President Bush: Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People

[shadowsource]

Bush is a putz -

But he's doing ok so far with this thing. I think last night's was his best speech ever, which surprised me considerably. Were I to pick nits, I would say it was very suggestive, short on details. Frankly, that's about all he can say. It seems that the zeal by some of his key advisers to bomb Iraq for the hell of it has been vetoed, so I can't complain about that. Bush's religious discussion was actually intelligent enough, and didn't insult Muslims, and may have convinced some Americans not to attack Asians they don't understand. It was a speech for Americans, to buy time and patience, and I think it served its purpose very well.

I am loathe to allow Bush and the GOP to steal the national agenda simply because these psychopaths killed so many people. cyndiesweet's list is truly gut-wrenching. I am delighted that Sen. Patrick Leahy is fashioning his own security bill in place of Ashcroft's, giving the state mush if what it wants, but trying to preserve a few of our freedoms. It is possible that James Jeffords' party switch will have saved us from the worst instincts, and left us with that bipartisan glow that everyone lied about last year.

Bush has drawn up a tall ticket by which to be judged. He didn't ask for this particular set of problems. True, he has benefited immensely in the political short term. But he knows as much as anyone on the planet that it's possible to go from 91% approval to 37% in less than two years. Daddy's been there.

Oh, and the flagwavers' hysteria agains those of us who don't share their frenzy is revolting. It's a fucking piece of cloth. True mental support is priceless. If the hijackers were loose in the streets right now, making their way to a new target, they'd be waving Old Glory, too.

 

[cyndiesweet]

Re: Bush is a putz -

Oh, and the flagwavers' hysteria agains those of us who don't share their frenzy is revolting. It's a fucking piece of cloth. True mental support is priceless. If the hijackers were loose in the streets right now, making their way to a new target, they'd be waving Old Glory, too.

Great sentiment! I proudly served beside my husband during the cold and gulf wars. Last November my husband burned a candle for.... anyone? Veteran's Day!!! Three separate people asked what the candle was for. Where were all these patriots last veterans and memorial day? We have forgotten those who fought to make our nation free and keep it that way.

One more thing, the headlines this morning Bush predicts long war.I know thatt we have special ops teams that could go in grab whomever we want and get out again in less than a day. A war makes Bush stay in favor and boosts the economy. This is not vengence people this is politics.

 

[shadowsource]

Sorry -

we have special ops teams that could go in grab whomever we want and get out again in less than a day. A war makes Bush stay in favor and boosts the economy. This is not vengence people this is politics.

I disagree. They haven't a clue where OBL is, and th leadership has undoubtedly split up. Nothing effective can be done quickly. And this "war" won't do squat for the economy. Leveling and rebuilding Europe is good for the economy. Dropping millions of tons of expensive bombs on farmers is much less good for the economy. And bombing Afghanistan's radio transmitters and handful of ammos dumps won't amount to a hiccup. Only a long and predictable conventional war would help the economy, and that won't happen. It's definitely politics, but it all may backfire on whoever exploits the situation - including investors referring to past market reactions to crisis. Periodic terror attacks on the US could keep us in recession for a long time.

 

[TN_Vixen]

I read somewhere

and I can't remember where since I read quite a bit, but I recall one WTC worker saying that over several weeks prior to the attacks, the towers had undergone evacuation drills several times. The worker felt that someone somewhere knew they could be a target in an impending attack. These thoughts kept running through my mind while I was listening to Bush speak last night. I kept thinking... "How could we not have know anything at all?" And, if we did know something, how could our gov't not have taken action to prevent so many deaths? What reasoning is there for them to allow such an event to occur?

I will say that Bush's speech was a good one. That I think he's handled himself quite well given the fact that he isn't the most well spoken President we've had yet I'm not willing to blindly support him in the wake of this tragedy.

sigh has made some significant points. I like her style.
And cindysweet should be given kudos for pointing out Bush's legislation prior to recent events. This is what riff was trying to say yesterday in one of his posts... let's not allow the gov't to pass more unsavory legislation due to our support on military issues. Keep your eyes open!

