Free Republic

Republican lawmakers and conservative leaders are angry about the latest in a string of government bailouts announced less than a month after they renewed their pledge to control federal spending. The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced an $85 billion bailout of the insurance giant American International Group (AIG), surprising many lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, who had received little information in the preceding days. Conservatives on and off the Hill said this week’s massive bailout violated free-market principles and encouraged reckless behavior in the future. “I’m dubious,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). “I have not heard why its failure would...

WASHINGTON - Facing growing pressure to bring troops home from Iraq, President Bush is launching a public relations campaign to try to calm anxieties about the war. Bush scheduled a major address for June 28, the one-year anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty from the U.S.-led coalition to Iraqis. Four days before that, he will meet at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who heads the transitional government chosen after January elections. The president also plans a series of radio addresses and appearances outside Washington. He will emphasize the importance of democracy in Iraq and elsewhere when...