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Conservatives Need to Get Real
The Intellectual Conservative ^ | 02 February 2004 | Scott Shore

Posted on 02/11/2004 11:00:20 AM PST by Lando Lincoln

While President Bush may not be a conservative’s perfect president, the alternative should shake any discontents to active support of the President.

As a conservative, I agree with most of the criticism that has been leveled at President Bush amongst Republicans and conservatives. While I support the President’s foreign and defense policies, I think that the Administration has tried to do the impossible—preempt the Left on their own issues. Republicans were not put on this earth to increase the size of government, create massive new programs like Medicare, spend billions of dollars on AIDS in Africa, fund the UN renovation, expand the Federal role in education or pursue a reckless policy of granting amnesty to illegal foreigners working in the US. None of these initiatives by the President will, in the end, take votes from the Democratic core base. Democrats are much better and far more willing to outspend any Republican program that expands the Welfare State. The strong suit of Republicans is limited government, lower taxes, individual responsibility and strong national defense. Karl Rove may be right that some of the President’s big government initiatives may neutralize some independents. In any case, conservatives could have hoped for much more in a Washington where Republicans control both the White House and Congress.

Having said all that, I intend to do whatever I can to reelect President Bush. The reason is simple. The alternative is unthinkable. A tax increase by rolling back the President’s much needed tax relief will not go to reduce the deficit but to fund massive new social programs, especially some form of universal national health care system. The stimulus of tax relief will be gone and the deadweight of new taxes and government program will lead to a much larger deficit. Moreover, the hue and cry over the deficit is only logical if the deficit grows as a percentage of GDP over a period of years. Economic recovery can shrink the deficit in a relatively short time -- provided there is no new spending. A Democrat will give us the worst of both worlds -- higher taxes and higher spending.

A Democratic economic policy is also lethal to the American middle class and small business. The repeal of most taxes to the “wealthy” proposed by the Democrats are really to two-income families that are just getting by and are clearly the backbone of the middle-class and small business owners who pay income tax; their business is not a corporation but a family business that is a sole proprietorship. An increase in dividend taxation or capital gains will put the financial markets in a tailspin and further retard the growth of new or expanded business activity.

Universal health care has an interesting twist that few seem to be discussing. If people are concerned about possible invasions of privacy because of the Patriot Act, imagine the access to private information available to Big Brother when he gets his hands on your medical records. Once the government is subsidizing our health, how long will it take before certain health lifestyles or diets become a matter of government concern over its citizens? Should we expect a universal health care system to deliver the same value as our compulsory educational system? In fact, the Democrats are likely to create an even greater rift between the Haves and Have-Nots in healthcare by allowing only the wealthiest Americans to pay for private services. Besides this, universal health will either bankrupt the economy since the demand for healthcare is virtually without limit or it will require the government to ration healthcare. Do we really want the delivery of healthcare to become a matter of political bargaining? Imagine the hypocrisy of those who are adamant that the relationship between a doctor and patient is sacrosanct when it comes to abortion, but would make almost all medical procedures a matter of public policy mandates in the future. Imagine your worst nightmare of an HMO and then increase that exponentially and you begin to get the real meaning of Universal Health Care. As for the eventual bill for this service, look to the past at all other federal entitlement programs. To make matters worse, no Democrat is going to support Medical Practice Tort Reform which is contributing to the skyrocketed growth of healthcare costs.

How will Democrats deal with other issues of free market choice for individuals? No Democrat supports any level of privatization of Social Security for retirement. There is no support for school vouchers or alternatives to the monopoly of the public school system. Finally there is no support for private Health Savings Accounts among the Democrats. While Republicans will at least look for market-based solutions to public policy issues, the unions and bureaucratic constituencies of the Democrats virtually insures no such innovation.

On the matter of illegal immigration, the Democrats are more likely to pass a liberal new amnesty program than any GOP administration. The reason is that the Hispanic community seems to be “in play” and this is one constituency the Democrats really need to lock up in order to strengthen their position on the West Coast and in the Southwest.

One can only imagine the kind of social activist judges and Supreme Court justices that would be appointed by the Democratic nominee. The Federal Judiciary will begin to resemble the lunacy of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Can any responsible citizen sit home and allow the judiciary to lunge to the Left? This alone should energize conservatives. The dismantling of all religious tradition or symbolism in public life is likely to continue with a Democratic President and a liberal judiciary.

The final issue is one of national security. Certainly no one can believe that a Democratic administration will strengthen our intelligence and defense capabilities. It was under Democratic administrations that the CIA and other intelligence agencies became decimated and hand-tied. The Democrats have almost unanimously voted against nearly all major new weapons systems. At a time when we are in fact living in a Third World War, we can not go from a Churchill to a Chamberlain. It is disingenuous for the Democrats to glob onto intelligence deficiencies when they are largely the culprit for lack of human intelligence or material resources in the important area of espionage. In fighting a terrorist enemy, preemption is the natural policy and that requires intelligence first and foremost.

