George F. Will:President Bush has turned conservatism on its head, infuriating many supporters

The Union Leader, Manchester, NH ^ | July 24, 2003 | George F. Will

[RJCogburn]

THIS IS THE is the summer of conservatives? discontent. Conservatism has been disoriented by events in the last several weeks. Cumulatively, foreign and domestic developments constitute an identity crisis of conservatism, which is being recast ? and perhaps rendered incoherent.

George W. Bush may be the most conservative person to serve as President since Calvin Coolidge. Yet his Presidency is coinciding with, and is in some instances initiating or ratifying, developments disconcerting to four factions within conservatism. The faction that focuses on foreign policy has four core principles: Preserve U.S. sovereignty and freedom of action by marginalizing the United Nations. Reserve military interventions for reasons of U.S. national security, not altruism. Avoid peacekeeping operations that compromise the military?s war-fighting proficiencies. Beware of the political hubris inherent in the intensely unconservative project of ?nation-building.?

[Miss Marple]

He stands for:

Lower taxes, strong military, fighting the war on terror, demanding standards from educators, making the US energy independent without all of us riding bucycles, encouraging a culture of life, prohibiting partial birth abortion, acting like a gentleman even when the Rats are attacking, being president of all the people.

[MrLeRoy]

During the first two years of the Reagan administration Reagan had a working majority, with the boll weevil democrats.

And Dubya has an actual majority---PLUS boll weevil democrats.

Also Reagan had a Seante majority for 6 years

Cato is looking at Reagan's first three years---for the first two-thirds of which he did NOT have a Senate majority.

[JesseHousman]

George W. Bush may be the most conservative person to serve as President since Calvin Coolidge.That's quite a statement. But it's not true.

If RWR only had the congress Bush II has, a lot of history could have turned out differently. Of course, given the RINO content in today's congress, we're only going to move in one direction as a nation: down.

[MrLeRoy]

You have to get off the third rate third party kick. It ain't happening.

I'm not much concerned with whether it's "happening"---it is, as you were speaking of, the least of several evils.

[VRWC_minion]

The economy is always number one

No its not. Survival is number one. We are talking basic psychology here.

Why do you think that even as more people get upset about the economy, Bush's one-on-one polling against rats doesn't change ? Its because the people don't want to risk a change that might affect their survival. Sure they are mad about the economy and sure they blame Bush but they sure are not going to trade him for someone else while their remains a terrorist risk.

[Consort]

The Constitution Party.

You picked the biggest loser among the third rate parties. The Constitution is whatever 5 people (a majority) of the US Supreme Court interpret it to be....not what the Founders, or the President, or the Congress, or you think it is....

[MrLeRoy]

If they ever get power, they will quickly do what the major parties do to keep and grow that power
[...]
You know as well as I do that it will happen that way.

I "know" no such thing. Can you provide a reason for anyone to believe it?

[kevao]

Lower taxes, strong military, fighting the war on terror, demanding standards from educators, making the US energy independent without all of us riding bucycles, encouraging a culture of life, prohibiting partial birth abortion, acting like a gentleman even when the Rats are attacking, being president of all the people.

Now if we could just add to this list reducing, or at least holding constant, federal spending, I think everyone on this thread would be happy.

[Area51]

Yeah, Papa Bush thought the same thing.

But Papa Bush ended the war, Son Bush didn't, he will keep it going for years.

Papa Bush wasn't attacked on US soil, Son Bush was.

Papa Bush raised taxes, Son Bush has lowered them twice.

When the checks go out this summer and next, the people will believe that Bush is doing what is possible.


83 posted on 07/24/2003 7:27 AM PDT by VRWC_minion (Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and most are right)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 79 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

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I an sorry to say that Body bags with American Soldiers are being filed everyday.

Tax breaks-That money will mean nothing come election day. Do you hear anyone talking about the first one? And to think that in a year and a half someone is gonna care is niave.

Sure Dubya lowered our taxes but you had better be honest with yourself about it. First, it gets reversed in a few years AND we are about to get stuck with a estimated 400 Billion dollar Social program, we can't afford.

Care to wager how that gets paid for. Increase of SSI or Mecare witholding and or the increase in the age of Retirement?

You think your getting a deal?

[LTCJ]

Note: New rule for conservatives, apparently you can't speak out on court decisions you disagree with. It makes you 'mean and insulting'

Did you clear that observation with the RNC? It might appear to put pressure on someone in the GOP and, Lord knows, that is a sure fire way to open the gates to the Democratic hords.

Now, be a good conservative and step back in line. There's a lad.

[MrLeRoy]

The Constitution is whatever 5 people (a majority) of the US Supreme Court interpret it to be....not what the Founders, or the President, or the Congress, or you think it is....

Spoken like a true liberal. I'll pass, thanks.

[Dane]

Cato is looking at Reagan's first three years---for the first two-thirds of which he did NOT have a Senate majority.

Reagan had a Senate majority from 80-86. Cato is wrong.

BTW, there are harldy anymore boll weavil democrats left, maybe 4 or 5.

[Consort]

Human nature, money, power — for the good or for the bad. And, yes, you DO know it.

[MrLeRoy]

Cato is looking at Reagan's first three years---for the first two-thirds of which he did NOT have a Senate majority.

Reagan had a Senate majority from 80-86. Cato is wrong.

No, I am---my bad.

And Dubya has an actual majority---PLUS boll weevil democrats.

there are harldy anymore boll weavil democrats left, maybe 4 or 5.

Provide evidence there were more in 81-83 than there are now.

[Dane]

While I am busy sending emails to Congress and the President to advocate for smaller governemnt we need to remember that ya'll are advocating and apologizing for the expansions thereof

Good for you, but with the Senate as evenly divided as it is, it is very tough and your e-mails will go on to deaf ears to at least half the Senate.

[MrLeRoy]

Human nature, money, power — for the good or for the bad.

Then my vote is only a statement of personal belief---in which case I'll cast it for the candidate whose platform I most agree with.

[Stew Padasso]

"Good for you, but with the Senate as evenly divided as it is, it is very tough and your e-mails will go on to deaf ears to at least half the Senate."

You should be a motivational speaker.

[Consort]

While I am busy sending emails to Congress and the President...

The Executive and Legislative Branches will hire more people (expand) to process and respond to email from you and from others.

[Area51]

It was just that your little list contained pork. As if "pork" is the President's fault. There was money for worms long before this President... there will be money for worms long after he is gone.

It doesn't make it right. It's just the way Washington works.

90 posted on 07/24/2003 7:30 AM PDT by carton253 (You are free to form your own opinions, but not your own facts.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 84 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
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Unfortunately someone forgot to inform him he does have both the power and authority to deal with pork, Other than create more of it.

It's called the VETO. I figure the Clintons must have stole the stamp because obviously Bush doesn't have a clue about where or what it is.

Mr. go along to get along is costing this country BILLIONS!