What's so great about GW?

[Reformer4Life]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cs ... vak22.html

White House misread GOP privacy concerns

December 22, 2005

BY ROBERT NOVAK SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

At 10:15 a.m. on March 17, Sen. John Sununu was on the telephone with newly installed Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, urging changes in the anti-terrorist Patriot Act. At 3:30 p.m. on April 18, Gonzales was in Sununu's Russell Building office to hear the same message from the senator. To no avail. The Bush administration never took Sununu's message to heart, leading to the current deadlock in the Senate.

Sununu, a New Hampshire conservative and one of the Senate's rising Republican stars, joined with three other right-of-center Republicans last week to defeat cloture. They thus prevented a vote on reauthorizing the Patriot Act. These conservatives contend that the bill's final version, while it is aimed at terrorists, actually threatens civil liberties of law-abiding citizens. But President Bush until now has rejected a three-month extension of the government's anti-terrorist powers while negotiations begin on an amended statute.

This state of affairs reflects a general failing and a specific misunderstanding by the Bush administration. Generally, it has ignored concern that the war against terror threatens the lives of ordinary Americans, as reflected currently in the revelation of the government's telephone tapping. Specifically, it has accepted faulty Democratic interpretation of a critical Senate contest in 2002.

For the past three years, the Democratic mantra has been that Democrat Max Cleland lost his Senate seat in Georgia because he was attacked for voting against Bush's homeland security provisions. Accepting that thesis, the president's strategists were unable to imagine any but the most left-wing lawmakers opposing any kind of anti-terrorist legislation. Actually, Cleland lost because he was too liberal for an increasingly conservative Georgia electorate and because his Republican opponent, Saxby Chambliss, was an excellent candidate.

If Gonzales was not listening when he talked to Sununu, the message should have come over loud and clear on Nov. 14. Sununu was joined by two other Republicans -- Larry Craig of Idaho and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- and three Democrats to protest the final version of a Senate-House conference. These senators wanted to require some connection with a suspected terrorist or spy in order to obtain sensitive personal information, thereby avoiding fishing expeditions.

They also protested the provision making it a crime punishable by up to a year in prison for revealing receipt of a ''national security letter'' seeking personal records. The change would require the government to show that the recipient of the letter intended to obstruct justice. It would safeguard against spying on law-abiding citizens via the Internet and e-mails. The letter also called for an end to the Patriot Act's current provision making an act of civil disobedience illegal.

When the conference committee made no changes in the bill, the senators wrote to colleagues taking the same positions, with the addition of another Republican signatory: Chuck Hagel of Nebraska. These four GOP dissenters are far from being members of the party's slender liberal wing. Lifetime records as measured by the American Conservative Union are Sununu, 95 percent; Craig, 94 percent; Hagel, 85 percent; and Murkowski, 74 percent.

Liberals who reflexively oppose anything Bush supports are overjoyed to welcome four apostates, but in fact they represent doctrinal Republican belief in individual rights against governmental power. That sums up the ingrained philosophy of Craig, who at age 60 has held public office since he was 29 years old and has been one of the Senate's unyielding champions of gun rights.

But what was Larry Craig doing consorting with the likes of John Kerry and Dick Durbin as co-sponsors of his amended Patriot Act? Craig told the Senate on Dec. 15 that he knew he faced ''an uphill battle'' when he got involved in this fight: ''I knew it would be an uphill battle because Americans have grown to be frightened. But now they have grown to be emboldened when they recognized that some of their freedoms were and are at risk.''

Craig pleaded with his colleagues to show ''sensitivity to the fundamental civil liberties of our country.'' Moments later, Sununu took the floor to quote Benjamin Franklin. In 1759, well before this country was born, Franklin said, ''They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.''

[J.B. Stone]

Sununu, a New Hampshire conservative and one of the Senate's rising Republican stars, joined with three other right-of-center Republicans last week to defeat cloture. They thus prevented a vote on reauthorizing the Patriot Act. These conservatives contend that the bill's final version, while it is aimed at terrorists, actually threatens civil liberties of law-abiding citizens. But President Bush until now has rejected a three-month extension of the government's anti-terrorist powers while negotiations begin on an amended statute.

.....WHY then, is there not a SINGLE incident of "misuse" or "abuse" in FOUR YEARS....????

[Red Green]

I would define a great nation as one that makes a positive difference in world? How about you?

I would define a great nation as one that upholds the natural rights of an individual. I think the world can only be saved by freeing one individual at a time, rather than by engaging in a form of group slavery.

I prefer a govt of laws, where the govt is constrained by a constitution so that men, individuals, people who would place themselves and their personal interests above a national interest cannot usurp power from where it rightly belongs; in this case the states and individuals.

I agree with this concept, but I'm afraid our interpretation is much different when it comes to be <i>precise</i> balance of power between the federal government and the states.

