Posted on 06/05/2002 1:20:54 PM PDT by Stand Watch Listen
Let me just say up front that I am not addressing you if you voted for George W. Bush in 2000 and regret it. The same goes for those of you who voted for Bush and insist on holding his feet to the fire on the important issues. If, however, you cast your vote for Bush, still believe he is the only hope for America and intend to support every move he makes without so much as a raised eyebrow, this is for you.
It has been nearly a year-and-a-half since George W. Bush, the savior of conservatism, descended from on high to begin his earthly reign in Washington, D.C. Republicans assured us that he would restore integrity to the White House and would be a marked improvement over the promiscuous Bill Clinton. Well, in all honesty, that could have been accomplished by electing a neutered chimp to the office of president.
During the 2000 presidential campaign, George W. Bush the man proved to be a nice break from Bill Clinton and Al Gore. Unlike Gore, Bush had a more likable...well, he actually had a personality. He also possessed the unique ability to address the American people without the smug and condescending vibe Clinton exuded. However, when it came to policy, George W. Bush the candidate failed to demonstrate that he would govern any differently than his Democrat counterparts.
Still, throughout the campaign, there was a loyal group of Bush supporters who would take offense at even the slightest implication that their candidate was anything but a staunch conservative. Even now, they continue to stand by their man, and I find this to be rather perplexing.
Perhaps those who have pledged their undying allegiance to President Bush could answer a few questions for me, in no particular order of course:
• How would you have reacted if Bill Clinton had signed the Patriot Act into law and given the government sweeping new surveillance powers?
• Would you have criticized a Democrat president for signing a $26 billion education-spending bill?
• Did you feel betrayed when Bush signed Campaign Finance Reform into law?
• What do you think about Bush's position on granting amnesty to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants?
• Would you have tolerated a Democrat proposal for federally funded faith-based initiatives?
• What would your reaction have been if a Democrat had said, "No one should have to pay more than a third of their income to the federal government"?
• What do you think about the president's granting of Permanent Most Favored Nation status to China?
• What's the difference between Bush and the Democrats on the issue of farm subsidies?
• How would you react if a Democrat president sent a $2.13 trillion budget to Congress?
• Would you have stood for a Democrat saying "No!" to arming airline pilots?
• What would your reaction have been if a Democrat had pushed for the federalization of airport security?
• Are you willing to stand by and let the Bush administration cater to the environmentalists on the global warming issue?
• What do you think about Bush's call for a Patient's Bill of Rights?
• What one thing has Bush done that sets him apart from the Democrats?
• It's been a year-and-a-half since Bush took office. When do we start to see a decrease in the size and scope of government? For that matter, when do we start to see even a remote indication that this administration will think about doing anything to try to limit the federal government?
This list is by no means exhaustive, but I would really be interested in some answers. Perhaps it would help shed some light on the mindset of modern compassionate conservatives.
The fact that a Republican president is governing like a Democrat isn't surprising. What's amazing to me is that there are a few select Bush supporters out there who cannot—or will not—utter one word of criticism against their president for any reason. In their minds this man is the epitome of conservatism, and to question his actions would be to question their own beliefs and cause them to wonder why they supported him in the first place.
The way I see it there can only be two explanations for this: 1) these people really and truly believe in what Bush is doing, or 2) they do not wish to face up to the real reason they voted for him — he was simply a slightly more palatable choice than Al Gore.
Thank you, PKM. That means a lot...I respect you very much. In fact, you are one of my favorite FReepers.
My Goodness.... If this keeps up... Tonight might become a Hallmark Moment on FR... LOL :-)
These Washington druids seem completely humorless. "Hold on honey, I'll be right back ... George Will is telling a funny story!"
While I don't agree with every single thing he does, I still support him, as I agree with easily 75-80%.
Bottom line for me is the size of the federal government. If it grows as a percentage of GDP under his watch, I will judge Bush a failed president. This criterion has the benefit of being objectively measurable, with a well-defined metric. The other pros and cons listed by you and Southack have no objective weighting or metric, and the importance placed upon each will vary considerably from person to person.
IMO, the problem with most people in this forum, is their belief that there is a significant difference between the two parties where the rubber meets the road. Yes, the turbo charged rhetoric suggests a wide gulf in opinion but it is interesting to note that both parties have few differences when it comes to the size of the federal budget, trade or immigration. 3 of the biggest issues in America today. Anyone wondering why this is should take a walk on K Street in DC.
Oh no you don't. I'm not going to let you get away with trying to twist a statement that says that no one should have to pay more than a third of their income in taxes into a statement that says everyone should pay at least a third of our income in taxes.
That comment implies that you are upset that I pointed out several Conservative actions taken by Bush.
Why does that upset you? Is it contrary to your agenda to say anything good about Bush? Are you a liberal who doesn't like to hear about Conservative actions?
True Conservatives should be THRILLED to hear about Conservative actions being taken.
Yet you don't act so thrilled about Post #4.
Hmmm...
It's about Rush.
First, you must understand what his job is. Rush sells ad time for the radio stations that carry his show, the price of a minute of air time is predicated on the number of people listening. People listen to Rush when there is political upheaval in the country, we all listened for the eight years X42 graced the White House with his presence, and used tissues, because of all the political upheaval.
Now, things are quiet, the Democrats can't seem to make any significant dents in Bush's armor, and he isn't banging interns in the broom closet. I am willing to bet that Rush's numbers have been slipping for a while. The majority of us are content with our president, and have turned the dial back to the Oldies station, a little Jay and the Americans is just perfect for that afternoon drive.
Rush then needs to create his own controversy, and unlike some public interest law firms we all know and love, he can't turn to the Democrats for support. So he feeds the fires of the ever-dissatisfied extreme right looking to bolster his ratings, and trying to keep the price per minute of ads on his show, high.
First and foremost, Rush is an entertainer.
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.