Posted on 02/16/2002 7:27:55 AM PST by TLBSHOW
Today, ladies and gentlemen, you cannot shout "Freedom!" in a crowded election. That's what this phony campaign finance reform bill will mean if it becomes law, which is why there is a huge debate going on inside the Bush White House over whether the president should veto or sign the bill. It appears right now the president is going to sign the thing - and this is what's troubling.
Mr. President, remember the brilliant address you made to the nation explaining our course of action in fighting world terrorism? I say the same kind of approach is called for with this deceptively named campaign finance reform bill. You enjoy an amazing level of trust with the American people. They trust you. They believe in your honesty and integrity. You could explain to them just why this bill is unconstitutional, and why it ought not ever see the light of day. The First Amendment has just been amended here in wanton violation of the Constitution.
Folks, when John McCain was running for president in the Republican primary, I said, "If Russia passed a new law that restricted free speech and competitive elections in the way that the McCain-Feingold bill does, and then claimed it was reform, our state department and human rights groups would denounce it as repression of the Russian people. The New York Times and Washington Post editorial pages would rail against these efforts as anti-Democratic - which they are." This bill is un-American, wrong and against freedom, and I say this knowing that it would make me even more powerful than I am now. Think about that.
President Bush has demonstrated that he has the resolve and the courage and the principle to face down the evil of terrorism. He's shown that he is committed to doing what's right regardless of what the European Union, congressional Democrats or even the media has to say about it. He's doing the right thing. He's following his instincts. Well, let me suggest that this assault on the Bill of Rights requires no less resolve and courage by the president to prevent a severe blow to our liberty.
To me, this is gut-check time, Mr. President. One of the major reasons you were supported over McCain back in the primary season in the year 2000 was your stand against this very bill. Stand up for free speech. Veto this bill.
LOL. Yep, they look the same to me. Spin, spin, spin.
That this name has the ring of truth to it shows how Bush was studying the tactics of der Slickmeister during his 8-year reign of terror.
rwfromkansas says in 231 that the bill has a provision that says it becomes law in 10 days if the President does not veto it. (Seems like usurpation of executive powers to me)
I'm apologize for being crude, but I am mad enough to throw Molotovs over this asinine bill. The last thing I need when I'm stirred up (although I can't say it justifies what I wrote) is for Dubya's patriot thought police to come knocking on my door questioning my patriotism. I resent that. Besides, the very fact that he's considering signing the thing puts his very courage and integrity, when it comes to his Presidential oath to uphold our Constitution, in question.
Again, I unequivocally stand AGAINST this bill, PERIOD, and I believe it is my PATRIOTIC duty to do so. If you are not a Kool-aid-drinking Bushie, I again apologize. If you ARE one, I retract my original apology.
Your Language is not necessary !
Fine, I'll remember to mention the appropriate anatomy next time...
Seriously, though, I tried to make amends with the patriot thought police over yonder...
That's the argument the president tried to use, but he ran into a couple of problems. First, his campaign had already purchased many negative domain names (bushsucks.com) and redirected them to his campaign site. Thus, if gwbush.com was guilty, the Bush campaign was much more so. More importantly, the site was a parody, and as such, was justified in using the domain name. The Bush campaign's arguments were tossed out of court without so much as a trial.
That being said, I am deeply troubled by this bill. We have called both our (Republican) Senators voicing our objection to it, and our Congressman thanking him for his opposition to it. I don't know where the President will come down on it, and I don't know what explanation he will give for his position, so I am withholding judgement on him until that is known. In regard to the Congress, it seems that the gutless Republican wonders are back in form. I believe the President has a great deal of courage to 'go against the flow,' and to tell you the truth, I am praying that he will use that courage to veto this terrible bill, no matter what the cost.
AAAAAAAAA-MEN!
As far as support, I voted for him once due to FOG (Fear of Gore), but I recognized that his platform seemed to be part socialist, so I'm HIGHLY critical of him, except for the war effort so far. If he signs this demonic bill, I'll still support him in the war and on tax cuts, but don't look for me to punch him in on the 2004 ballot. After all, those hours spent standing outside of Cheney's house have to be worth something.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.