 

[WriterDom]

You may have left out a few. I guess you haven't gotten the latest from the left spin factory. Here ya go.


http://www.voterwest.org/wall-shame.html

Significantly eased field-testing controls of genetically engineered crops.
Village Voice, February 13, 2001

Cut federal spending on libraries by $39 million.
The Dallas Morning News, April 13, 2001

Cut $35 million in funding for doctors to get advanced pediatric training.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Cut by 50% funding for research into renewable energy sources.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Revoked rules that reduced the acceptable levels of arsenic in drinking water.
Washington Post, March 30, 2001

Blocked rules that would require federal agencies to offer bilingual assistance to non-English speaking persons.
New York Times, March 24, 2001

Proposed to eliminate new marine protections for the Channel Islands and the coral reefs of northwest Hawaii.
San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 2001

Cut funding by 28% for research into cleaner, more efficient cars and trucks.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Suspended rules that would have strengthened the governments ability to deny contracts to companies that violated workplace safety, environmental and other federal laws.
Washington Post, March 31, 2001

Interior Department appointee Gale Norton sends out letters to state officials soliciting suggestions for opening up national monuments for oil and gas drilling, coal mining, and foresting.
MSNBC, March 28, 2001

Appointed John Negroponte - an unindicted high level Iran Contra figure -to post of United nations ambassador.
MSNBC, March 24, 2001

Abandoned campaign pledge to invest $100 million for rain forest conservation.
Boston Globe, April 10, 2001

Reduced by 86% the Community Access Program for public hospitals, clinics and providers of care for people without insurance.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Rescinded proposal to increase public access to information about potential consequences resulting from chemical plant accidents.
New York Times, March 27, 2001

Suspended rules that would require hardrock miners to clean up sites on Western public lands.
Reuters, March 21, 2001

Cut $60 million from program for Boys and Girls Clubs of America in public housing.
Washington Post, April 12, 2001

Proposed to eliminate federal program designed to help communities (and successfully used by Seattle) prepare for natural disasters.
CNN, March 1, 2001

Pulled out of the 1997 Kyoto Treaty global warming agreement.
Washington Post, March 28, 2001

Cut $200 million for work force training for dislocated workers.
Los Angeles Times, April 6, 2001

Eliminated funding for the Wetlands Reserve Program which encourages farmers to maintain wetlands habitat on their property.
Washington post, April 10, 2001

Cut program to provide child care to low-income families as they move from welfare to work.
New York Times, March 22, 2001

Cut program that provided prescription contraceptives coverage to federal employees (though it still pays for Viagra).
Associated Press, April 11, 2001

Cut $700 million in capital funds for repairs in public housing.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Appointed Otto Reich - an unindicted high level Iran Contra figure - to Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs.
MSNBC, March 25, 2001

Cut Environmental Protection Agency budget by $500 million.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Proposed to curtail the ability of groups to sue to get an animal placed on the Endangered Species List.
Washington Post, April 12, 2001

Rescinded rule that mandated increased energy-saving efficiency regulations for central air conditioners and heat pumps.
Washington Post, April 14, 2001

Repealed workplace ergonomic rules designed to improve worker health and safety.
Reuters, March 20, 2001

Abandoned campaign pledge to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) the waste gas that contributes to global warming.
New York Times, March 20, 2001

Banned federal aid to international family planning programs that offer abortion counseling with other independent funds.
New York Times, January 21, 2001

Closed White House Office for Women´s Health Initiatives and Outreach.
Washington Post, March 29, 2001

Nominated David Lauriski - ex-mining company executive - to post of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health.

Interior Secretary Gale Norton goes forth with controversial plan to auction oil and gas development tracts off the coast eastern of Florida.
Associated Press, April 19, 2001

Announced intention to open up Montana´s Lewis and Clark National Forest to oil and drilling.
Missoula Independent, April 12, 2001

Proposes to redraw boundaries of nation monuments which would technically allow oil and gas drilling "outside" of national monuments.

Gutted White House AIDS Office.

