaxt]

Knock of the "bushbot" crap.

Why? I question your objectivity. We are ruled by the Constitution, not politicians.

[Texasforever]

It seems to me that the base was liked and appreciated and relevant in 2000. Has the tent become smaller?

No because Bush put his own political neck on the line by campaigning for the very same ones that are now whining that the "devil made me do it". Bush went out and reversed the history of out of power parties gaining seats congress in the mid term elections.

[Neets]

It's YOUR objectivity that should be questioned.

If you can't engage in itellectually honest debate, without resorting to name calling and mocking people, that says more about you than anything else.

[ovrtaxt]

Who is the "we" you keep referring to?

Those of us who can see these policies for what they are, and aren't afraid to say so. Being a sycophant for the GOP, regardless of the results, isn't going to help anybody. If these people listen, we will all be better off. Apparently they are.

[Texasforever]

The price for selling out GOP principles became too high for the grassroots base.

And that "grassroots base" has been voting 3rd party or waiting at home on election day for divine revelation since 1992. It will be no different this year.

[arasina]

When all else fails, start the ad hominem attacks. i.e., "bushbots" ---"Is Bush like the right hand of God for you?" --- "Jesus's clone?"

You won't convince anyone to come to your idea of what is right if you resort to that level of "reasoning." You condemn it; practice what you preach.

Aside: I'm glad the voices of opposition were being heard in this meeting. I believe it is exactly what should happen when there is disagreement.

[Mo1]

I'm sorry, but having seen the unified front so strongly encouraged here at FR, I have a hard time believing that you would suport the lack of one in Washington.

Whatever ... regardless of what you think I think is beside the point

The point still remains that these Congress folks make and pass these bills

[gatorbait]

You bushbots can't have it both ways. We have been yelling about the WH's leftward drift and you guys are all upset about it. Now, the House is responding, and you guys are blaming them for the leftward drift.

No one is asking for it both ways, except perhaps the chimerical base and the Congressmen who control the purse strings. The point has been made before;the time to have reigned in any spending was when the Bill was still in the House and Senate, but then had they done so, that pork .. I mean, that important project for their district might have been cut as well. So,to lay this solely on the President's shoulders is not only disingenuous but intellectually vapid. You unappeasables seem to want it three ways. Your turn.

[.30Carbine]

Name-calling is neither conducive to discussion nor productive in advancing one's position.

[ovrtaxt]

I'm not name-calling and mocking, I'm serious and sincere. The logic used to support these ploicies is thin, and certainly doesn't reflect a commitment to smaller government. It reflects a commitment to a political party.

That party's future hangs in the balance, I intend to do my part to affect the outcome by getting some of you to think.

[Neets]

If it isn't your party, then why are you worried about our future???

We don't need your help for sure.

[.30Carbine]

Bush went out and reversed the history of out of power parties gaining seats congress in the mid term elections.

He certainly did, and it was awesome to behold. I don't want him to lose that momentum.

[ovrtaxt]

Okay, sorry. I'm just getting frustrated with the level of denial.

[ovrtaxt]

It is my party. Who do you think I am?

[.30Carbine]

And that "grassroots base" has been voting 3rd party or waiting at home on election day for divine revelation since 1992.

They did not do so in 2000 or in 2002. I don't want them to do so in 2004.

[Texasforever]

I intend to do my part to affect the outcome by getting some of you to think.

When I need help from you to "think" I will ask for it. The GOP is doing just fine and will continue to do just fine unless it makes the mistake the DNC is making by letting the lunatic left drive its agenda.

[Neets]

It's difficult for me to take your apology seriously, when you are on the forum, visibly high-fiving the 5th Column around here with statements of "having fun with the Bushbot's lately. They are wussies".