While President Bush may not be a conservative’s perfect president, the alternative should shake any discontents to active support of the President. Moreover, in the area of determining the security threat to the West and taking action, the President may go down as one of our greatest leaders. For the sake of the hope of more prudent domestic policy, judicial restraint and national security, there is really no choice. As for much of the domestic agenda, can we afford to sacrifice the good for the perfect?

Scott Shore is a political commentator and management consultant in Providence, Rhode Island.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; News/Current Events; Philosophy; Politics/Elections; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: bush; conservatives; gop; gwb2004; leftwing; liberals; rightwing; vichycons
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To: OWK
I am a completely honest person, OWK.

Read the rest of my post.

461 posted on 02/12/2004 7:42:46 AM PST by ohioWfan (BUSH 2004 - Leadership, Integrity, Morality)
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To: ohioWfan
My question is, if these people are so purely conservative, why doesn't the thought of a REAL leftist in the White House make them sick...

It does.

That's what we're trying to tell you.

462 posted on 02/12/2004 7:43:23 AM PST by OWK (Have you accepted George as your personal president?)
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To: OWK
I started on FR in 97. Wore a red hat at the March for Justice, personally met just about everyone on FR at the time, have been a consistent and unwavering defender of my principles on this website for 7 or 8 years... and it was all so I could establish a deep cover as a DU troll operative, and spring a trap on you dupes in this very thread making you all look like fools trying to defend a leftist.

I knew it! I always knew it! I always knew it,,,,,, I always knew it,,see? I told ya so!,,,,,,

463 posted on 02/12/2004 7:44:20 AM PST by Protagoras (When they asked me what I thought of freedom in America,,, I said I thought it would be a good idea.)
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To: Diddle E. Squat
"you really believe that no citizens are traitors, none have become sleeper terrorists?"

I could care less who they vote for. What, do you think Bush should pander to them too?

National security is more than just going overseas and taking out terrorists there. Stopping illegal immigration; going after people that have overstayed their visas; protecting a citizens rights to keep and bear arms; taking the TSA to task for making it difficult for pilots to be armed; adding more immigration agents/patrols; leaning on agencies that refuse to turn over illegals. There are other things also. Sure you can say that the dems won't do it either, but if we don't voice our distaste for the way things are going on what will change? If you don't tell someone that they are doing something you don't like, how will they know?
464 posted on 02/12/2004 7:44:29 AM PST by looscnnn (Tell me something, it's still "We the people", right? -- Megadeth (Peace Sells))
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To: OWK
Cute.

You think you're very smart, and very pure, but you aren't bothered by the thought of a leftist anti-American, anti-military crackpot in the White House.

Peculiar.

465 posted on 02/12/2004 7:45:13 AM PST by ohioWfan (BUSH 2004 - Leadership, Integrity, Morality)
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To: OWK
Give me a break, OWK.

You cannot, if you are sober and in your right mind, say that Bush is a leftist like Kerry is.

He may not be as pure as you would like, but to say he has done nothing conservative is nothing but garbage.

Just a question........a serious one. Are you for or against supporting the military?

466 posted on 02/12/2004 7:49:09 AM PST by ohioWfan (BUSH 2004 - Leadership, Integrity, Morality)
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To: Howlin




Don't talk to me about taking shots.

So, you've had them?


467 posted on 02/12/2004 7:49:29 AM PST by Sabertooth (Sharpen your Long Knives lately?)
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To: George W. Bush
Oh, excuse me, you didn't say he wasn't a Christian, you said he was a GOOD ENOUGH ONE to suit you.

And you linked to this web site:

BushRevealed.com



Where THEY say:

Welcome to BushRevealed.com!
This website serves as notice to Christians across this nation that President George Bush over the past few years has compromised his "Christian faith" by promoting evil and openly supporting wickedness. It is our hope and prayer that he would Repent and turn from such blatant sin. He is not our friend and cannot be trusted.

This website is dedicated to providing up-to-date factual news information tracking the president's anti-Christian and ungodly behavior. We encourage you to pray for Mr. Bush.





I'm sure that since you don't think Bush is a good enough Chritian to suit you, you could never believe he'd be a good president either!

468 posted on 02/12/2004 7:50:42 AM PST by Howlin
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To: George W. Bush
Oh, excuse me, you didn't say he wasn't a Christian, you said he was a GOOD ENOUGH ONE to suit you.