The 10th Amendment is unambiguous, and the US Constitution is very clear about what that balance is.

If individuals want to feed people in Ethiopia, I am all for it.

That's how it works today. An individual is free to <i>personally</i> help feed the starving in Ethiopia through donations, etc., and that individual is also free to vote for a Congressman, or Senator, or President who is in favor of the US government providing aid to people of Ethiopia. I have no problem with that.

By advocating some sort of collective relief, you are obligating people who may not agree with the purpose of the aid or its specific uses to paying for it. By using govt, you are not really agreeing to send your money to some country, but rather using the illegitimate force of the govt to send my money there.

If a state wants to send aid, and it is allowed by its constitution to do so, so be it.

So why do you object to the Federal Government sending aid? Does 50 different states with 50 different foreign policies a great nation make?

I object to any govt sending aid to any area for any purpose, but it is undeniable that the fed govt is doing something illegal by engaging in this activity.

I can tell you that when large govt gets involved, there is greed, graft, political posturing, and backscratching involved. Not to mention that the very act is in and of itself illegal.

The same phenomenon exists at all levels of government: state, county/parish, city, town, school board, etc. If there is a problem with "greed, graft, political posturing, and backscratching" you fix those specific problems. You don't tear down the entire government.

You are suggesting that one set of figureheads will solve a system that is untenable. I reject this on its face as I believe there is lots of evidence that large govt programs like this are eminently corruptible. Putting a new shade of lipstick on a pig still has you with a dolled-up pig.

I do not subscribe to the mentality that because some people, or even most people think that it is a good thing, then it is ok for the govt to ignore the constitution upon which it was formed.

We've been through this one before. If your interpretation is correct, if the Federal government is actually exceeding its constitutional limits, I would sooner see the constitution amended to preserve (more-or-less) the <i>status quo</i> in balance of power between the Federal Government and the States, where you apparently want to see the US revert to your vision of how it should be according to the Constitution, even if this means an almost impotent Federal government.

I believe that the federal govt has all the power it needs outlined in the US Constitution. This only renders it impotent in areas which it should have not have ventured in the first place.

I have said it before and I will say it again: the govt of the United States is supposed to be first, foremost and only an instrument for the people of the United States and not a global governing body.

I see it the same way, however I categorize active foreign policy and military intervention to be (more-or-less) a pursuit national interests or in some cases a moral obligation, where you apparently consider it to be global governing.

The US govt does not have moral obligations, only legal ones. I would suggest that foreign interventionism has an interests that is far more focused than that of the nation.

People in Africa, Asia, South America, etc. can solve their own problems. If individuals in the US want to help them, I applaud them for taking the initiative.

Sounds nice on the surface, but for all too many isolationsts, saying other nations "can solve their own problems" is sort of a coded euphamism for saying the US government should do <i>absolutely nothing</i> to assist other nations even in cases where tens or hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk from war, or famine, or disease, or another holocaust.


It appears that your version of isolationalism is for the US to just pull all its military to its borders, and become some sort of a hermit republic. That might work for Switzerland, but I would consider it an irresponsible policy for a nation of the US's size and stature.

This nation has about 300 million individuals who can address the interests of foreign lands on their own, or collectively through volunteer / charitable organizations. If individuals are unwilling to do it without coercing others to pay for what they consider to be important, I would suggest that it really is not that important to them after all.

I disagree with many on this board because I define greatness as the success of the US as a nation, rather than a global body.

The US can be phenomenonally successful as a nation, within its own borders, but if it stands idly by while the rest of the world goes to hell in a handbasket, I would consider that the furthest possible thing from greatness.

A rising GNP, a strong economy, low crime rate, low inflation, 2 cars in the garage, 2.2 children in the family, a good Constitution, a Bill of Rights... any nation can have these things.

Where I see the US's greatness is in its deeds: like bringing the Marshall Plan to post-war Europe, like standing down the Soviet Union at the Iron Curtain, like defending South Korea from collapse at the Pusan Perimeter, like providing aid to the starving in Africa, like liberating Kuwait City, and, yes, like liberating and bringing democratic rule to the people of Afghanistan and Iraq... this is the measure what makes the US as a truly great nation.

rgds, hdm

You and I see greatness differently. You want the US to be a global moral busibody, I would rather us lead by example.

[Roy Wilson]

Happy New year Green

[J.B. Stone]

Happy New Year, ROY....and all who wish to have one.



j.b.

[Roy Wilson]

BEST TO YOU JB. NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET.

[Roy Wilson]

BEST TO YOU JB. NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET.

[Roy Wilson]

BEST TO YOU JB. NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET.

[Roy Wilson]

BEST TO YOU JB. NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET.

[Roy Wilson]

BEST TO YOU JB. NEXT YEAR WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET.

[Nemo2]

Is there an echo in here?

