What the Congress Can Do for America

Wall Street Journal ^ | January 3, 2007 | George W. Bush

[West Coast Conservative]

Tomorrow, members of the 110th Congress will take their oaths of office here in Washington. I will have the privilege of working with them for the next two years -- one quarter of my presidency, plenty of time to accomplish important things for the American people.

Together, we have a chance to serve the American people by solving the complex problems that many don't expect us to tackle, let alone solve, in the partisan environment of today's Washington. To do that, however, we can't play politics as usual. Democrats will control the House and Senate, and therefore we share the responsibility for what we achieve.

In the days and weeks since the November elections, I have been encouraged by the productive meetings I've had with many of the new leaders in Congress from both parties. I am hopeful we can find common ground without compromising our principles.

I believe we share many of the same goals for the people we serve -- and with good will and hard effort, we can find practical ways to advance the American Dream and keep our nation safe.

My principles are no secret. I have campaigned on them in my races for governor and in two presidential contests, and I have worked hard during my presidency to translate these principles into sound policy.

I believe that when America is willing to use her influence abroad, the American people are safer and the world is more secure. I believe that wealth does not come from government. It comes from the hard work of America's workers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. I believe government closest to the people is more responsive and accountable. I believe government plays an important role in helping those who can't help themselves.

[raftguide]

I've had high hopes in the past myself. So I won't let them led to big expectations this time: Big expectations = big disappointments!

[pacpam]

Bump

[highlander_UW]

Wrong question...it SHOULD be what can congress do FOR America, but the dems are now in control...the real question is what will Congress do TO America.

[peggybac]

The best thing Congress can do for America is STAY HOME!

[OldFriend]

This was just brilliant on the President's part. Thanks for the ping!

[garylmoore]

This was just brilliant on the President's part

"Amen"

[BigTom85]

Congress should shut down for the next 20 years.

Agreed! In reality it probably wont happen. However, I think the country would run better if they were in session for 5 or 6 months a year. They spend too much time in DC and that tends to screw their ego's and brains up even more than they are when they take office. Spending more time at home in their home states might eliminate A LITTLE of the 'beltway mentality'.

The next 2 yrs will be wasted on investigations and hearings. Bush will have 'compromises' with the Democrats on bills. He won't veto a damn thing- the man is burnt out and just wants to get the hell back to Texas when his term is over. The Republicans and Democrats will both be running liberal candidates in 2008 (as of now).

[OldFriend]

And I suspect the dems are wondering just who among them has been charmed by the president into doing the right thing for America rather than their party.

[attiladhun2]

What the Congress Can Do for America: more accurately stated, "What the Congress will do to America." When Congress does not meet at all gives our property and liberty a little more breathing space before they both become entirely extinct.

[tiredoflaundry]

bttt

[Miss Marple]

Thanks for the ping. I can't get past the first few pragraphs, I presume because I don't have a subscription.

[ballplayer]

GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN?

[prairiebreeze]

I hope he's found his veto pen. We're going to need it.

[Marathoner]

The best thing Congress can do for America is STAY HOME!

Truer words were never spoken. How much would we have to pay those yahoos to just not show up the next two years?

[Peach]

I used to have a subscription to the WSJ but I can't read the full letter. Thanks for the ping; hope he laid down the law (in his usual nice way).

[LivFREEordie]

http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html

Try this link. Worked for me.

[Txsleuth]

The link worked for me...I don't have a subscription...try the link at post #36.

I am assuming this is basically what he is supposed to say on TV today sometime.

[Fudd Fan]

I could not agree more with your post.

[Miss Marple]

The link to the Opinion Journal in post #36 does work. Thanks!