Bush Middle East Speech Discussion Thread

[Howlin]

You have enough to handle on this thread without butting into a personal conversation.

[Texasforever]

I take no joy in pointing out President Reagan's shortcomings except when those that delight in doing that to President Bush whine that "Reagan would never do it". This guy especially believes because he worked in the Reagan administration his word should be accepted without question. Reagan was my own FDR Just as Reagan's 1st 4 presidential votes were for FDR. I will not stand by while this administration is trashed because it does not live up to the MYTH of the Reagan administration. If the want to compare reality with reality that is fine but not fantasy with reality. That is bush league.

[lavrenti]

A punk like me is not going to challenge your bona fides or slap you silly for your comments, however what I have to say is that the perception that W. is so strong domestically is patently false. You know very well the fractured nature of post-Clinton politics in America—even a event such as 9|11 does little more than paper over some very obvious wounds. We are in a weaker position politically than in 1995, period.

Usuama, Islamic Scumbag and Saddam Stalin aside, we have a lot of bad actors over here all too willing to drop nails in front of every Bush-led initiative. There is little room for him to move in that situation. It isn't as if he can declare a state of siege and dissolve Congress.

In regards to Israel, well there are UN resolutions to uphold, and allies to placate and 4 million Palestinians we have to put somewhere. Look, it sucks. But we have to figure out the least bad solution, okay?

[ganesha]

The reason he did not mention Arafat by name is because he does not have an alternative. Instead he wants to shift power from the executive to the legislative branch of government and then hold parliamentary elections.

The flaw in Bush's plan is that he is placing too much faith in democracy. President Bush made a noble and idealistic speech, but the Palestinians are going to vote on the basis of what they have been experiencing, and what they have experienced is a massive invasion of their territory. This will not result in moderation in voting behavior and there is a real chance that Hamas will win the upcoming elections.

In order to compete with Hamas and other radicals, Arafat will have to appear uncompromising which will hurt efforts to get him to crack down on terror. When the Israelis then continue to launch military incursions, it will reinforce the view that Arafat is not able to protect his people.

The reason that some Israelis are supporting this is that they are hoping that it will fail, and that when it fails they will have the green light to do what they want.

The fear that moderates will sell out the Palestinian cause will also motivate Palestinians to vote for the radicals.
It would make more sense to impose a solution and then ask the Palestinian people to vote on whether to approve it.

[holdonnow]

A jonest debate ... no. An honest debate, yes. I refer you to my latest post, which answers your question. Now answer the question I posed to you, if you believe in a jonest debate.

[Nix 2]

George Bush is the FIRST Republican president to endorse a Palestinian state

George Bush endorsed a democracy. Period. Do YOU think it will happen?

[majordivit]

right wingers are always right. That's why we're called right wingers...

Lock and Load

Peasant with Pitchfork

[holdonnow]

I'm surprised you haven't mention Calvin Coolidge.

[OldFriend]

No doubt in your hubris you think YOU should be the President.......you could make Daschle disappear, make Kennedy and LIEberman, Leahy, etc. do exactly as you wanted. Get your way on everything......just wave the magic wand and all the demonrats would fall into line......as easily as rush and sean hang on your every word. LOL.......do get over yourself.......and get in the real world.

[ml/nj]

I don't get where you people think Bush caved and gave in to the terrorists?

"For too long, the citizens of the Middle East have lived in the midst of death and fear. The hatred of a few holds the hopes of many hostage."

Do you really think that the suicide bombings depend upon the "hatred of the few"? I think they are overwelmingly supported by the "Palestinians." Do you think GWB believes it's just a "few" or is he just saying this for public consumption?

"My vision is two states, living side by side in peace and security."

Is this a vision, or a delusion? What do you think?

ML/NJ

[holdonnow]

You noticed. That's a start.

[Howlin]

Some of the people on TV today were talking about the speech sounding "Reagonesque." Gufaw!!!!

[pyx]

There are a lot of folks here who are in the same camp as I.

M'am,
With all due respect, I suspect not in sufficient numbers to make you an arbiter of what a conservative is and what a conservative is not.

[Amelia]

However, there a many things he has done that have disappointed me deeply--especially his trimming of the Bill of Rights.

I haven't noticed any Constitutional Amendments lately. If you really think this has been done, perhaps a lawsuit is in order.

[OldFriend]

Not only is Miss Marple smart, but she is respected by most freepers and we value her opinion.

As for my being Carvile.......that suggestion is as far off the mark as everything else you have said tonite.

[Howlin]

No doubt in your hubris you think YOU should be the President.......you could make Daschle disappear, make Kennedy and LIEberman, Leahy, etc. do exactly as you wanted. Get your way on everything......just wave the magic wand and all the demonrats would fall into line......

No, dear. They wanted KEYES. He would have really had a handle on all this, doncha know?

[Miss Marple]

Calvin Coolidge?

Another one-liner. This is not a comedy club. You are just insulting people who disagree with you (and may I say, not converting people to your point of view).

[Texasforever]

Geeze you are reduced to spelling errors. Look I don't know if you really are the real deal but if you are, all of those interviews had to be well rehearsed with no real challengers.

[holdonnow]

Oh, Texasforever? I thought Texas was occupied terroritory unfairly won in a war with the Mexicans. How do explain this?

[Diddle E. Squat]

Hah, since I'm in Tejas, maybe I can engage you in an jonest debate. Now I know why I watch NASCAR races: for the wrecks!

One thing I learned from watching GW as governor of Texas is that sooner or later he makes everybody mad about something: liberals, moderates, and conservative all could point to something he did as governor that infuriated him. But in the end about 70% agreed that they liked his overall leadership.