[M. Thatcher]

Don't you think this is rather odd, this sudden group of new people who are ALL so incensed with CFR? Especially since this wasn't even on the public's radar screen, but when Bush gets ready to sign it, BINGO, they are all here incensed about what was formerly a non-issue? What is your explanation?

You're kidding, right?

It's "suddenly" on the radar screen because for the first time it passed the House and Senate, and because for the first time the President of the United States indicated he would sign it. Until now, since there was NO THREAT it would pass, many conservatives weren't particularly engaged in the issue (though some, including Rush, WERE).

That seems entirely obvious, and I must admit being puzzled that someone so obviously astute as yourself would reach for a bizarre conspiracy theory instead.

This issue has been on Rush's radar screen FOR YEARS. He is passionately interested in it, always has been. You may not agree with him, and may be pained by Rush's criticism of President Bush, which is fine. But please, let's stay on the merits, shall we?

Rush's positions are ALWAYS, one hundred percent of the time no exceptions, based on what he ACTUALLY THINKS. He doesn't give a RIP what anyone else says, thinks, writes, pontificates (as far as pressuring or influencing him), when it comes to forming his opinions.

[Miss Marple]

Fair enough. If you look, I said later in the thread that I had allowed my anger to color my perception. I STILL have questions about all the callers, and of the sudden appearance here of so many of the GENERAL PUBLIC who apparently didn't care a hoot for this bill until it came to a vote, and then they don't scoriate the CONGRESS, only the President.

By the way, although Rush is saying what he thinks, in this instance he is not assessing the entire situation correctly, in my opinion. But then, I am, on rare occasions, incorrect, as I stated above and unlike some of the people who have shown up here recently, I admit when I was wrong.