It’s a fact that Congress never took ECON 101. They spend what they please regardless of the actual income. It’s called deficit spending. Only real cuts in programs result in less government (well beyond the standard Republican cuts in anticipated growth).
were 25,000 Soviet strategic missiles . . . I doubt a rogue nation or terrorist group could get their hands on an ICBM.
You may believe that a rogue nation couldn’t get control of an ICBM, but it is not beyond consideration. We have to be prepared for just such a possibility. I a firm believer in overwhelming capability. While we have been busy mothballing and destroying our strategic nukes, Russia has modernized its strategic force. While the number of missiles is down, the actual number of warheads is less certain because their MIRV capability is much greater. But, the real threat lies East. The strategic threat from China will grow faster than we can get NMDS online. And the likelihood of China actually attacking the US is greater than Russia during the Cold War. Threats need to be countered before they materialize, but you already know that.
With all due respect, you need to brush up on your politics.
With all due respect, you need to brush up on the Constitution. EOs were never intended to replace the legislative branch. What could come back to haunt you, other than denying the executive a power that is stolen and unconstitutional?
Bush has stood up to environmentalists.
Yes, and I am happy he did so. But the monuments were a direct assault on the entire concept of property ownership. Sorry, but I believe that is worth fighting for.
Having principles, doesn't mean you should have a closed mind and compromise plays a big part in politics.
Yes, principles require a closed mind—at times. You have to choose your battles. Some things you can compromise and some you fight to your dying breath. Let’s remember compromise and capitulation are two different animals.
I want both an efficient and smaller government. Cutting waste, fraud and abuse would help to give us a smaller government.
We agree here. I may be a contentious curmudgeon, but I also know that this is a spat between brothers, not a civil war. I am not working against Bush. I truly respect and like him. He has pleasantly surprised me a couple of times and I expect him to do so again. My greatest prayer is that he will be able to reforge the SCOTUS into a constitutional court.
I think the seemingly conflicting poll results are correct. W has shown he can get people to like him even though they don’t agree with him. This is where I think he really resembles Reagan. While he doesn’t have the polish of Hollywood, he has a sincerity combined with real humility that disarms his enemies. He is genuine and he is honest and that is such an improvement, few can help but be heartened.
That probably applies to the majority of all congresscritters. But lets give credit, where credit is due. There are many representatives who work very hard to reduce government spending, they just don't have the raw numbers and the politcal power to impliment a conservative agenda.
>>>You may believe that a rogue nation couldn’t get control of an ICBM, but it is not beyond consideration.
I didn't say that. I was responding to your remark, ... the strategic threat to the US is greater than any time during the cold war". I don't agree with you and there is no factual evidence, that you can show to support such a contention. Being vigilant is one thing, being paranoid is something entirely different.
>>>And the likelihood of China actually attacking the US is greater than Russia during the Cold War.
Again, thats not true. May be at some future date this might be a reality, but right now, this is a complete faslehood.
>>>EOs were never intended to replace the legislative branch.
Agreed. But the fact is, the ability for any president to enact his political desires, through the existing EO process, is a political reality and that's what I was getting at. President Bush isn't going to rectify the moral mistakes and ethical lapses of former POTUS, Bill Clinton and he'd be seriously mistaken to undertake such a worthless effort.
>>>I may be a contentious curmudgeon...
That's obvious! =^)