GOP slams Bush policies at retreat

The Washington Times ^ | 2/6/04 | By Ralph Z. Hallow and James G. Lakely

[ovrtaxt]

Growing frustration over President Bush's immigration plan and lack of fiscal discipline came to a head behind closed doors at last weekend's Republican retreat in Philadelphia.

House lawmakers, stunned by the intensity of their constituents' displeasure at some of Mr. Bush's key domestic policies, gave his political strategist Karl Rove an earful behind closed doors.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If you ask me, the Congressional Republicans are exhibiting childish behaviour, blaming the President for their faults, their mistaks, or their "oopsie daisies" or whatever.

[Poohbah]

Now you're implying the GOP needs a Senate super-majority to get things done?

Yes. The only way to shut off debate in the Senate is to have 60 votes for cloture.

[Keyes2000mt]

If most of the Congress is against Bush's high spending. Why are they passing it? They're giving the President all the heat because they won't stand for principle.

[F16Fighter]

Go back and re-read my post -- I think you misunderstood it.

[BigSkyFreeper]

BINGO! They should be blaming themselves instead of blasting Bush!

[Poohbah]

If most of the Congress is against Bush's high spending. Why are they passing it? They're giving the President all the heat because they won't stand for principle.

Exactly.

They want the President to take the blame when their constituents want to know why there isn't any pork coming their way.

[F16Fighter]

"The only one getting spat on, is the President."

My point was that from the top of the heap, the GOP and Dubya ought to be using howitzers instead of tossing spitballs at the Dems.

[Indie]

I, too, have emailed both my Senators a long time ago about both of these issues.
I will not, however, vote for a socialist for President, just because my man ain't conservative enough. That would be true folly. He has led us well, and we can only pray for divine guidance for Him. And don't forget...nothing gets passed without going through our representatives first, so I wouldn't worry too much. [except of course gay marriage and abortion...and anything else the dictatorial judiciary wants to pronounce legal]

In short, vote for BUSH! Or we are doomed for sure as a nation. I've never felt stronger about anything. If we lose to a Rat, we are lost.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If Congressional Republicans exhibited principle, we wouldn't be reading AP headlines every week that read "Congressional Republicans Sign Onto Bush's Latest Proposal", then read on February 6, 2004 "Congressional Republicans Blast The President In A Closed Door Weekend Retreat", after 4 years of "signing onto Bush's proposals" they suddenly want to change horses, in the middle of an election year. The Congressional Republicans are only in CYA mode, in hopes of convincing all of us, they're worthy of another vote of confidence from us, the voters. Well, it doesn't wash with me. They're gutless, and useless.

[CyberAnt]

Yes .. this is good news. Our emails and phone calls are producing results.

But I loved this statement, "in supporting a freeze ... want the president to take the lead on this".

Hmmmm? I'm assuming they want Bush to take the lead because they don't want to have to deal with the flack if people start complaining because they can't get the funds they want for some pet project.

[inquest]

Personally think, unless they have another Republican they think can run and win; then they ought to shut up.

Yeah, that's it. Don't hold him accountable for his actions or anything.

[F16Fighter]

"Three things "true conservatives" can do to get their way:

1. Generate lots of votes....

If you do that, the GOP will listen to you, and will move much further to the right."

And if we DON'T, then what?? We should capitulate like Marshall Petain?? Lol --Don't think so bro...

This Administration is going to KEEP ON having to listen the constant drum-beat of discontent from true conservatives. If you and they want to ignore the music, put on a pair of earmuffs.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Yeah, while giving a Congress a pass. Congresss is more to blame than the President. Like I've said 3 times already, show me a president who's vetoed the same unvarnished, untarnished proposal he's submitted to Congress. None? That's what I thought.

[inquest]

I've been taking two approaches: Exposing Kerry for the Commie dirtbag that he is, so that he'll get as few votes as possible; and advertising to President Bush that he has to earn my vote. My demands I think are reasonable enough - get spending under control, and make the tax cuts permanent. Yes, I know he's not a dictator, but as others have pointed out, he's the one with the bullhorn. I want to see him use it.

[inquest]

That only raises the question of why he proposed it in the first place.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If you ask me, Bush is wasting his time fudging around with Congress. Congress just slows up the paperwork.

[BigSkyFreeper]

....and why Congress went ahead and passed it.

[F16Fighter]

"Yes. The only way to shut off debate in the Senate is to have 60 votes for cloture."

It's amazing just how the h*ll the Democrats have been able to slam-dunk the issues important to them in the face of a level playing field.

There has been NOTHING to suggest that were the GOP to gain a 60 vote majority that ANYTHING would be different. IOW, the GOP would still cower in fear at the sight on the Drunken Swimmer from Massachusetts.

[AntiGuv]

What part of 2001 are you having a problem with? Nondefense discretionary spending was $347 billion that year. Nondefense discretionary spending has been proposed at $439 billion for 2004 (the final figure Bush signs will no doubt be higher).

That is a 26.5% increase in nominal terms.

Now I think we should end our futile debate unless you have a reply directly contradicting this.