Renegotiating free trade agreement with Jordan to eliminate safeguards for the environment and workers´ rights.
Washington Post, April 10, 2001

Will no longer seek guidance from The American Bar Association in recommendations for the federal judiciary appointments.

Appointed recycling foe Lynn Scarlett as Undersecretary of the Interior.

Took steps to abolish the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Cut the Community Oriented Policing Services program
Los Angeles Times, March 30, 2001

Appointee Gale Norton plans to shelve grizzly bear reintroduction plan scheduled for Idaho and Montana wilderness.
Washington Post, April 25, 2001

Continues to hold up federal funding for stem cell research projects.
Boston Globe, April 25, 2001

Under Bush plan convicted misdemeanor drug users cannot get financial aid for college yet convicted murders could.
American Prospect, April 20, 2001

Refused to fund continued cleanup of uranium-slag heap in Utah.
Los Angeles Times, April 24, 2001

Refused to fund continued litigation of the government´s tobacco company lawsuit.
Associated Press, April 26, 2001

Proposed a $2 trillion tax cut of which 43% will go to the wealthiest 1% of Americans.

Signed a bill making it harder for poor and middle class Americans to file for bankruptcy even in the instance of daunting medical bills.

"If you want to do something about carbon dioxide emissions, then you ought to build nuclear power plants".
Vice President Dick Cheney on Meet The Press.

Appointed Diana "There is no gender gap in pay" Roth to the Council of Economic Advisers.
Boston Globe, March 28, 2001

Appointed Kay Cole James - an opponent of affirmative action - to direct the Office of Personnel Management.
Boston Globe, March 28, 2001

Cut $15.7 million earmarked for states to investigate cases of child abuse and neglect.
New York Times, March 23, 2001

Helped kill a law designed to make it tougher for teenagers to get credit cards.
New York Times, March 23, 2001

Proposed to eliminate the Reading is Fundamental program that gives free books to poor children.
Associated Press, April 25, 2001

Is pushing for development of small nuclear weapons to attack deeply buried targets - weapons which would violate the Comprehensive test Ban Treaty.
American Physical Society, April 22, 2001

Proposes to nominate Jeffrey Sutton - attorney responsible for the recent case weakening the Americans with Disabilities Act - to federal appeals court judgeship.
USA Today, March 23, 2001

Proposes to reverse regulation protecting 60 million acres of national forest from logging and road building.
Washington Post, April 26, 2001

Eliminated funding for the "We the People" education program which taught schoolchildren about the Constitution, Bill of Rights and citizenship.
St. Petersburg Times, May 1, 2001

Appointed John Bolton - who opposes nonproliferation treaties and the U.N. - to Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.
Boston Globe, April 2, 2001

Nominated Linda Fisher - an executive with Monsanto - for the number two job at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Reuters, May 1, 2001

Nominated Michael McConnell - leading critic of the separation of church and state - to federal judgeship.
Detroit Free Press, May 11, 2001

Nominated Terrence Boyle - ardent opponent of civil rights - to a federal judgeship.
Detroit Free Press, May 11th, 2001

Cancelled 2004 deadline for automakers to develop prototype high-mileage cars.
Mercury News, May 11th, 2001

Nominated Harvey Pitts - lawyer for teen sex video distributor - to head SEC.
Washington Post, May 11th, 2001

Nominated John Walters - strong opponent of prison drug treatment programs - for Drug Czar.
Washington Post, May 16, 2001

Nominated J. Steven Giles - an oil and coal lobbyist - for Deputy Secretary of the Interior.
Washington Post, May 16, 2001

Nominated Bennett Raley - who advocates repealing the Endangered Species Act - for Assistant Secretary for Water and Science.
Washington Post, May 16, 2001

Is seeking the dismissal of class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. against Japan by Asian women forced to work as sex slaves in WWII.
Washington Post, May 14, 2001

Earmarked $4 million in new federal grant money for HIV and drug abuse prevention programs to go only to religious groups and not secular equivalents.
Associated Press, May 16, 2001

