Why Not Give Bush CREDIT -- instead of BLAME -- for Recent Corporate Scandals?

July 20, 2002 | Silly

[Silly]

FReepers, please help me: Please let me know if this line of thinking has been explored by anyone in the conservative press. Provide links if you can. Thank you.

THE CLINTON ERA
During the Clinton era, business flourished – or seemed to, anyway. These were the days when greed ran rampant, when telling the truth was not important, when danger seemed far away, and when being the "good guy" was sneered at, and arrogance was rewarded. Spinning was raised to an art form.

Clinton himself embodied all of these qualities. He was preoccupied with raising money, lying, ignoring danger and generally setting a bad example. Could it be that this mentality took hold in the business world? Aren't these the exact reasons that companies like Enron got in the messes they did? Didn’t Enron both prosper and collapse because it was greedy, deceitful, and arrogant?

THE BUSH ERA
In the Bush era, the world changed. Even as Clinton was in his last days in office, the economy started to get a hangover. It didn't start with Bush. Was everyone anticipating the end of the party, causing the decline of the economy in Clinton's final months?

George W. Bush is thoroughly different in character and personality than Bill Clinton. He is humble, he is not preoccupied with appearances, he is honest. He isn't constantly spinning. He isn’t constantly engaged in scandal. He's not partying with the rich and glamorous as Bill did. He is setting a good example for everyone, and in return, everyone seems to trust and like him.

WHY NOT GIVE BUSH CREDIT?
Why shouldn't we give Bush credit for creating an atmosphere where companies like Enron can no longer hide their crimes? Why blame him when we could thank him?

The SEC is getting a beating in the press. But why should it be? Is it possible that the Enrons of the world are imploding right now is because the SEC is doing its job, and companies can no longer hide their mischief? Isn't it a good thing when crime is exposed?

No fair and honest person can hold Bush personally responsible for the downturn of the economy and the corporate crimes of others. So perhaps some good can come of this: maybe we can give him credit. Under Clinton, corporate crime was ignored and allowed to prosper. Under Bush, perhaps we can count on having it prosecuted instead.

[Silly]

Again, if anyone is aware of a conservative columnist pursuing this line of reasoning, please let me know. Thanks.

Still being,

[kitkat]

Not so silly, Silly.

[anniegetyourgun]

For once you aren't being silly!

Seriously, I think it is a combination of the right climate as you indicate here AND the desire on the part of libs and their media friends to fan the flames of bad news for the masses to consume. How else can you call for "change" in November if you don't find a fiend? Sadly, I believe the masses are dumbed-down enough to think all this is W's fault. Even if they like him personally (as they claimed to like Clinton professionally), their memories are just too short and there is a need for a scapegoat. In their tiny little minds, it can't be Clinton's fault because they are still vested in their votes for him in 92 and 96.

[TatieBug]

Very good reasoning and as Bush is getting bashed by KLINTOON & BORE...let's us all try to keep it in perspective and understand it's the only way they know...and it's very sad to me.

[Fred Mertz]

Maybe you don't recall, but the economy went into a recession after Ronald Reagan's tax reductions and reform. It was a short term (12-18? month) period, and then things really blossomed.

I'm hoping for the same this time around.

[Silly]

Late night bump.

Is this a valid line of reasoning? Or am I...

Just being,

[mafree]

This is not a silly post but the possibility that Bush is responsible for dragging Enron & Co. out of the closet is definitely under-reported, even on FOX.

[Silly]

Join the fray...

[bluesagewoman]

Right now the Dems are spinning wildly trying to keep the economy crashing to serve their election purposes. (Gephardt remarks from last week). However, I think they have spun so much that they may be more like a screw in a hole, and spin themselves right into the ground. If American doesn't know what is going on by now, for shame.

[Moonman62]

Why shouldn't we give Bush credit for creating an atmosphere where companies like Enron can no longer hide their crimes? Why blame him when we could thank him?

What atmosphere has Bush created? One where a sinking tide lowers all boats and some scrape the bottom?

[Aquamarine]

The first time this country elected Bill Clinton I thought they made a mistake they'll correct it next election. After they elected him the second time it was willful, they knew better, now we're paying for it.

[Silly]

He has created an atmosphere where lying is no longer a good thing, and telling the truth -- even when it hurts -- is honorable.

[KayEyeDoubleDee]

I know plenty of people who would vote for Clinton again. And these are people who know who Juanita Broddrick is.

[terilyn]

Not silly at all.

You should mail this to all of the anchors over at Fox News.

I've been doing it with lots of articles lately, especially ones that show lies and deceit on the part of people trying to tear down President Bush.

For the past two weeks, Brit Hume has been doing a great job of bringing something to light each day.

I'd like to think, in my own little world, I might have helped make a difference.

special@foxnews.com
fns@foxnews.com
hannity@foxnews.com
oreilly@foxnews.com
friends@foxnews.com
myword@foxnews.com

I've also been doing it with our local "Mr. Right", Jason Lewis. I even got an e-mail back the other day thanking me for the info.

Baby steps!

[maui_hawaii]

It's somewhat true. Although I wouldn't go so far as to say "Bush busted them" but rather that their lies caught up with them. Bush happened to be in the wrong place at the right time.

In the end though, in business, where does being honest get you? From personal experience, NO WHERE, at least not in Wall Street.

[Libloather]

THE CLINTON ERA
Higher taxes were considered contributions, over-confiscation of tax dollars was called surplus, making $100,000 a year meant you were a millionaire (eventually), and perjury was cool - as long as it meant covering up an extramarital affair with a government worker.

Spinning was raised to an art form.

Yep.

[Silly]

I just sent it to them. Thanks for the tip.

[mafree]

You are right- one of my lefty pals just told me today that they're gearing up for a big 67th anniversary commemoration of the beginning of Social Security. I'll bet they're doing this now so they can get in some real GOP/Bush- bashing for the mid-term elections.

[maui_hawaii]

On Wall Street you can be the lyingest, stealingest, cheatingest, SOB on the block, but if you make money, you're a great guy. Morals don't weigh much.

Never go into business with your best friend, because if you do, he won't be your best friend for very long.

[Libloather]

...a big 67th anniversary commemoration of the beginning of Social Security.

And in that amount of time, it's gone bankrupt how many times? Pop the cork...