I meant "Republicans who support illegal immigration." I need another cup of coffee.
Having any type of intelligent exchange with an individual who suffers the notion that there actually is a Democrat Party is a fools errand.
No intelligent discussion of the Republican plurality can even commence without the reality that there simply is no Democrat Party.
What remains is a goofy "Gumbo" of random action, hatred and puposelessness...blindness and Tourette syndrome obscenities.
Only fools will consider actually voting for any part of that insanity.
So where has the Bush Administration "won" conservative victories?
First and foremost, it gets high marks for setting the example in "striking first BEFORE the threat is mobilized" in the WOT. Let's not kid ourselves - one of the reasons America has not been hit with waves of suicide bombers or other attacks is the threat of military retaliation.
Secondly, two Supreme Court additions insure the high court will lean conservative for the next 25-30 years.
I give Dubya high marks just for openly taking on the Social Security issue. Sure, his solution was rejected BUT the important thing is he DID take it on. The plan was logical. What it does is set the framework for another President to try to solve it. To keep ignoring that issue is to avoid reality. But the 2008 winner can deal with it.
He didn't allow Kyoto to be shoved down America's throats and its pocketbook.
The economy is humming despite the gloom & doomers pointing at the housing bubble, the cost of gas, etc. However, I have always contended government can only damage the economy, so the LESS involvement, the BETTER. So I give the Bush Administration credit for the tax cuts and basically staying away from it.
The Katrina fallout has been unfairly perpetuated by the malcontent extremists/opportunists, and aided by the media. But it DID show how stunningly unprepared the USA is for a major diaster (I'm thinking of the NEXT major terrorist attack).
Okay, now the negatives.
The Bush Administration has totally failed to reign in spending in the budgets. I fully understand the WOT costs. Why can't other departments be reduced to help defray that required expenditure? The unbridled pork that galls me to no end. Bush has the veto power. Why has he not used it?
The Mexico border issue and his cozying up to President Fox of Mexico absolutely flummoxes me. The immigration / border control issue must be vigorously addressed. That should have been handled during the days of 85% approval in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
The failure to revamp the existing tax code is a thorn in the sides of most Americans. The same energy and spirit used in the SS argument must be used. The IRS is a bloated bureacracy that needs a total overhaul. Creating a new tax system that is truly fair would truly unleash the economy and promote personal savings to record highs.
CAFTA will be another NAFTA. The trade issue is a bit of a concern for me. America should go with a "mirror" trade policy with foreign countries. Simply put, it means whatever controls you put on American goods entering your country will be reciprocated to the letter by the USA for your products. Also, if your country uses child/slave labor to produce goods, then the duty rate will be very high for those imports (assuming they are alowed entry at all).
His refusal to use the bully pulpit of his Office is curious as well. Too many times he has allowed just bizarre counter attacks/criticisms to pass. That bully pulpit could have been used much more effectively the past 6 years.
My main point is all Administrations are a convoluted mixed bag of results.
There are two vital keys to me. The FIRST key is to vote for CONSERVATIVE VALUES and not necessarily the party affiliation. Would you rather see Democrat (former senator)Sam Nunn or Joe Lieberman in the White House OR Republican John McCain or Lincoln Chaffee? Do NOT dump all Dems in the "liberal" bucket. And for damn sure don't dump all Repubs in the "conservative" bucket. Know your hot buttons and choose accordingly.
The SECOND key is to NOT donate money to a given party. Support the causes that are near and dear to you personally. Examples are the border fence, disaster relief charities, or specific CANDIDATES.