Reduced by 40% the Low Income Home Assistance Program for low-income individuals who need assistance paying energy bills.
Salon, May 18, 2001

Nominated Ted Olson - who has repeatedly lied about his involvement with the Scaiffe-funded "Arkansas Project" to bring down Bill Clinton - for Solicitor General.
Salon, May 18, 2001

Nominated Terrance Boyle - foe of civil rights - to federal judgeship.
Washington Post, May 18, 2001

Proposes to ease permit process - including environmental considerations - for refinery, nuclear and hydroelectric dam construction.
Washington Post, May 18, 2001

Proposes to give government the authority to take private property through eminent domain for power lines.
Washington Post, May 18, 2001

Proposes that $1.2 billion in funding for alternative renewable energy come from selling oil and gas lease tracts in the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve.
Washington Post, May 18, 2001

Plans on serving genetically engineered foods at all official government functions.
AlterNet, May 14, 2001

"Even as Bush highlighted hydroelectric power, he admitted his own doubt that so-called renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, can ever replace oil and gas. `I hope someday that these renewables will be the dominant source of energy in America. I´m not so sure how realistic that is,´ Bush said."
Associated Press, May 18, 2001

In 2000 rode to the White House on the backs of disenfranchised elderly, Jewish, African-American, and immigrant voters in Florida.

 

[miles]

cyndiesweet

Since you took so much time to copy and paste the laundry list, you should at the very least tell us the factual effects those dastardly deeds have had upon the country. This looks like it was clipped from a high school newspaper.

This is my favorite:

Repealed workplace ergonomic rules designed to improve worker
health and safety.

Once again, what are the effects. Facts, please. Not conjecture.
And as your teacher would say, I'm not asking anyone else.

 

[Purple Haze]

Talk about balls,

I rise today with a heavy heart, one that is filled with sorrow for the families and loved ones who were killed and injured this week. Only the most foolish or the most callous would not understand the grief that has gripped our people and millions across the world.

This unspeakable attack on the United States has forced me to rely on my moral compass, my conscience, and my God for direction.

September 11 changed the world. Our deepest fears now haunt us. Yet I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of international terrorism against the United States.

This resolution will pass although we all know that the President can wage a war even without it. However difficult this vote may be, some of us must urge the use of restraint. Our country is in a state of mourning. Some of us must say, let’s step back for a moment and think through the implications of our action today so that it does not spiral out of control.

I have agonized over this vote. But I came to grips with opposing this resolution during the very painful memorial service today. As a member of the clergy so eloquently said, "As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore."


STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA LEE (D-CA) IN OPPOSITION TO S.J.RES. 23, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE

She's the only one............

 

[shadowsource]

I huess Miles doesn't know anyone with CPS -

But Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very nasty, lifelong condition. The regs Bush canned had been developed for a long time. As with the arsenic: Has anyone noticed that new studies show very strongly that the Clinton arsenic standard (which Bush canned for being too strict, too low) was actually too HIGH? Watch the EPA wriggle on that one....

 

[miles]

shadowsource

I'll be polite.

I'm not going to bore you with how many years of HR experience I have, or knowledge of "office ergonomics", job safety, OSHA, Worker's Comp, and Federal Employment Law.

In fact, I was going to ignore your ignorant, sarcastic remark that "Miles doesn't know anything about CTS".

I'll just say you don't know what in the hell you're talking about. You don't have a fucking clue.

 

[spacekowboy]

well i wouldn't mind addressing a little joint session of my own .. lol


all kidding aside though , i think ol' G. Dubbya has done an outstanding job over the past couple of weeks , and i'm no republican i'll tell ya that much . to be honest i don't know if Al Gore could have done as good a job as Georgie has done .

 

[TN_Vixen]

Re: shadowsource

I'll be polite.

I'm not going to bore you with how many years of HR experience I have, or knowledge of "office ergonomics", job safety, OSHA, Worker's Comp, and Federal Employment Law.

In fact, I was going to ignore your ignorant, sarcastic remark that "Miles doesn't know anything about CTS".

