BUSH'S UNION

I've had some time now to ruminate on President Bush's State of The Union speech. There were a few things that caught my attention. The very first statement that pricked my ears, was the phrase "What it takes for what is right". This was part of the justification for the continuation of our occupation of Iraq. That phrase caught my attention, because of its jingoistic style. I have heard such things before. Viet Nam, Nicaragua, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia and now Iraq. Could it be that in spite of our surface reluctance, We really do want to make the world into miniatures of U.S.?

It might appear that I digress. However, later in his speech the President mentioned straight out, that "Free Trade Unions" were one of the tools to transforming these countries(again speaking of the middle east,Iraq?) into modern oases of Democracy. This is just too ludicrous. Upon examining what the right believes about unions, to hear the President extoll unions as part of a strong democracy, makes my skin crawl. Just how low can this man and his people go? That is answered with the next statement that I heard.

I couldn't believe it. That any Republican, let alone the preeminent leader of the Republican Party. Should give credit to President Clinton. Yet, right there on National Television President Bush was giving credit and honorable mention to President Clinton. It was for his signing of the "definition of marriage act" in 1996. At least, I think, that's what he said. I was so shocked that there wasn't an epithet attached to President Clintons name; That I lost a beat and phased out for a moment. The one question I have is: are those on the Right, so insecure over this matter of same sex marriage, that they will hold on to the man, President Clinton, who they truly revile. Did James Caravel hear this? The Republican party cleaving to President Clinton.

Just about the time that I was able to collect my wits I hear President Bush say, "cut our deficit in half in five years". Then I realized that this man has no clue. It has taken only two years for Him and his party to squander a budget surplus and replace it with a national debt greater than when his father was in office. I was personally at a loss. Just three years ago our nation was hot! Now, the dollar exchange rate is equal to the Euro. The Euro for crying out loud. The biggest trade policy of The European Union is the protectionist laws for European farmers. This current deficit will drive down the value of the dollar. Then we won't be exporting jobs, because labor will be as cheap here as in Asia.

The other program that caught my attention was President Bush's prison release program. Coming from the great executioner, I thought it more than unusual. I still can't reconcile his past practice toward criminals with his current attitude of "...The gates of prison open they should lead to a better life". I am at a loss. Is this a capitulation to the pre-electrol label of "Compassionate Conservative", Or just some fancy filler? I myself am not sure. But I find nothing about it that strikes a chord.

Yes, this was not only a confusing "State of The Union" speech. But, to me, there was a disconnect. A speech to justify His Iraq war and some kissing up to the party base. The whole thing was sad. I have also heard the the Presidents electability poll fell below 45%, behind Senator Kerry. Is it possible the the American people could be tired of the vengeful retro-poloticks of the Republican Party? The only thing I see are the lies of a party of hypocrites. "Tax and spend Liberals", "The party of fiscal responsibility". In fact, now that the Republicans are in control. We see how well they act as they hold the purse. Not only is the Republican Party the party of "Fat Cats". But they are using the tired method of Pork Barrel spending to cuddle with the American People. The Presidents speech was sad. But the Republican Party has given up. Instead of doing what is right. They have rolled over and like a puppy let anyone with some money scratch their collective tummy.

 

Michael Sherer