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GOP Irritation At Bush Was Long Brewing
Washington Post ^ | Friday, March 17, 2006 | Jim VandeHei

Posted on 03/16/2006 11:56:08 PM PST by EternalVigilance

President Bush's troubles with congressional Republicans, which erupted during the backlash to the Dubai seaport deal, are rooted in policy frustrations and personal resentments that GOP lawmakers say stretch back to the opening days of the administration.

For years, the Bush White House and its allies on Capitol Hill seemed like one of the most unified teams Washington had ever seen, passing most of Bush's agenda with little dissent. Privately, however, many lawmakers felt underappreciated, ignored and sometimes bullied by what they regarded as a White House intent on running government with little input from them.

Often it was to pass items -- an expanded federal role in education under the No Child Left Behind law and an expensive prescription drug benefit under Medicare -- that left conservatives deeply uneasy. What Bush is facing now, beyond just election-year jitters by legislators eyeing his depressed approval ratings, is a rebellion that has been brewing since the days when he looked invincible, say many lawmakers and strategists.

Newly unleashed grievances could signal even bigger problems for Bush's last two years in office, as he would be forced to abandon a governing strategy that until recently counted on solid support from congressional Republicans.

*snip*

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...


TOPICS: Extended News; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 109th; bashandtrashpotus; bush; cantweallgetalong; dailybashbush; gop; govwatch; libertarians; rinowatch; term2
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To: Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
Oh my gosh you are incredibly articulate and I am so happy to see someone else on these threads who see's the same things I do with the Bush Administration.

There was no bigger proponent of Bush, than I, in both elections. But, I also knew that we had no other choice and for that I am still furious with the GOP and I see they apparently haven't yet learned the lesson.

I so pray that the conservatives of this country will be able to bring forth candidates that are worthy of actually being called Conservative. I am tired of the big socialists on both sides of the isle.

By the way you said: "We are doing a police action."
You are absolutely dead accurate on. If you get a chance to read a transcript of Pat Buchannon on the radio Oreilly factor from 3/16/06, read it. It is well worth it.
81 posted on 03/17/2006 2:53:01 PM PST by Sweetjustusnow ("You're either with us or with the terrorists." Time to live up to that statement Mr. President.)
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To: Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
The President campaigned on standardized testing, increased literacy, teacher and school system acountability, and vouchers. He got all of those things except vouchers.

The Education Bill only gives the increased funding to school systems which meet the requirements (testing, improved scores for students, teacher certification, etc.) If school systems do not meet the requirements, they do not get the money. Why do you think that the NEA HATES the "No Child Left Behind" Act?

As early as August of 2004, after the convention, there are articles talking about this and his "Texas Miracle" (in which he increased spending on education, demanded accountability from Texas school systems by instituting standard tests and promoted phonics in reading education). Vouchers were only ONE portion of his education proposals, and like Reagan, he took what he could get.

Yes, Kennedy supported the bill. And Kennedy didn't understand what the bill meant, because NOW Kennedy is howling that there isn't enough money being spent. And why is that? Because schools who didn't meet the requirements don't get the money!

Sorry, but if all you heard was vouchers you weren't really paying attention.

And the President still supports vouchers, which many states are now trying to institute. You will note that the ACLU and the NEA are filing lawsuits against every voucher law enacted. They are losing, but it is a slow progress for our side as this is being fought in the courts.

If this education bill is so leftist, why does the NEA hate it? And why do you not know all the parts of his education proposals from the campaign? I knew them, and I was only a lowly campaign envelope-licker and phone answerer, and I have no access to anyone more important than my county Republican Chairman.

82 posted on 03/17/2006 3:41:27 PM PST by Miss Marple (Lord, please look after Mozart Lover's and Jemian's sons and keep them strong.)
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To: Reagan Man; Miss Marple
Actually this Jim VandeHei nails every point of the story and how it relates to the Bush adminstration recent struggles and poor public opinion ratings. Not only does Bush&Comopany ignore the press, they ignore the GOP controlled Congress too. LOL Republicans are finally seeing that Bush has used them to pass spending increases on education, transportation, agriculture and energy that have busted the budget for non-defense related discretionary appropriations. At the same time, welfare and entitlment spending has gone through the roof under Bush. The new prescription drug program for seniors places Bush in the same class with LBJ and Medicare, and FDR with Social Security. All advocates of big government.

Medicare is not the only thing Bush has in common with LBJ. Don't let us forget spending on everything, not to mention a long never-ending war based on dubious Intel costing hundreds of Billions.
All on borrowed money.
I also noticed that no mention has yet been made of Conservative Voters being called numerous nasty names by the WH occupants. We are supposed to just shut up and trust...

83 posted on 03/17/2006 5:21:05 PM PST by meema (I am a Conservative Traditional Republican, NOT an elitist, sexist , cynic or right wing extremist!)
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To: meema

I would like you to document the nasty names conservatives have been called by the White House occupants. Please provide quotes and names. Thank you.


84 posted on 03/17/2006 5:26:33 PM PST by Miss Marple (Lord, please look after Mozart Lover's and Jemian's sons and keep them strong.)
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To: Miss Marple
Those looking for the perfect candidate/president should read this and rejoice we have W.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1598257/posts

85 posted on 03/17/2006 5:33:45 PM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: Miss Marple

Sorry, Miss Marple. I knew you would try that. I believe you have been here far longer than I have, and you know what we have been called. Just start with my tagline.
I don't write down things like that, but I do remember, as I'm sure you do also.


