Wordy post, me thinks thou dost protest too much...
Let me start here: What effect do you think 9-11 & war has had on the U.S. economy? All considered, our economy has held up rather well, thanks largely in part to the tax cuts that have stimulated growth and recovery.
Really now? Well, you yourself aren't interested in putting your own money into fighting this war. . .in fact, in most modern wars involving American police actions, the economy used to boom. Of course, that was back when we actually manufactured our own weapons and support materials. Now you have difficulty finding an item of clothing made in your own country.
Restricting civil liberties? Do you consider ending partial birth abortion radical? Do you consider protecting the sanctity of marriage radical? Faith-based initiatives? If so, I'm guilty on all counts. Unlike the democratic party however, the GOP has room for disagreement, which explains why we have moderates and conservatives as leaders in our party.
Yeah, you are guilty. I won't get into the abortion argument, because it opens up an entirely different can of worms - but I don't happen to believe the government has any more business regulating someone's body than they do in banning firearms. Kinda makes me remember a particular religious denomination with lots of political influence in this country who used to refuse to give C-sections during childbirth in hospitals. If the mother died, according to thei religious doctrine, it was God's will.
"Sanctity" of marriage? Have you ever read the "marriage" ceremony as performed by the state or county? Ever notice the absence of "for a lifetime" in that constitutional amendment "defining" the sanctity of marriage? Now, just what part of that state ceremony and exchange of vows sanctimonious? Would it be, perhaps, automatic property and inheritance rights? The right to choose your own funeral arrangements? The "sanctity" of hospital visitation rights or health decisions? Marriage starts with the sanctity of the individuals
choosing to be joined together, not some vague and disputed religious notion over who is entitled to contracting with the state.
Every heterosexual adulterer, rapist, murderer and pedophile and divorcee is allowed and encouraged to participate in the "sanctity" of marriage without requirement that they change their behavior, or have their relationship dissolved for violating or conducting unsanctimonious behavior. The only sanctity is the bond between two people, not the state's stamp on it. Unless, of course, you believe the government has an inherent interest in regulating individual choices in love or should choose your spouse for you.
Curiously, you have no concern for the legally married gay couples who, if the platform passed a constitutional amendment, would have the government knock on their door and dissolve their families. Or if they become political refugees or need to seek asylum elsewhere for persecution. But then, persecution is the hallmark of a "moral" theocracy, isn't it?
The Reagan legacy is alive and well under Bush. Bush has proven to be more agressive than RR when it comes to using our military though. Can you imagine how W would have reacted if the Lebanon Barracks had occurred on his watch? The tax cuts, deregulation, support of faith organizations and pro-life policies are quite similar though.
I think the only things left from the Reagan legacy are deregulated utilities that have raised their usage rates some 300% and the destruction of the broadcast Fairness Doctrine which has now filled our airwaves with hours and hours of Pat Robertson and Rush without regard for providing balance or another viewpoint. At the time, Reagan optimistically believed that would encourage more vibrant debate and that the American people were smart enough to choose variety in their information sources; instead, it has turned into information dictated by ownership and corporate political power.
Smearing the opponent? I guess in your book it is a smear to shine light on what John Kerry has done in public life over the last 30 years: Serve honorably in Vietnam, Protest the war and accuse the military of atrocities AS POLICY, establish the #1 liberal record in the US Senate, Flip-Flop on many, many issues.
Being an responsible American citizen does not involve silence when our government makes mistakes. Unless you are prepared to say that our government has never made atrocious policy errors or that people in power cannot become tyrants. This is 2004 - Kerry served; Bush avoided the draft 30 years ago. We have another war to contend with. "Liberal" is nothing but some tired buzzword...it isn't exactly treasonous. Treason is when you know a moral wrong is being committed and you not only cover it up but lie to your own nation about it. "Flip-flop?" That's a Party cliche. . .part of the smear campaign tactics used by the Bush campaign in the same vein it was used against John McCain during the South Carolina primary four years ago.
Face it, GW Bush has done a fine job as president and that is why it is clear that he will be re-elected by the voters of America.
You mistaken a possible win during a hateful, vile and divisive campaign for being a sanction for doing a "fine" job. I happen to believe that wasting time on legislation to placate Pat Robertson is hardly beneficial to all Americans. I don't believe in turning tax dollars into welfare for dubious religious organizations that openly engage in employment discrimination and have a proven track record of spending more money in self-interest than humane endeavors. I don't believe in the government choosing certain religious supporters as recepients of those dollars, either, while ignoring other good works of churches who don't openly support the Administration. Or the practice of attempting to deny recognition to denominations as "christian" unless they subscribe to the religious right's agenda. I don't vote for a spiritual leader. . .I vote for a President to lead all the country.
Furthermore, just like Reagan, after being hated and reviled by liberals for years, he will no doubt be regarded by history as one of our greatest presidents.
