A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...03-11-04..Iraq signs new Constitution...You can blame Bush...

JohnHuang2,dutchess,billie | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

Iraq signs new Constitution. You can blame Bush for that.

by JohnHuang2

Keep in mind we're dealing with people who have no history of tolerance whatsoever. Principles such as the rule of law and respect for other views -- indeed, even the idea of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, pluralism, a Bill of Rights -- are, at best, alien to these people. As are pluralistic compromise and acceptance of other religions. To say these people are unschooled in tolerance is an understatement. Needless to say, building pluralism where none has ever existed isn't easy. The notion that Bush could just wave a wand and create it out of whole cloth among people who've never known or practiced tolerance seems hopelessly naive. Even teaching these people basic civility was always a tall order. I mean, in the past, oh, say 20-some odd years, who have these people picked to lead their party? Carter, Mondale, Dukakis, Clinton, and now, John F. Kerry, who attacked Bush Sunday for using the War on Terror as a campaign issue. I rest my case. Kerry, furious, vowed to make the War on Terror his top campaign issue.

But why are Democrats so difficult to civilize? Why are they so angry, irrational? Well, take a look at how Bush has handled postwar Iraq, for example. Here was a perfect chance for Bush to screw things up. Instead, he's stubbornly refused to screw things up. The most pressing need for Democrats is for Bush to fail there, but do you think Bush even cares? Of course he doesn't. Bush, indifferent to their plight, prefers success. Hopelessly out of touch with Tom Daschle, Bush aims to win the peace. Meanwhile, cunningly, he is stonewalling Quagmire at every turn, and shows no sign of letting up -- witness the historic signing ceremony Monday. Rather than seizing the opportunity to stumble, the President got all 25 members of Iraq's Governing Council to sign the landmark interim constitution, threatening to push Iraq into all-out freedom, self-rule and free elections. (Bush is forever fomenting freedom, the rascal! Then again, he has to get it off his chest). The signing, a painful setback for Quagmire fans, ended what looked like a promising deadlock after Shiite leaders balked last Friday.

"Here we are today standing in a historical moment to lay the strong foundation for rebuilding a new Iraq," declared Governing Council President Mohammed Bahrululum at the signing ceremony. (Hey, what's the matter with this guy? Doesn't he read the New York Times? He should try sounding more 'conflicted.' More 'nuanced'. Where's his "Intellectual Fluidity"?) Kerry attacks Bush's Middle East policy as imperialist meddling in Mideast affairs. Bush's imperialist meddling would create the first Arab democracy in the Middle East. (Kerry also accuses Bush of being too disengaged in the Middle East. Or of having no Middle East policy). Hailing the document, which includes a Bill of Rights, Bahrululum added that the new Iraq will be a "free, democratic Iraq that protects the dignity of the human being and protects human rights." (Hmmmm. Animal rights groups aren't gonna like this).

So lemme get this straight: First, Democrats kindly gave Bush 6 months to turn Iraq into Quagmire, or total disaster. Then it was 9 months. He's not only missed both deadlines, but, here at home, Bush isn't much of a failure either. On economic policy, his tax cuts have worked to inflame the economy, sizzling at 6 percent growth these past two quarters, further enraging Democrats. (Bush is the culprit behind this whole darn recovery, trust me. His fingerprints are all over it).

