[afropick]

I think all of this hyperventilating needs to be taken down a notch. AWB is nowhere close to coming to the house this year, the guest worker or amnesty program is still just a proposal, and the spending is just as much the congress fault as it is the President. I see people saying they wont vote for Bush for things that have not even been voted on or even reached the desk of the President. Many say he is spending like crazy, but it is also the obligation of the congress to send any bill back to the white house if it is way to expensive. Many say he has the veto, but remember if there are enough votes could there be a possiblity to override the veto. I'm not sure but if someone else knows better, clarify that. We as free independent thinkers should be able to disagree about many policies without resorting to the namecalling and outright disrespect being shown here. I would expect that from liberals who use those tactics when they have no clear or proper response.

[afraidfortherepublic]

...the spending is just as much the congress fault as it is the President

Correction: it's ALL the fault of the Congress. The President can request, but only Congress can write appropriation Bills -- and the President does not have a line item veto, so extra spending gets tacked onto important Bills where he can't risk vetoing the whole Bill. I'm sure you know that, but this is just a clarification for others on this Board who do not seem to know it.

[arasina]

Impressive and thoughtful response! Your post is a Keeper!

[The Old Hoosier]

the spending is just as much the congress fault as it is the President.

Oh really? Remember that 3-hour medicare vote? That's how long it took Bush to twist enough arms to get it passed. Nick Smith received a bribe offer through "an intermediary."

If you ask me, Congress went along under duress.

[The Old Hoosier]

I'm not calling any names or disrespecting anyone. I'm just saying that this whole thread is really ridiculous. It's one thing to tell conservatives that Bush is good because of Mexico City--fine, I agree. It's ridiculous to tell us that "Medicare Reform" and "21st Century Jobs" are "accomplishments." That's almost insulting to the intelligence of most people here.

[PhiKapMom]

I would expect that from liberals who use those tactics when they have no clear or proper response.

Thanks for posting your comments. Very well stated. That is what so many of us are having trouble believing -- the nastiness against the President for some things that are only proposals.

Can remember during CFR, the President told the Congress don't expect him to use the veto pen. If he got the CFR, he would sign it and it was up to Congress to make the changes which is where it belonged.

President Bush does not believe the veto pen should be used as a way of controlling Congress nor does he believe Executive Orders should be a way for the President to make laws. Both of those are traits I want in my President!

[LucyJo]

I think all of this hyperventilating needs to be taken down a notch. AWB is nowhere close to coming to the house this year, the guest worker or amnesty program is still just a proposal, and the spending is just as much the congress fault as it is the President. I see people saying they wont vote for Bush for things that have not even been voted on or even reached the desk of the President. Many say he is spending like crazy, but it is also the obligation of the congress to send any bill back to the white house if it is way to expensive. Many say he has the veto, but remember if there are enough votes could there be a possiblity to override the veto. I'm not sure but if someone else knows better, clarify that. We as free independent thinkers should be able to disagree about many policies without resorting to the namecalling and outright disrespect being shown here. I would expect that from liberals who use those tactics when they have no clear or proper response.

Excellent perspective and post.