Bushism (How President Bush Transformed American Conservatism) MUST READ!!!

Opinionjournal.com ^ | 10/27/04 | John Micklethwait And Adrian Woodlridge

[goldstategop]

The most surprising change has been the rise of "big government conservatism." Ever since the Goldwater campaign of 1963-64, conservatism has defined itself as an antigovernment creed. Barry Goldwater proclaimed that he had little interest in reforming government, "for I mean to reduce its size." Ronald Reagan proclaimed that "government is the problem, not the solution." The Republican Class of '94 believed that "government is dumb while markets are smart" (to borrow a phrase from Dick Armey)--and set about balancing the budget and cutting popular government programs.

[goldstategop]

President Bush has transformed the face of American conservatism. It is no longer the anti-government creed of a party in the minority but the big government philosophy of a party in power. The GOP is a very different political animal from the one championed by Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan and Dick Armey. And the consequences of a Bush victory will be felt for years to come.

[AdamSelene235]

Yay!!

[bahblahbah]

Um, the consequences of a Kerry victory will be felt forever. I hope the libertarians become a viable 3rd party by 2008 in order to curb this big government trend.

[weegee]

George W. Bush is not John McCain. George W. Bush is not Albert Gore Jr.. George W. Bush is not John Kerry.

Which of those 4 men would you have had in charge of this country the past four years or the next four?

Got to take a majority of the electors to hold the office.

[Soul Seeker]

Yeah, and the consequences of conceding victory to terrorists and the MSM collusion with the DNC and U.N. body would be felt for quite awhile as well.

IMO, big government isn't great but the majority of his programs at least encourage personal responsibility. Slight difference from Dem programs.

Also, you might take into account Texas wasn't always a conservative stronghold. The conservative revolution transformed the state. Could be seeking to build a strong Republican majority in the House & Senate is Bush's way of easing conservatism into the majority position in government well after he is gone.

he tends to look toward the future and if successful, a number of people may owe him an apology.

[Christian4Bush]

bttt

[Valin]

I hope the libertarians become a viable 3rd party by 2008

The problem third parties have is winner take all elections.
Well that's only one of the problems they have.
How long have the Libertarians been around? How many state wide election (in whatever state) have they won? How many state legislators, mayors of major/mior cities, school boards...etc have they won?

[GeronL]

Socialist Republicans..... and we're suppose to applaud??

[ForGod'sSake]

Also, you might take into account Texas wasn't always a conservative stronghold. The conservative revolution transformed the state.

Texans have always been conservative; they haven't always been Pubbies. Is that what you meant to say?

FGS

[MJY1288]

The size and scope of Government grew under Reagan, just like every other President before him. The difference I see in this President is that he is promoting the privatization of some of the bureaucracy, as well as promoting individual control of how our investments in the Government Programs are managed. His Ownership Society is a good concept IMHO and I hope his Health Care Program is considered as well as his plans for Social Security reform

[GeronL]

I think the Libertarians and Constitutionalists should hold their 'conventions' a year early and nominate someone to enter into the GOP primary and then support whomever wins the primary in November.

[Valin]

Got to take a majority of the electors to hold the office.


It really is about winning. You can have the best plan since the invetion of sliced bread, but if you can't get it enacted it's not worth a plugged nickel.

I have so real problems with Bush on domistic issues....but 9-11 trumps them.

[Soul Seeker]

More or less. It's moved away from Johnson, Barnes and Richards representation.

To an extent, politics is a partisan game. I would say the majority of Americans are conservative but reflexively vote according to party lines. The key is to shift that alligiance to support candidates they are more in agreement with ideologically, but pre-disposed to think ill of.

[bayourod]

"A president who has devoted his energies to governing on behalf of conservative America and who is regarded by many on the right as being the most conservative person to ever reach the White House ..."

No doubt in my mind. I held positions in three of Reagan's campaigns. Bush is far more conservative, especially in the supply side economic area. He is a tax cutter.

[MegaSilver]

I hope the libertarians become a viable 3rd party by 2008 in order to curb this big government trend.

The libertarians ceased to be a meaningful force in American politics when they were swamped by the dope-smoking/homosexual "marriers" crowd.

[Valin]

You might have something there, but how many would support the winner if that person hasn't 100% pure to their political philosophy?

[MegaSilver]

Socialist Republicans..... and we're suppose to applaud??

This IS the Wall Street Journal.

[hawkiye]

I can't prove it but in his second term I believe Bush will transform things much more then he has because he doesn't have to worry about reelection. I think he may promote the fair tax act and that would be a major accomplishment if passed and if done while republicans are in power that would entrench them for decades at least, because the economy would wildly take off and improve like never before. It will be a hard fight though.

Hopefully he will take the gloves off in Iraq and speed up their progress. Also be able to cut the deficit in half like he has promised. He also needs to cut spending but that won't happen until things in Iraq get further along. 2008 will still be another opportunity. I don't think Hillary can win unless we nominate another Dole.

[GeronL]

Mega- I understand that. But to me 'Big Government conservative' is barely better than 'Big Government' period.

Valin- They would become factions within the GOP and they would have more influence than they do now.

[maine-iac7]

George W. Bush is not John McCain. George W. Bush is not Albert Gore Jr.. George W. Bush is not John Kerry. Which of those 4 men would you have had in charge of this country the past four years or the next four?

********************************

Yeah - and after we win this one, we should make big signs and bumper stickers that say

If you didn't vote for "W" you can thank us for saving your sorry butts"

;)