When Bush took office, he was handed the perfect recession. Then he turned around and ruined it. With tax cuts. And more tax cuts. (The poor recession never had a chance. First, Bush surrounded it. Then he choked it off. Then, using overwhelming force, he killed it. How twisted and sick!) Ask yourself: Is this any way to treat a defenseless recession? Check out the very incriminating bill of particulars: Bush, by drastically cutting taxes, incited a booming economy; aided and abetted a rebound in consumer confidence; planned and instigated soaring home sales; deliberately encouraged booming factory output, soaring productivity, vaulting capital spending, swelling work weeks, surging profits, mounting retail sales and other wrongdoing; ordered, instigated or otherwise aided and abetted escalating Family Net Worth ($44.4 trillion currently -- see Larry Kudlow's latest); willfully deprived millions of Americans of joblessness. According to Kudlow, "since the end of 2002, 1.8 million more people have gone back to work." Outrageously, most of these jobs are fueled by tax cuts -- outsourcing of dollars Democrats believe legitimately belongs to government in Washington. Bush's policy of *Outsourcing* money back to those who earn it, away from the federal government, is an outrage, Kerry believes. Outsourcing wealth to the private sector which produces wealth -- away from the federal government -- is bad for the federal government, Kerry thinks. (Scandalously, it makes government in Washington less material to our lives). Making government less material to our lives inherently is bad policy, Kerry believes. Bush flat-out doesn't believe in the power of government to affect our lives, Kerry charges. (Kerry also accuses Bush of making government too powerful, affecting too much in our lives, blasting the U.S.A. Patriot Act, key tool in the War on Terror, as nothing more than Bush's attempt to make government all-powerful!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kudlow notes that "the number of Americans" currently working "now stands at 138.3 million, an all-time high." (More people are working on Bush's watch than on Clinton's watch. Another sign Bush is a Miserable Success!) But wait. That's the Household Survey, not the 'Payroll' Survey. Experts consider the Household survey's reliability highly debatable. It's so highly debatable, that government and experts rely on the Household survey to calculate the official Unemployment Rate, currently holding steady at 5.6 percent, which experts consider dangerously high, jeopardizing Bush's re-election. Indeed, in 1996, the official Unemployment Rate stood at 5.6 percent, which experts consider incredibly low, assuring Clinton's re-election. (Kerry wants to raise taxes on factories and businesses that way they'll hire more. More bankruptcy lawyers).

Meanwhile, in Dallas, Texas, Bush complimented Kerry for his strong opinions and firmly-held beliefs in a speech Monday, noting that "Senator Kerry has been in Washington so long that he's taken both sides on just about every issue." (hmmmm . . . not so sure I agree. Truth is, you always know where Kerry stands on issues. For at least several hours. Then he changes positions. Again.) Bush charged that Kerry, a liberal whom the media says isn't a liberal but a moderate with a liberal voting record that Democrats say Republicans are citing to paint Kerry as a liberal, has two different positions on Iraq. But that's not exactly fair. Kerry has a firmly-held, clear-cut position on Iraq -- and 3 others. All firmly-held. (Kerry says Bush duped Kerry into voting for war. Or that Kerry didn't know he was voting for war. Or that Bush ate Kerry's homework?) But don't get me wrong. Whatever you do, don't underestimate Kerry. John Kerry is a very effective opponent. Of John Kerry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then again, don't forget the guy's got combat experience, is a war hero, a highly decorated veteran, who won Purple Hearts for injuries in battle, the Bronze Star Medal, you name it.

Oh wait -- that was Bob Dole I was thinking about.

Anyway, that's

My two cents...

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 03-08-04...Military Monday 03-09-04...Pennsylvania..."The Keystone State" 03-10-04...Celebrate Living...# 3

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

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[dutchess]

Enjoy your mini family reunion. What fun!

[dutchess]

I loved today's Two-bits but where am I? Weinie

Right here!!!

[dutchess]

Hi Temple. You're very welcome. John is always fun to do!

[dutchess]

I really loved the two-faced picture, although it made me twice as sick to look at that horse-faced so-and-so.

LOL...I agree.

You and Aqua will have freepmail shortly.

[jwfiv]

Thank you, Dutchess, for delivering JH2's incomparable Two Cents to us today.

As ever, thank you, JohnHuang2...)

Regards to all our lovely Hostesses, and to all the Finest.

May God bless America, and deliver defeat to Her enemies...especially John Fonda Kerry, the King of Slander and Pander.

[dutchess]

May God bless America, and deliver defeat to Her enemies...especially John Fonda Kerry, the King of Slander and Pander.

Amen. Also, thanks for your post yesterday...didn't get a chance to respond as I was working on today...but love the idea of eating lunch overlooking the ocean...You gave a lovely description as always.... (how's Lucy the cat....are you any closer to adopting one????)

[MeekOneGOP]

Howdy ! Pizza was fine. She enjoyed it, and so did I. ;^)

[lonestar]

That's a picture of ME!--another crooked liar for Bush!

Weinie

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Ernest Borgnine Hails Navy Sailors

Story Number: NNS040310-07
Release Date: 3/10/2004 11:12:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Kimberly Rodgers, Navy News Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Academy award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine spent time with Sailors March 9 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. During the visit, Borgnine shared with Sailors the influence the Navy has had on his life.

After 10 years of naval service during World War II, Borgnine, 87, said he became more responsible.