I'll just say you don't know what in the hell you're talking about. You don't have a fucking clue.

that was polite? You need some genteel lessons sugarpie.

 

[shadowsource]

One thing about Gore -

to be honest i don't know if Al Gore could have done as good a job as Georgie has done .

Quite possibly, he would have sucked. Maybe not. One thing is certain: The nastier right-wingers would be attcking him on all fronts, from his lack of true military experience (he was only a reporter in 'Nam), to his persona, to implications that he allowed the attack to happen to bolster his sagging popularity (one that I've not heard issued against Bush, for good reason), etc. Gore would be excoriated on radio shows. At least his failure to capture Tennessee, and thereby thwart the electoral circus in which the GOP stole Florida, has spared us these ugly sights.

 

[shadowsource]

But is "genteel" the right word, Vixen?

that was polite? You need some genteel lessons sugarpie.

Thanks. I'm trying to see past so many things....

 

[miles]

TN_Vixen

I got some sugarpie right here fer ya. Cum 'n git it.


BTW: What do you call redneck foreplay?

Get in the truck, bitch.

OR


Are ya wet yet?

 

[Dillinger]

You know... I'd like to extend some slack... some compassion and some benefit of the doubt to just about everyone...

Maybe Gore would have risen to the occaision - maybe he wouldn't... who the fuck knows... so why bother speculating.

On the other subject... if I still lived in NY I would have voted for Hillary - though, as I said earlier, I don't know what to think about the "impression" she gave at the President's address - it sure looked bad - but I'll extend her the benefit of the doubt as well.

 

[cyndiesweet]

Re: Talk about balls,

"As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore."


STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA LEE (D-CA) IN OPPOSITION TO S.J.RES. 23, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE

She's the only one............ [/B]

Amen. Blessed Be. May we all be more brotherly/sisterly and loving than was given to us.Let us choose wisely with both our hearts /B]and our heads .

Miles
I think you missed some of the more signifiant points on President Bush's track record.

 

[WriterDom]

Yeah miles, you missed this one that clinton signed into law

* Makes sure convicted misdemeanor drug users cannot get financial
aid for college, though
convicted murderers can.

 

[WriterDom]

You missed this one too Miles! 98 senators must be wrong.

Pulled out of the 1997 Kyoto Treaty global warming agreement.
Washington Post, March 28, 2001

 

[miles]

WriterDom

Well, just like I've always said. Liberals hate logic. It makes no sense.

 

[Dillinger]

Y'all just don't give up, do you?

*lol*

 

[cyndiesweet]

Well, I thought maybe point that Bush's policies or lack thereof are screwing the planet was most significant. Just 'cause we live here and all.

 

[Cheyenne]

Re: shadowsource

I'll be polite.

I'm not going to bore you with how many years of HR experience I have, or knowledge of "office ergonomics", job safety, OSHA, Worker's Comp, and Federal Employment Law.

In fact, I was going to ignore your ignorant, sarcastic remark that "Miles doesn't know anything about CTS".

I'll just say you don't know what in the hell you're talking about. You don't have a fucking clue.

LOL- so you finally broke down and posted at his level, huh? See, it is much harder to ignore stupidity when it happens to be in your own area of expertise, isn't it?

 

[A_Jacks]

Celeste the Body

Is exactly the type of person we should be scared about.

Even though her daddy has purchased her the best of what America has to offer, she still prefers the politics, peoples, and religions of the sub-continent and hates herself for having it made when so many others have to suffer.

She will not be happy untio we send all that we have to India.

And she still has not answered my question:

If the minority congressional party always picks up seats in a non-presidential election, will the republicans win back the Senate?

 

[A_Jacks]

PS

When was it, exactly that you will graduate?

I mean, and have to join the real world and earn what you think about yourself?

 

[WriterDom]

If the minority congressional party always picks up seats in a non-presidential election, will the republicans win back the Senate?

I haven't heard that theory. I heard the party that doesn't hold the presidency picks up seats. There are a lot of Dems running in the red states. Only one or two GOP's running in the blue states.