[Roy Wilson]

Is there an echo in here?

Server problem Nemo
Sever problem Nemo
Server problem Nemo

[Roy Wilson]

Transcript: Bush's Weekly Radio Address

Saturday, December 31, 2005

The following is a transcript of President Bush's weekly radio address:

Good morning.

2005 has been a year of strong progress toward a freer, more peaceful world and a more prosperous America. This year we watched the Iraqi people defy the terrorists and suicide bombers and hold three successful elections, voting to choose the only constitutional, democratic government in the Arab world. We also saw the people of Afghanistan elect a democratic parliament in a nation that only a few years ago was ruled by the Taliban.

These are amazing achievements in the history of liberty. As freedom and democracy take hold in a troubled region, we are making the American people safer here at home, and laying the foundation of peace for future generations.

The United States has a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq, so in the year ahead, we will continue to pursue the comprehensive strategy for victory that I have discussed with you in recent weeks. This strategy has security, political, and economic elements.

First, our coalition is staying on the offense, finding and clearing the enemy out of Iraqi cities, towns, and villages, transferring more control to Iraqi units, and building up the Iraqi security forces so they can increasingly lead the fight to secure their country. Second, we are helping Iraqis build the political institutions of an inclusive, unified, and lasting democracy. And third, our coalition is overcoming earlier setbacks and moving forward with a reconstruction plan to rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure.

As we help Iraq build a peaceful and stable democracy, the United States will gain an ally in the War on Terror, inspire reformers across the Middle East, and make the American people more secure.

During 2005, thanks to our tax relief, spending restraint, and the hard work of the American people, our economy remained the envy of the world. Our economy has been growing strongly for more than two years, and has added nearly 4.5 million jobs since May of 2003. More Americans own their homes than at any time in our nation's history. Inflation is low, productivity is high, and small businesses are flourishing. Real disposable income is up, consumers are confident, and early reports suggest good retail sales this holiday season.

To keep our economy moving forward, we must continue to pursue sound policies in Washington and be wise with taxpayers' money. We made real progress this year in restraining government spending. Last February, I submitted to Congress the most disciplined budget proposal since Ronald Reagan was president. Working with the Congress, we ended or reduced about 90 lower-priority or poorly performing government programs, cut non-security discretionary spending, and kept overall discretionary spending growth below the rate of inflation. We have now cut the rate of growth in non-security discretionary spending each year I have been in office.

Before their holiday recess, both the House and the Senate also voted to cut mandatory spending by nearly $40 billion. This will be the first reduction of entitlement spending in nearly a decade. By being responsible with the taxpayers' money, we are funding our nation's priorities, while staying on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.

In the new year, we must also make permanent the tax relief that has kept our economy growing. We will work to expand free and fair trade, so America's farmers, workers, and businesses can enjoy the opportunities the global economy offers. We'll build on the progress we've made with this year's energy bill, so our nation will be less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

We will continue to promote an ownership society in which people have more control over their retirement and health care. We'll continue to improve education and job training programs, so our citizens have the skills necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century. And we will show the compassionate heart of our nation and provide the people of the Gulf Coast the help they need to rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In 2005, America grew in prosperity, advanced the cause of freedom and peace, and enhanced our security. Our duties continue in the new year, and I'm confident that our nation will meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you for listening, and happy New Year.

[Roy Wilson]

Transcript: Bush's Weekly Radio Address

Saturday, December 31, 2005

The following is a transcript of President Bush's weekly radio address:

Good morning.

2005 has been a year of strong progress toward a freer, more peaceful world and a more prosperous America. This year we watched the Iraqi people defy the terrorists and suicide bombers and hold three successful elections, voting to choose the only constitutional, democratic government in the Arab world. We also saw the people of Afghanistan elect a democratic parliament in a nation that only a few years ago was ruled by the Taliban.

These are amazing achievements in the history of liberty. As freedom and democracy take hold in a troubled region, we are making the American people safer here at home, and laying the foundation of peace for future generations.

The United States has a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq, so in the year ahead, we will continue to pursue the comprehensive strategy for victory that I have discussed with you in recent weeks. This strategy has security, political, and economic elements.

First, our coalition is staying on the offense, finding and clearing the enemy out of Iraqi cities, towns, and villages, transferring more control to Iraqi units, and building up the Iraqi security forces so they can increasingly lead the fight to secure their country. Second, we are helping Iraqis build the political institutions of an inclusive, unified, and lasting democracy. And third, our coalition is overcoming earlier setbacks and moving forward with a reconstruction plan to rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure.

As we help Iraq build a peaceful and stable democracy, the United States will gain an ally in the War on Terror, inspire reformers across the Middle East, and make the American people more secure.

