Posted on 02/16/2002 7:27:55 AM PST by TLBSHOW
Today, ladies and gentlemen, you cannot shout "Freedom!" in a crowded election. That's what this phony campaign finance reform bill will mean if it becomes law, which is why there is a huge debate going on inside the Bush White House over whether the president should veto or sign the bill. It appears right now the president is going to sign the thing - and this is what's troubling.
Mr. President, remember the brilliant address you made to the nation explaining our course of action in fighting world terrorism? I say the same kind of approach is called for with this deceptively named campaign finance reform bill. You enjoy an amazing level of trust with the American people. They trust you. They believe in your honesty and integrity. You could explain to them just why this bill is unconstitutional, and why it ought not ever see the light of day. The First Amendment has just been amended here in wanton violation of the Constitution.
Folks, when John McCain was running for president in the Republican primary, I said, "If Russia passed a new law that restricted free speech and competitive elections in the way that the McCain-Feingold bill does, and then claimed it was reform, our state department and human rights groups would denounce it as repression of the Russian people. The New York Times and Washington Post editorial pages would rail against these efforts as anti-Democratic - which they are." This bill is un-American, wrong and against freedom, and I say this knowing that it would make me even more powerful than I am now. Think about that.
President Bush has demonstrated that he has the resolve and the courage and the principle to face down the evil of terrorism. He's shown that he is committed to doing what's right regardless of what the European Union, congressional Democrats or even the media has to say about it. He's doing the right thing. He's following his instincts. Well, let me suggest that this assault on the Bill of Rights requires no less resolve and courage by the president to prevent a severe blow to our liberty.
To me, this is gut-check time, Mr. President. One of the major reasons you were supported over McCain back in the primary season in the year 2000 was your stand against this very bill. Stand up for free speech. Veto this bill.
I respect him because of his integrity, character and courage......things that you're obviously unfamiliar with. Wash your mind out with soap before you make such stupid comments to anyone else who has respect for this this country, this man, and his office.
Check out the rules. NO personal attacks. NO foul abuse. Your post is the most obscene thing I have seen on FR. But then again, that was your point, wasn't it?
Your Language is not necessary !
I hope he listens to us!
You're gut is correct. It's the liberal media. They have 100% control over the liberal media and according to this bill, that's who is going to tell us everything we need to know about all candidates for 60 days prior to an election.
Am I hallucinating or does anybody else remember this and what the issue was?
Lott, R-Miss., told reporters the Senate will act on Bush's education bill before the campaign finance measure comes to the floor and possibly on a budget as well.
The campaign finance measure would outlaw large, unregulated "soft money" donations from corporations, unions and individuals. It also includes other provisions to curtail the influence of money in politics.
Similar bills have died in the Senate in recent years, victims of filibusters supported by GOP leaders.
I'm NOT a Libertarian; they want NO restrictions on immigration!!
I almost completely disagree. Rush Limbaugh knows that his audience is firmly behind Bush. If Rush starts trashing Bush, it will take no more than one or days before you will begin hearing many of them say, "You know, I always liked Rush, but lately he's . . ." Rush Limbaugh knows this and so you should not expect to see him begin trashing Bush. Rush will have his pom-poms out for Bush in 2004 no matter what Bush does on this or any other bill. Rush simply has no choice and he knows that.
I also think that you are underestimating Bush's abilities both as a spokesman and as a politician. He has become increasingly effective in both areas. He is clearly running the show at this point.
Gee, maybe that's what Daschole is so "enthusiastic" about . . . more than getting the economy going, getting justices in place, worrying about social security reform. He needs to be voted out.
Does Congress usually put such language in bills these days?
Personally, I don't see anything in the bill that makes any sense or that is going to change anything. For the most part the bill's language is nothing more than smoke and mirrors to lull the sheeple.
Politically, I think it would be best if it were found unconstitutional in USSC. Any other result will only provide opportunities for the Democrats. Far better for Bush to announce that he believes that there are valid criticisms on a constitutional basis and, as I recommended in my post, announce that he has directed Ashcroft to pursue this in court. Once USSC declares it to be unconstitutional, it becomes a dead issue and does not expose Senate Republicans or Bush himself to attacks that can be avoided. Besides, this takes away one of the few issues the Democrats have.
Now as for the President's obligation to "defend" the constitution. That can be accomplished in many ways. Our major difference is one of tactics, not objectives. I prefer the defense that achieves the objective while minimizing the opportunities for the opposing side. I think my approach is far better than a "Hi Diddle Diddle, Let's Run Up the Middle" approach that seems so popular in conservative circles. Why play into your opponents strengths when you can attack his weaknesses? Why play on the Democrats turf where the media will support them, when you can de-politicize this issue by getting it before USSC as soon as possible?
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