 Silence, America!: for Silence, America!. Other Bump Lists at: Free Republic Bump List Register |
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.
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Silence, America!: for Silence, America!. Other Bump Lists at: Free Republic Bump List Register |
But you are unfair to blame him for "failing" to get out the vote in 1998. You have to have something to work with. Besides impeachment---which certainly solidified all of us conservatives---the GOP did not develop a NATIONAL strategy to run on, and it showed.
In 2000, well, I don't know what happened. The good (though starting to fade) economy, peace (with terrorism waiting in the wings), and incumbency gave Gore more of a chance than he should have had. I can't explain Gorton or Ashcroft or Abraham's defeats. That stunned me. Again, though, I don't recall a NATIONAL theme that could have won other than "character," and at that time, the American people just didn't want to hear it.
I can't sign a bill that would throw someone in jail for criticizing a politician.
I will not sign away your rights no matter how politically safe that might be.
I took a sacred oath to protect the Constitution -- and I will not go back on my word.
The true campaign finance problem is corrupt politicians who do favors to benefit a few in return for campaign funds. The cure is simple -- throw the bums out. But you wouldn't be able to say that before an election if I signed this bill.
To do otherwise would set a horrible precedent. Imagine a future clinton-like president vetoing a narrowly passed anti-porn or pro-school-prayer bill simply because he thought it was unconstitutional. You would (rightfully) be screaming that the president cannot make that judgement, and that the majority is being denied the right to be heard instead by the Supreme Court.
Many a law has been overturned when their initial passage was unquestioned (Roe v Wade, anyone?) or upheld when thought unconstitutional (any gun control law), so it is difficult for anyone to say how the highest court will come down on an issue. Presidential second guessing on the constitutionality of a bill will only lead to no good.
But why does it have to get to the President's desk before the public becomes concerned about the constitutionality of the bill? Let's put pressure on the sponsors and those who will be voting on the contents. Moreover, a court that believes in interpreting rather than rewriting the constitution would be helpful.
Also I'd like to see the a lower court involved in these controversial bills prior to their passage, saying that the contents meet constitutional muster. Why fight for years to pass a bill that will just be overturned (other than posturing)? But I don't see this happening in my lifetime.
Your point that the Democrats will have something to say regardless of what Bush does is valid. However, if Bush can reduce the Democratic arguments to something that absurd, then he will have neutralized this issue while achieving the objective of stopping this bill at minimum cost. Vetoing the bill only gives the Democrats more ammunition by keeping this issue alive. Vetoing the bill does not prove its unconstitutionality. Only a USSC decision can make that point. Call in the "heavy artillery", USSC, and prove it's unconstitutional. THEN, blast the Democrats for attacking the constitution.
Scotus has already said, "campaign contributions = free speech" They can't just turn their back on prescedent.
Done & bump
No, Bush's Waterloo will be if he pushes through the Amnesty of millions of Mexican illegal aliens, further rewarding those who don't care a wit about many of America's laws. If Bush signs this incumbency protection act it will just be another one of his liberal infractions like his signing of Ted Kennedy's education bill. You may note that the big difference between Amnesty and the latter two issues is that the latter can always be changed at any time. Immigration mistakes are permanent.
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