And you linked to this web site:

BushRevealed.com



Where THEY say:

Welcome to BushRevealed.com!
This website serves as notice to Christians across this nation that President George Bush over the past few years has compromised his "Christian faith" by promoting evil and openly supporting wickedness. It is our hope and prayer that he would Repent and turn from such blatant sin. He is not our friend and cannot be trusted.

This website is dedicated to providing up-to-date factual news information tracking the president's anti-Christian and ungodly behavior. We encourage you to pray for Mr. Bush.





I'm sure that since you don't think Bush is a good enough Chritian to suit you, you could never believe he'd be a good president either!

469 posted on 02/12/2004 7:50:55 AM PST by Howlin
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To: All
Anyone know what Drudge is going to break.... "Campaign drama rocks Demoncrats"??? some world exclusive...
470 posted on 02/12/2004 7:51:21 AM PST by Hand em their arse
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To: Sabertooth
Take your gratuitous icon and shove it where the sun don't shine.
471 posted on 02/12/2004 7:53:34 AM PST by Howlin
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To: OWK
If you're so concerned about leftist and socialist policies in America... why don't you ever criticize them?

I have .. but I guess you were too busy helping to get Kerry elected

GO KERRY GO!!!!

Oh and before you claim I didn't answer your question .. I wasn't thrilled about CFR, but at the same time, I understand why it was need and then there was parts of the prescription drugs that also bothered me .. there are some parts of his his illegal proposal that need work

Now with all that said .. I know from Kerry's history and voting records .. We will be bending over for a looooooong time

But hey GO KERRY GO!!!

472 posted on 02/12/2004 7:56:15 AM PST by Mo1 (" Do you want a president who injects poison into his skull for vanity?")
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To: ohioWfan
My question is, if these people are so purely conservative, why doesn't the thought of a REAL leftist in the White House make them sick, like it does the rest of us??

That's a very good question ... because it makes absolutely no sense to me

473 posted on 02/12/2004 7:58:22 AM PST by Mo1 (" Do you want a president who injects poison into his skull for vanity?")
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To: Mo1
Oh and before you claim I didn't answer your question .. I wasn't thrilled about CFR, but at the same time, I understand why it was need and then there was parts of the prescription drugs that also bothered me .. there are some parts of his his illegal proposal that need work

Wasn't thrilled?

A little bothered by?

Needed some work?

You don't object to ANY of these things in principle... do you?

474 posted on 02/12/2004 8:00:09 AM PST by OWK (Have you accepted George as your personal president?)
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To: Mo1
What amazes me most about these purists, is that, if they were on this forum back in 97 or 98, they HAD to be opposed to xlinton.

And NOW, they are so mad that Bush isn't conservative enough for them, that they are willing to let a guy who is LEFT of xlinton take the White House to teach Bush a lesson.

Does this make sense to any conservative who can think straight??

475 posted on 02/12/2004 8:02:34 AM PST by ohioWfan (BUSH 2004 - Leadership, Integrity, Morality)
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To: OWK
You don't object to ANY of these things in principle... do you?

You don't have a problem with Kerry in the White House and you talk to me about principle???

GO KERRY GO!!!

476 posted on 02/12/2004 8:03:03 AM PST by Mo1 (" Do you want a president who injects poison into his skull for vanity?")
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To: ohioWfan
If your 'purism' makes you so strongly opposed to Bush, and you don't vote for him, you will be de facto, supporting Kerry.

While we're talking de facto, let me ask you a question:

Are the Bush advisors who advocated Amnesty, CFR, big spending, etc., all of which may end up costing more votes than they gain in November, "de facto, supporting Kerry?"

Are the Bush stalwarts in this forum who've resisted criticizing this President the past few years, and, to the extent that FR has influence, encouraged the notion that the White House can take votes for granted and squander them, "de facto, supporting Kerry?"

If the consequences of an action benefit Kerry's electoral prospects, is the person behind it "de facto, supporting Kerry?"


477 posted on 02/12/2004 8:03:10 AM PST by Sabertooth (Sharpen your Long Knives lately?)
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To: OWK
Wow, I see some of the "compassionate conservatives" are here. Really pleasant folks out winning converts to their side.
478 posted on 02/12/2004 8:03:47 AM PST by MileHi
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To: ohioWfan
What amazes me most about these purists, is that, if they were on this forum back in 97 or 98, they HAD to be opposed to xlinton

They have short attention spans I guess

479 posted on 02/12/2004 8:04:16 AM PST by Mo1 (" Do you want a president who injects poison into his skull for vanity?")
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To: OWK
Since you're still around, will you answer my question about the military?

And while your at it, can you tell me what your write in candidate for the Presidency has said he will do to keep the military strong?

480 posted on 02/12/2004 8:04:23 AM PST by ohioWfan (BUSH 2004 - Leadership, Integrity, Morality)
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