"Being here brought back so many memories," he reminisced, often overcome with emotion. "The idea of being a part of something so enormous taught me how to be a man. It gave me something to prove to myself--and to my country. I'd like to be able to do it all over again."

Borgnine, who joined the Navy in 1935, served on the now-decommisioned USS Lamberton (DD 119), reaching the rank of Chief Gunner's Mate, and went on to land the lead role in the popular television series "McHale's Navy." With more than 150 films to his credit, Borgnine received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the hit movie "Marty" in 1955.

"Being in his company was amazing," said Seaman Jordan Logan of U.S. Ceremonial Guard Command, Washington. "Just coming into the Navy, you get lots of advice. It always makes a difference when the advice comes from someone who's actually worn the uniform--and went on to do great things."

"I've seen so many of his movies," said Personnelman 2nd Class Jocelyn Smith of Naval Air Facility, Washington. "This is like a dream come true. He's a real class act. You get the feeling he really cares about our service."

A teary-eyed Borgnine concluded the session by saying to Sailors, "You're serving a great country. Always, always do your best."

For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.

040308-N-2383B-007 Washington, D.C., (Mar. 8, 2004) – Acclaimed Academy Award winning actor and World War II combat veteran Chief's Gunner Mate Ernest Borgnine, stopped by the Pentagon to meet with Adm. Michael G. Mullen, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO). Mr. Borgnine is in the D.C. area to meet with military personnel and will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 2004 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner. A 1997 recipient of the award established in 1987 to honor naval service veterans who have distinguished themselves in their professions through public service and national leadership. Mr. Borgnine will present this years award to Mr. Ben Bradlee, vice president at of the Washington Post and Adm. Stansfield Turner, USN (Ret.), director of the CIA from 1997 to 1981. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera. (RELEASED)

[nicmarlo]

Well, if you both must know (and I am deeply, deeply hurt by your insinuations that I have ever been anything other than well-behaved)..............just for that, I feel compelled to get even : ).........yes, I have been sick....most all of last week....with a cold. Now that I am well.....well, you two better start to keep on your toes (soon, as I'm also in the middle of a sewing project with my daughter, oy vey....she is something else to teach something to---what a stubborn hard head; I just don't understand where she gets that from! : )

[deadhead]

Thank You All. Great 2 cents, presentation and 'Dear John' letter :-)

I spent a couple of hours today supporting President Bush here on Long Island. President Bush visited USA Industries in Bay Shore. Supporters out numbered the protesters big time, happy to report :-)

Below is a snippet from L.I.'s very liberal paper. I checked their web site, and they have 2 photos of the crowd...you guessed it, not one photo of the supporters. GRRRRRRR

"Outside the plant, a crowd of about 300 about 50 yards away saw only the motorcade's arrival, but not the president himself.

" Most of the people there appeared to be supporting the president, but a few had gone to demonstrate. They included some from the Haitian community who were protesting the administration's recent actions in the Haitian rebellion, others advocating for more affordable housing and others opposing Bush's stance seeking a constitutional amendment to ban gay/lesbian marriage.

[dutchess]

I heard about the protest...about 300 people. Never heard about supporters.. Geesh!!! Thanks for fighting the good fight!

[dutchess]

Heading to bed....'night friends.... looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.... :0)

[WVNan]

Hey dutchess. The presentation for John's 2 cents is super. YOu two make a good team.

[deadhead]

Yes, about 300 people were there all together. And the majority of us were SUPPORTERS. The mainstream (LIBERAL) media bias is really getting on my nerves. I see a letter to the editor in my future :-) Future, as in tomorrow, after I view the paper at work.

[WVNan]

Awesome job yourself oh Articulate One. I was fooled by the first paragraph and had a good belly laugh when I got to the Democrats part. LOL

[WVNan]

Go get em girl. Hey, how ya doing?

[deadhead]

"Go get em girl."

LOL, getting me Irish up!

Doing fine, Nan. And how are you? How is your adorable grandson, J.D. doing?

[WVNan]

I'm fine. Been super busy this week. Haven't heard from J.D.'s grandma this week either. We would like to go up to see him, but between hubby and me and our jobs we can't get a free day. Last we heard he was doing better each day with more movement on his left side and better focus of his eyes.

[deadhead]

"Last we heard he was doing better each day with more movement on his left side and better focus of his eyes."

Wonderful news! I am going to go check out the local news, there was a TV crew from L.I. there today.

Good Night and God Bless