Bush scolds balking GOP

Washington Times ^

[Sub-Driver]

Bush scolds balking GOP

By Stephen Dinan and Ralph Z. Hallow THE WASHINGTON TIMES Published June 2, 2007

President Bush yesterday renewed his attack on Republicans who oppose his immigration bill, again charging that they are trying to "frighten people" and calling on supporters to rally around the compromise.

The president pleaded with senators to "show courage and resolve" to withstand outrage from voters in their districts.

"It is right to argue for what you believe and recognize that compromise might be necessary to move the bill along. And it is right to take political risk for members of the United States Congress," Mr. Bush said in his second impassioned plea this week on the issue and the second time that he has accused Republicans of trying to scare voters by labeling provisions in the bill an "amnesty."

But many Republican senators say the bill is both an amnesty and unworkable and argue that Mr. Bush's barbs are off the mark.

"I'm not going around frightening people. People are frightened, and they're trying to scare the politicians into voting the way they want them to," said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican, whose opposition to the bill has earned him standing ovations at speeches and events back home during the past week.

Mr. Bush's challenge followed a speech in Georgia on Tuesday that infuriated Republican opponents of his bill. And the renewed challenge came just a day after White House press secretary Tony Snow said the administration was trying to "lower the temperature and get people to talk about basic principles."

The fight is taking a serious toll on Republicans. The Washington Times reported yesterday that small donations to the Republican National Committee have dropped by an estimated 40 percent

[EdReform]

What his motive could possibly be is beyond me.

New World Order?

[Czar]

"Worst Republican President ever!"

Well, certainly right down there with the worst of them in any event.

[SkyPilot]

I suspect that our President really does not understand the basis for the outrage by his former base.

I believe you are right. I will say (for all my outrage) that I believe he is fundamentally a good man. A Christian man. But Christians are prone to sin and being wrong (the disciple Peter is one example - and Paul said he was "least among the saints"). Bush is wrong on this - and he is too stubborn to admit it.

By repeatedly failing to implement promises to secure our borders, we have compounded the problem seven fold. Most recently the Congress placated the desire of the people for a border fence by including it in legislation, then pulled the rug by failing to provide funding.

I believe, respectfully sir/ma'am, that you are mistaken on that. Congressman Hunter said on Sean Hannity's program that the fence is fully funded and that when he confronted President Bush on the subject of why only 2.8 miles (and only one of two layers thereof at that) was complete, Bush was silent and surprised).

There is FULL FUNDING for about 800 miles of a Double Fence - to include cameras, wire, and security. You can call Congressman Hunter's office if you wish to verify this.

The Bush Administration is choosing to NOT construct it.

[processing please hold]

I see all illegals as illegal, I don’t care what color they are. This madness has to stop if we are to survive intact as a nation.

[taxed2death]

“If you really believe this statement, then you are a fool. In your twisted world, was Reagan the previous holder of the “worst Republican President ever” title?

After all, Reagan did grant amnesty in 1986. According to your rationale, that would have made Reagan the worst, right?”

Wrong. Reagan admitted later it was wrong.

GWB is too dense to learn from others mistake.

He must be drunk.

[mad_as_he$$]

Some forget that there are 2 million illegal Chinese here.

[NRA2BFree]

And it is right to take political risk for members of the United States Congress," Mr. Bush said

Yeah, it's easy for Bush to say that because he doesn't have to run again. Why in the world would any congressman/woman want to take a risk of losing their jobs for Bush or Mexico? My guess is that they won't. Those who back Bush in this matter are going to be fired or recalled before it's all over.

[processing please hold]

Some forget that there are 2 million illegal Chinese here.

Unbelievable huh, the number of illegals in this country.

[processing please hold]

Those who back Bush in this matter are going to be fired or recalled before it's all over.

Personally, I don't think his backers expected such a s*@t storm blow back from the American people.

[Theodore R.]

Also in 1983, Mr. Reagan did nothing when the Soviets shot down the Korean airliner in which a congressman was on board.

[SeaBiscuit]

"What his motive could possibly be is beyond me."

"With persistence and courage, we shaped the last century into an American century. With leadership and commitment, this can be the century of the Americas." --Aug. 25, 2000 George W. Bush

[Theodore R.]

It is not possible to recall members of Congress. WI tried it with Feingold, but it’s doubtful that the Senate would have accepted a verdict against the popular McCain colleague.

[Dead Corpse]

What war has Bush won ?

Apparently the "war on conservatism". At least, he's trying hard. It's gonna get someone urt if he doesn't stop it and come to his senses...

For all those who said Bush's "conservative" side would come out in his second term when he had no elections to worry about, y'all need to be ashamed of what you've done.

[kalee]

Any possible hope Jeb had of getting elected to the presidency is gone and he can thank his brother.

[mad_as_he$$]

Spot on!

[EDINVA]

maybe it’s me, but I thought DeMint was taking Bush’s words and turning them around on him. I hardly think it was meant as an insult to his constituents or others who are opposed to what we know of the current immigration bill.

[acoulterfan]

I have left the Party and am now unaffiliated.

Ditto here! Also, being “Undeclared/Non-Partisan” in CA means I can go in and vote AGAINST Hillary in all of the elections.

[OldPossum]

Wesley Pruden, the Editor-in-Chief of "The Washington Times" had a column yesterday in which he said that Bush is competing with Truman to leave the Presidency with the lowest approval ratings. Currrently Bush has 28 percent approval, and Truman left with 23 percent.

I think our boy Bush can do it!

[harpo11]

"It is right to argue for what you believe..."

Damn straight, Mr. President, it is why most American Citizens see that this bill is amnesty, rewarding law breakers.

Have them live on your nice ranch, have them go to your hospital, have them go to the private school your kids went to rather than thrusting them on us the American Citizens who have been doing the work that Americans do and paying their taxes out of their hard earned income and now you want us to pay more for them.

[Dov in Houston]

Thank You

Well said