86 posted on 03/17/2006 5:42:56 PM PST by meema (I am a Conservative Traditional Republican, NOT an elitist, sexist , cynic or right wing extremist!)
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To: Conservativegreatgrandma
You never get everything you want. If I were looking for a perfect candidate, I would demand someone who liked classical music, knew Shakespeare and Donne, liked gardening and animals, demanded a strong military and students who had homework 3 hours per night, and liked bagpipes.

Not gonna happen.

W was the best we had who could get elected. He has kept an honorable and moral White House, treated people with decency, strengthened the military, stood up to the UN, kept us safe from terrorists, lowered our taxes, killed the Kyoto treaty, and gave us two excellent Supreme Court justices.

Back in 1998, we would have killed for such a president.

People who want more conservatism should seek such a candidate and support him for 2008. Dissing Bush right now only weakens chances for success in 2008, and won't get any new goals acomplished.

87 posted on 03/17/2006 5:43:24 PM PST by Miss Marple (Lord, please look after Mozart Lover's and Jemian's sons and keep them strong.)
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To: Miss Marple

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN! Well Said!


88 posted on 03/17/2006 5:44:47 PM PST by defconw (Proud Member of the Bucket Brigade! Yes I am a Bushbot, so what of it?)
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To: Miss Marple

Bush increased spending 80% over his first five budgets, but the kids' knowledge has not increased. The tests are not standardized. I have a lot of teachers as clients, and a few of them are actually bright and conservative. They confirm that the teachers are teaching to score on tests, not teaching what is needed to make kids learn.

In addition, the tests are not standardized. If an investigation was done to prove that the so-called standardized tests are not standardized, it weould be a major national scandal; we all know this is fact, and my clients in the education system confirm the tests have been watered down.

The end result is the USA's kids still rank at the bottom compared to foreign students. Bush and his admin did not demand the lousy teachers be axed and the whole damn corrupt, commie infested DOE be cleaned up. The result is Bush has trashed BILLIONS of taxpayer money and the school system is as decrepit as ever.


89 posted on 03/17/2006 5:45:46 PM PST by Dont_Tread_On_Me_888 (Bush's #1 priority Africa. #2 priority appease Fox and Mexico . . . USA priority #64.)
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To: meema
Nope. You can't pull that. If you say that the White House has called conservatives names, you have to document it. Posting an epithet by someone on this forum who is a Bush-supporter doesn't count.

YOU are the one who said that the White House has called conservatives names. I have been here a long time, and I don't recall ANY White House spokesperson calling conservatives names.

Put up or shut up.

90 posted on 03/17/2006 5:46:12 PM PST by Miss Marple (Lord, please look after Mozart Lover's and Jemian's sons and keep them strong.)
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To: EternalVigilance

Bush has absolutely nothing to lose by going conservative and everything to gain.


91 posted on 03/17/2006 5:48:31 PM PST by stands2reason
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To: Miss Marple
Back in 1998, we would have killed for such a president.

Boy, is that ever the truth!

92 posted on 03/17/2006 5:48:34 PM PST by meema (I am a Conservative Traditional Republican, NOT an elitist, sexist , cynic or right wing extremist!)
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To: Miss Marple

Does the name Vigilante ring any bells with you or did you dismiss that one?


93 posted on 03/17/2006 5:49:14 PM PST by B4Ranch (The truth is good for you, like sunlight, but too much all at once can really hurt.)
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To: Miss Marple
Agreed. I was not a Bush supporter in the 2000 caucus but I'm still grateful to God that he was president when we were attacked on 911. Imagine a Gore president!!

These critics would rather have a Democrat? I think not!!

Again, we're faced with making choices for the next election. I'm going for the most conservative I think can be elected. If my guy does not get the nomination, I'm not going to pick up my marbles and go home in a snit.

94 posted on 03/17/2006 5:49:44 PM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: stands2reason
Bush has absolutely nothing to lose by going conservative and everything to gain.

That's always been the case, but many refuse to see it.

95 posted on 03/17/2006 5:50:29 PM PST by EternalVigilance ("After all I've done for you people!!!" -John McCain)
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To: Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
The tests don't have to be nationally standardized. They only have to be accepted by the Education Department as tests that will measure progress of the students.

I don't care what your clients say; they are whining because they don't like being measured. The tests are designed to show progress, and there was never an effort to say the same test should go nationwide.

Expenses for education increase as more states meet the requirements. That is not unusual.

Sorry, but I think this bill was a good idea. You, of course, don't. Not a surprise.

Tell me ONE THING that President Bush has done that you support, other than bombing terrorists. I will be surprised if you can do so.

96 posted on 03/17/2006 5:51:54 PM PST by Miss Marple (Lord, please look after Mozart Lover's and Jemian's sons and keep them strong.)
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To: Miss Marple
I have been here a long time, and I don't recall ANY White House spokesperson calling conservatives names.

I've had them do it to my face. Does that count?

97 posted on 03/17/2006 5:52:20 PM PST by EternalVigilance ("After all I've done for you people!!!" -John McCain)
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To: jammer

The problem I have with Bush is, I don't know which policies of his are pandering uhhh I mean compromises just to get elected and which he really believes in. I wish I knew...

I wish I knew WHY he insists on being so out of touch with his constituency. It's maddening.


98 posted on 03/17/2006 5:54:17 PM PST by stands2reason
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To: Jeff Chandler
You know Jack Shit?

If YOU knew him you'd know he actually spells it Schitt. So there. :-P

99 posted on 03/17/2006 5:56:49 PM PST by stands2reason
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To: browardchad

Same here. It took Harriet Miers to show me that I really didn't know who George W. Bush was.


100 posted on 03/17/2006 5:58:33 PM PST by stands2reason
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