[fporretto]

The president is in a no-win situation. He promised this giveaway program during his presidential campaign. He can either go back on his word, losing public credibility, or he can follow through, disappointing the conservative base.

I wouldn't want to be in Dubya's position on this one. He prizes his integrity and the popular appreciation of it. I think he knows the drug bill is a bad idea, but then, I think he knew the farm bill, the steel tariff, and the No Child Left Behind Act were fatally flawed too -- three other campaign promises he felt he had to deliver on.

If you're an honest man, campaign promises can kill you.

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit the Palace Of Reason:
http://palaceofreason.com

[sarcasm]

He promised this giveaway program during his presidential campaign. He can either go back on his word, losing public credibility, or he can follow through, disappointing the conservative base.

He also promised a balanced budget - haven't heard much about that one recently.

[nyconse]

Bush did promise this. However, I still think there is a GOP poison pill in this bill. It leaves the door open for Privatization of the whole system. Keep in mind, this bill is backloaded (2006). If the GOP wins decisively in 2004, this bill can be changed/improved. If the Democrats win it won't matter. How come some of you are so nasty about Bush supporters (a day in the life of Bush)? We could do a lot worse than George Bush. Read Ann Coulter's book. It is shocking. Maybe I don't always agree with President Bush, but I am not voting for any Democrats- I can tell you that. I know some of you are Libertarians, but you might as well vote for a Democrat as vote for a Libertarian candidate (same result): elects Democrats.

[RJCogburn]

farm bill, the steel tariff, and the No Child Left Behind Act were fatally flawed too -- three other campaign promises he felt he had to deliver on.

I think, if memory serves, the final form of those bills (maybe not the steel tarrifs) was rather unlike what he 'promised' but he embraced them anyway.