During 2005, thanks to our tax relief, spending restraint, and the hard work of the American people, our economy remained the envy of the world. Our economy has been growing strongly for more than two years, and has added nearly 4.5 million jobs since May of 2003. More Americans own their homes than at any time in our nation's history. Inflation is low, productivity is high, and small businesses are flourishing. Real disposable income is up, consumers are confident, and early reports suggest good retail sales this holiday season.

To keep our economy moving forward, we must continue to pursue sound policies in Washington and be wise with taxpayers' money. We made real progress this year in restraining government spending. Last February, I submitted to Congress the most disciplined budget proposal since Ronald Reagan was president. Working with the Congress, we ended or reduced about 90 lower-priority or poorly performing government programs, cut non-security discretionary spending, and kept overall discretionary spending growth below the rate of inflation. We have now cut the rate of growth in non-security discretionary spending each year I have been in office.

Before their holiday recess, both the House and the Senate also voted to cut mandatory spending by nearly $40 billion. This will be the first reduction of entitlement spending in nearly a decade. By being responsible with the taxpayers' money, we are funding our nation's priorities, while staying on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.

In the new year, we must also make permanent the tax relief that has kept our economy growing. We will work to expand free and fair trade, so America's farmers, workers, and businesses can enjoy the opportunities the global economy offers. We'll build on the progress we've made with this year's energy bill, so our nation will be less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

We will continue to promote an ownership society in which people have more control over their retirement and health care. We'll continue to improve education and job training programs, so our citizens have the skills necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century. And we will show the compassionate heart of our nation and provide the people of the Gulf Coast the help they need to rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In 2005, America grew in prosperity, advanced the cause of freedom and peace, and enhanced our security. Our duties continue in the new year, and I'm confident that our nation will meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you for listening, and happy New Year.

[Roy Wilson]

Transcript: Bush's Weekly Radio Address

Saturday, December 31, 2005

The following is a transcript of President Bush's weekly radio address:

Good morning.

2005 has been a year of strong progress toward a freer, more peaceful world and a more prosperous America. This year we watched the Iraqi people defy the terrorists and suicide bombers and hold three successful elections, voting to choose the only constitutional, democratic government in the Arab world. We also saw the people of Afghanistan elect a democratic parliament in a nation that only a few years ago was ruled by the Taliban.

These are amazing achievements in the history of liberty. As freedom and democracy take hold in a troubled region, we are making the American people safer here at home, and laying the foundation of peace for future generations.

The United States has a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq, so in the year ahead, we will continue to pursue the comprehensive strategy for victory that I have discussed with you in recent weeks. This strategy has security, political, and economic elements.

First, our coalition is staying on the offense, finding and clearing the enemy out of Iraqi cities, towns, and villages, transferring more control to Iraqi units, and building up the Iraqi security forces so they can increasingly lead the fight to secure their country. Second, we are helping Iraqis build the political institutions of an inclusive, unified, and lasting democracy. And third, our coalition is overcoming earlier setbacks and moving forward with a reconstruction plan to rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure.

As we help Iraq build a peaceful and stable democracy, the United States will gain an ally in the War on Terror, inspire reformers across the Middle East, and make the American people more secure.

During 2005, thanks to our tax relief, spending restraint, and the hard work of the American people, our economy remained the envy of the world. Our economy has been growing strongly for more than two years, and has added nearly 4.5 million jobs since May of 2003. More Americans own their homes than at any time in our nation's history. Inflation is low, productivity is high, and small businesses are flourishing. Real disposable income is up, consumers are confident, and early reports suggest good retail sales this holiday season.

To keep our economy moving forward, we must continue to pursue sound policies in Washington and be wise with taxpayers' money. We made real progress this year in restraining government spending. Last February, I submitted to Congress the most disciplined budget proposal since Ronald Reagan was president. Working with the Congress, we ended or reduced about 90 lower-priority or poorly performing government programs, cut non-security discretionary spending, and kept overall discretionary spending growth below the rate of inflation. We have now cut the rate of growth in non-security discretionary spending each year I have been in office.

Before their holiday recess, both the House and the Senate also voted to cut mandatory spending by nearly $40 billion. This will be the first reduction of entitlement spending in nearly a decade. By being responsible with the taxpayers' money, we are funding our nation's priorities, while staying on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.

In the new year, we must also make permanent the tax relief that has kept our economy growing. We will work to expand free and fair trade, so America's farmers, workers, and businesses can enjoy the opportunities the global economy offers. We'll build on the progress we've made with this year's energy bill, so our nation will be less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

We will continue to promote an ownership society in which people have more control over their retirement and health care. We'll continue to improve education and job training programs, so our citizens have the skills necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century. And we will show the compassionate heart of our nation and provide the people of the Gulf Coast the help they need to rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In 2005, America grew in prosperity, advanced the cause of freedom and peace, and enhanced our security. Our duties continue in the new year, and I'm confident that our nation will meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you for listening, and happy New Year.