Yes, and I'm having trouble separating some Bush policies from Democratic policies. I'm an old conservative, and remember what the Republican party used to represent, and I can't help but be disappointed, regardless of what some of the posters here think.
I don't agree with all his domestic policies but as Rudy explained it last night, this is no ordinary time. We're choosing a leader to keep this country safe. Look - the President is setting the agenda and Kerry is firing his campaign staff. And the polls are already beginning to shift. And this is BEFORE the convention ends. I think the President CAN and will close the sale with the American people in his acceptance speech.
Are you old enough to remember this?
The Dean Clarence Manion Radio Program
May 12, 1957
[REPEAT 1-9-5-7]In the realm of certainty, one thing stands out. The end of the SCANDALOUS GIVEAWAY SPENDING IN WASHINGTON will NOT be accomplished by the official action of either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party as such. When and if it comes to pass, the RESTORATION OF FISCAL SANITY TO OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT will be brought about by the courageous, independent action of Senators and Congressmen of both parties, who put the basic interests of the whole country ahead of party regularity, ahead of political expediency and above the selfish demands of POWERFUL PRESSURE-GROUPS.
On this program two weeks ago, we heard a great Democrat, Senator Harry Byrd of Virginia ask this question: "WHEN BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES ARE PLEDGED TO BIG GOVERNMENT AND BIG SPENDING, whom does that leave to be the watchdog for the people?"
The Senator effectively answered his own question in that remarkable speech. Under such unfortunate political circumstances, the people must rely upon the integrity of such Democrats as Senator Byrd, and the courageous honesty of Republicans like my guest at this microphone tonight.[Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona]
You can hear the rest of it here C-SPAN link
My point is, this criticism about Republican Big Spending has been around for a long long time. I'm not saying that makes it right, but it does put it in perspective.
FWIW, I'm not an American, so I'm not entirely aware what old Republicanism meant. I do know old Democrats were pro-slavery and pro-Lenin.
But I am an Adam Smith laisse faire conservative. IMO, what made America great is not protectionism, but free trade and its ability to feed and mechanize the world. How are current Republicans any different than Democrats when it comes to the all embracing of John Maynard Keynes communistic ideals, I'm not too sure? Central Banking, currency manipulation, mercantalism, the dependence on government to solve our economic ills, the misinformed desire to eliminate business cycles (may as well eliminate human emotions while we're at it, funnelling of dollars to big business who should have been allowed to fail (airlines). The list can go on.