Peggy Noonan: Since You Asked . . .

Opinion Journal ^ | 02/03/03 | Peggy Noonan

[Pokey78]

Wasn't it surprising that at a time like this Mr. Bush didn't limit his State of the Union address to the two great issues, Iraq and the economy?

It surprised me when I learned of it, which was the morning of the speech. I was one of the columnists invited to meet with a high government official with intimate knowledge of the president's thinking, as they say, on background. We met in his office, which has no corners. He told us he would be presenting his domestic agenda, a blueprint for the coming year, in his speech.

[Wait4Truth]

Thank you. I just wanted verification...not a fight. I appreciate you not attacking me for even bringing it up.

[Zack Nguyen]

After he wins in '04 - look for the more controversial conservative initiatives to be put in place to be built on by the following GOP president.

I seriously doubt this will be the case. For one thing, Presidents in their second term have much less political capitol. The last couple of years are usually spent on foreign policy achievements because they can no longer effect the domestic agenda.

Second, nothing extremely controversial or conservative will be suggested because Bush doesn't want anything controversial. It is not his style. He does not see the need for a drastic reformation of the relationship between government and America. That is just the way it is. Only occasionally do Americans elect someone who completely upends the existing political dynamic. Roosevelt, Reagan, Jackson, and possibly L. Johnson come to mind.

Bush's main legacy will be the crippling of worldwide terrorism, and that is nothing to shake a stick at. There will be proud moments.

[Zack Nguyen]

Moral obligation, yes. Read your bible.

Most certainly we have an obligation Biblically. But is it government's job? After all, with government it is not charity, it is force. Bush is committing us to "charity" whether we like it or not. And that is not charity, and I have grave doubts whether it is government's job.

[Mr. Mojo]

Why would I attack you for bringing up the truth? I love The Gipper, but I admit he was far from a perfect President. His worst mistake was not annihilating both Hizbollah and the nations that sponsor them when they killed hundreds of U.S. Marines in Lebanon in 1983. Weinberger strongly argued that such a retaliation would greatly upset our Saudi "friends," and unfortunately Reagan agreed. In hindsight, this non-action sent a clear message throughout the Islamic world that we can be messed with without consequence.

[jjm2111]

I agree.

I challenge the Bushbots to think of one serious aspect of the FedGov that Bush has cut? I do concede that he has cut some small programs (like foreign abortion funding). But when it is coupled by massive new spending and copouts like that farm bill, it makes me want to vote Libertarian.

[Mr. Mojo]

it makes me want to vote Libertarian.

If it weren't for the fact that most Libertarians wouldn't condone fighting a pre-emptive war unless our enemy was "huddled on our own borders ready to attack," I'd vote for them as well. But alas, Libertarians seem completely unable to grasp the concept that ICBMs and WMD have rendered their 18th century military defense model obsolete.

[Goodman26]

"Second, conservatives know something about President Bush that they didn't know about his father: He's a conservative who means it. So they trust him."

I think what this shows is how effective Bush has been at personally connecting with and distorting the views of conservative leaders by meeting with the "on background." He did it with Rush, before the 2000 primary, and Rush has been smitten blind by W ever since. I read early on that after the 1992 election Bush Sr. (Poppy) came to believe that he hadn't paid enough inter-personal attention to his conservative base, and so W. began -- and has very successfully -- preempted legitimate conservative criticism by having secret feel-good sessions with our leaders.

[Marysecretary]

She is such a paragon of decency and common sense. I enjoy her viewpoints so much.

[Marysecretary]

God gave the Great Commission to the churches, not the government. As a Christian I have an obligation to feed the hungry, help the poor and the widows and orphans but I wouldn't want to give that job to any governmental agency or the UN. I would support individual Christian missionaries and organizations in those countries.

If Ghana can cut the AIDS plague in their country, so can other countries. M

[jjm2111]

If it weren't for the fact that most Libertarians wouldn't condone fighting a pre-emptive war unless our enemy was "huddled on our own borders ready to attack," I'd vote for them as well. But alas, Libertarians seem completely unable to grasp the concept that ICBMs and WMD have rendered their 18th century military defense model obsolete.

Somehow "Letters of Marque" don't seem so appropriate in this day and age.

[olliemb]

So be it-- if you had your way you would let the AIDS victims die. Ya happy now? We are the wealthiest nation in the world. Sheesh, share, you can't take it with ya in your coffin. And you are wrong--it is everyone'e responsibility--you just choose not to accept it.

[olliemb]

Nasty habit of putting words in your mouth? Come on--if you have compassion then you do something about it.

[olliemb]

I read your post but I just don't agree with you. Capiche? You have a nasty habit of personalizing your arguments. Did you not read the part where I said I doubted that your or my charity contributions would make a dent in the cost of treating AIDS patients?

[olliemb]

Too bad you think the way you do.I just happen to disagree with you. Whether it is government or you or me individually we all have an obligation to do God's work here on this earth. Government has more money than you or I and I think it is a good cause to help out those who are in dire need of help b/c without our help they will die. You would really sit back and watch them die? There is a lot more greatness in you, I am sure.

[rightofrush]

The most important, critical, and crucial part of GW's speech was totally missed by Ms. Noonan: The problem with our pourous southern border was ignored.

Que passa, por favor?

[rightofrush]

You nailed it. See my #55.

[rightofrush]

Bush is behind it. From education, to immigration, to farm spending, to health care, Bush is the anti-conservative.

All too true, and in addition, he is in the process of giving away our southwest to Atzlan.

[rightofrush]

Yep. The only hope for sub-saharan Africa is re-colonization.

[rightofrush]

But when it is coupled by massive new spending and copouts like that farm bill, it makes me want to vote Libertarian.

Do it!!

[Mr. Mojo]

Yep. The only hope for sub-saharan Africa is re-colonization.

The whole damn continent started to fall apart when the British, French, and Dutch bolted.