Posted on 06/02/2006 8:01:07 PM PDT by FairOpinion
IF ONLY HIS LAST NAME WERE SMITH. He'd not only attract national attention as the popular and successful governor of a difficult-to-govern state. He'd be viewed sympathetically as a leader who had dealt with family issues--his wife's aversion to politics, his daughter's bouts with drug addiction--without losing his grip on the governorship. And he'd be the prohibitive frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.
But his last name is Bush. So Jeb Bush, nearing the end of his eight years as governor of Florida, has to settle for being the best governor in America. Not proclaimed the best governor by the media and the political community. But recognized as the best by a smaller group: governors who served with him and experts and think-tank and conservative policy wonks who regard state government as something other than a machine for taxing and spending.
Why is Jeb Bush the best? It's very simple. His record is the best. No other governor, Republican or Democrat, comes close. Donna Arduin, perhaps the most respected state budget expert in the country, has worked for four big-state Republican governors--John Engler of Michigan, George Pataki of New York, Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, and Bush. Even while she worked for Schwarzenegger, she told me Bush is "absolutely" the nation's premier governor. "He's principled, brilliant, willing to ignore his pollsters, and say no to his friends," she says.
(Excerpt) Read more at weeklystandard.com ...
Here in So. Calif we've lived with the illegal problem for years as a part of everyday life. We either learned to live with it or move. After 4 moves I came to realize it was me that was going to have to change.
The past few years I've learned a little compassion goes a long way in helping you get some of what you want. It's my believe George and Barbara Bush taught this to their children at an early age as they demonstrate compassion in their everyday actions. Unfortunately some see this as spineless or call them wimps. In my eyes it's the namecallers that need to do a little growing up and learn what compassion is. They may need some themselves one of these days.
With your permission may I please steal your sign?
I agree too!
Go ahead.
Please explain.
And just what would that achievement be?
1. A vast reduction in government employees?
2. A huge decrease in welfare programs and spending?
3. Eradication of all government waste and duplication of responsibilities and duties?
4. The establishment of term limits?
5. Restoration of freedoms for American citizens in his state? At least back to the 50's level.
6. Tort reform?
7. Bringing government back to the very basics and eliminating "vote getter" government programs, offices and goodies?
And the list goes on and on for what would be considered "remarkable achievements" in government.
THREAD HIJACK ALERT!
I want a conservative.
As a Floridian I can assure you Jeb is a convervative. We have budget surpluses and he lowers taxes. The American people should have listened to Arkansans in 1992. We wouldn't have had to endure Klintoon for 8 years. Wouldn't a Floridian know him best?
"And he'd be the prohibitive frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. "
GOD SAVE AMERICA!!! NO MORE BUSHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeb's history as governor of FL speaks for itself:
State budget:
1999-2000 $49 billion
2006-2007 $74 billion
Governor Jeb Bush has increased the size of government in the state of Florida by 50% during his tenure.
Jeb Bush is certainly more conservative and more qualified than any of the current list of prospective candidates, with the possible exception of Senator Allen. If Allen's candidacy fails, who will be the nominee? It should be an intersting primary season.
What kind of conservative increases state spending (also known as the size of government) by over 50% during his 8 year tenure? If I were a Floridian, I'd be outraged at government being grown at about 6.3%/year. Think if government growth had only been kept in check with inflation (which during 2000-2005 was barely noticeable)? Your taxes would be rock bottom.
>>>President Bush has been the greatest president anyone could be given the multiple crises he has had to face and is still facing.<<<
Before you place him on a pedestal, be reminded of his socialist blunders: the Bush-Kennedy Education Bill; Campaign Finance Reform; Medicare Prescription Drug Plan; and amnesty for illegals. Also be mindful that Bush has been either too arrogant or too stupid to challenge his critics, and those who falsely accused and smeared him, for more than five years. Who can have faith in a leader who will not set the record straight?
"We have budget surpluses and he lowers taxes. "
There's a lot more than dollars that defines a conservativve. A great many fiscal conservatives are closet liberals on social issues. And I'm sure "Jeb" concurs with his brother on illegal invaders and amnesty.
I read somewhere yesterday that George Allen may be defeated for reelection in VA this year, particularly if the Democrats run the former Reagan navy secretary James Webb.VA is trending Democrat, with so many northerners coming south of the Potomac.
"VA is trending Democrat, with so many northerners coming south of the Potomac."
Maybe we need a wall somewhere else than along the southern border. Like all around New York City.
No thanks, you can keep him. Acting senators almost always lose as presidential candidates. Executives tend to defeat legislators like knights taking bishops.
I also have long gotten the impression that George Allen, unlike his father on the football field, does not like to "rock the boat" and take chances essential to victory. I doubt that he can be nominated or elected. But he would be better than Brownback, I guess, considering Brownback's open-borders position. I see George Allen as a VA version of NY's hapless Rick Lazio. They even kind of resemble.
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