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November 22, 2002 6:05 AM Subscribe
Wow, someone finally said it. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien had to distance himself from one of his aide's remarks that referred to GWB as a "moron".
Wrong thing to have said, sure. But who are we kidding?
Wrong thing to have said, sure. But who are we kidding?
This post was deleted for the following reason:
Call me crazy, but this looks like a thinly-veiled cover for what is essentially another in a long line of "Bush is dumb" posts. Yes, yes, yes. He says dumb things and may, in fact, be dumb. We get it.
posted by pardonyou? at 6:16 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by pardonyou? at 6:16 AM on November 22, 2002
This is going to turn into an ugly flamewar, isn't it?
posted by UnReality at 6:20 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by UnReality at 6:20 AM on November 22, 2002
This is going to turn into an ugly flamewar, isn't it?
No it isn't, you moron!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:26 AM on November 22, 2002
No it isn't, you moron!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:26 AM on November 22, 2002
All I want for Christmas is for a major world leader to call Bush a fuckwit.
posted by rushmc at 6:28 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by rushmc at 6:28 AM on November 22, 2002
I just want to point out that a reputation for being a moron can be very useful—if you are not a moron.
posted by wobh at 6:38 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by wobh at 6:38 AM on November 22, 2002
I have no idea why the canadian media is making this an issue. It's so petty. Like a few years ago when a canadian intelligence agent left a briefacase in a restaurant where it was stolen. The canadian media had a field day and turned it into a national story. A german guy I worked with said only in Canada do they have a sex scandal without any sex.
posted by disgruntled at 6:44 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by disgruntled at 6:44 AM on November 22, 2002
No it isn't, you moron!
Have you ever heard that hilarious chimp joke?
Who's laughing now?
posted by hama7 at 6:46 AM on November 22, 2002
Have you ever heard that hilarious chimp joke?
Who's laughing now?
posted by hama7 at 6:46 AM on November 22, 2002
I just want to point out that a reputation for being a moron can be very useful—if you are not a moron.
...while the pretense of being a moron is completely useless - if you are a moron.
posted by quonsar at 6:47 AM on November 22, 2002
...while the pretense of being a moron is completely useless - if you are a moron.
posted by quonsar at 6:47 AM on November 22, 2002
A moron is someone who calls the President of the US a moron.
An intelligent person would realize that he's a moron, quietly accept it, and move on. Name-calling doesn't help matters.
posted by jpburns at 6:52 AM on November 22, 2002
An intelligent person would realize that he's a moron, quietly accept it, and move on. Name-calling doesn't help matters.
posted by jpburns at 6:52 AM on November 22, 2002
No, a moron is a communications director making such a moronic comment within earshot of a frickin' reporter. You can debate whether or not Bush is a moron. That's beside the point. Getting caught saying it, when your job is communications, that's moronic.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 6:58 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by GhostintheMachine at 6:58 AM on November 22, 2002
I love the fact that his opponents are still underestimating him.
And I think he does too.
The joke's on you, folks.
posted by dagny at 7:01 AM on November 22, 2002
And I think he does too.
The joke's on you, folks.
posted by dagny at 7:01 AM on November 22, 2002
The joke's on you, folks
This is going to turn into an ugly flamewar, isn't it?
Buhhh...
posted by hama7 at 7:14 AM on November 22, 2002
This is going to turn into an ugly flamewar, isn't it?
Buhhh...
posted by hama7 at 7:14 AM on November 22, 2002
Underestimating him? I have heard this tired and meaningless refrain before. Why is it a *good* thing that people are underestimating him? So, far we have seen his leadership result in a palpable the errosion of US influence and prestige abroad, a mono-manical focus on Iraq, when clearly the more imminent dangers lie elsewhere, an unabated economic decline since Jan of 2001... is he all of a sudden going to surprise us all and start making sensible decisions? Or, are we going to continue to sink like a stone when his entire administration is intellectual incapable of doing anything other than business as usual. If things continue as they are, it seems a 21st century Great Depression is inevitable.
posted by psmealey at 7:15 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by psmealey at 7:15 AM on November 22, 2002
Keep on beating. This horse isn't getting any deader.
posted by jammer at 7:19 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by jammer at 7:19 AM on November 22, 2002
Just because Daddy bought him the Supreme Court doesn't make him less of a moron.
posted by skimble at 7:19 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by skimble at 7:19 AM on November 22, 2002
I love the fact that his opponents are still underestimating him.
It's the Ronald Reagan factor. For someone so supposedly stupid, George Bush sure isn't having any trouble outsmarting his opponents and getting what he wants.
In other news, this thread is troll bait, and should be flushed.
posted by oissubke at 7:28 AM on November 22, 2002
It's the Ronald Reagan factor. For someone so supposedly stupid, George Bush sure isn't having any trouble outsmarting his opponents and getting what he wants.
In other news, this thread is troll bait, and should be flushed.
posted by oissubke at 7:28 AM on November 22, 2002
We all know the man's a moron - flogging this particularly dead horse isn't helping. The real test is getting this moron out of office ASAP before he manages to do some more harm.
As an aside, the benefit of the checks and balances in our country were supposed to be that the other two branches of the government could temper the activities of a moron in the executive branch. Well, Dubya has now coerced a "fourth branch", Homeland Security, out of the easily-cowed, self-concerned fools in Congress, and I guarantee that the oft-precarious balance we used to see will be destroyed in a matter of months.
posted by FormlessOne at 7:29 AM on November 22, 2002
As an aside, the benefit of the checks and balances in our country were supposed to be that the other two branches of the government could temper the activities of a moron in the executive branch. Well, Dubya has now coerced a "fourth branch", Homeland Security, out of the easily-cowed, self-concerned fools in Congress, and I guarantee that the oft-precarious balance we used to see will be destroyed in a matter of months.
posted by FormlessOne at 7:29 AM on November 22, 2002
It's the Ronald Reagan factor. For someone so supposedly stupid, George Bush sure isn't having any trouble outsmarting his opponents and getting what he wants.
I haven't really seen him outsmart anyone, you think he'd have ANY authority if some nut cases hadn't flown planes into a couple of buildings, come on you're deluding yourself? 9/11 couldn't have happened at a better time for Duh-bya. I'm not saying he had anything to do with the timing, but you've got to admit things looked pretty bleak for the man before. As for the Reagan factor, great so we've got ANOTHER moron taking our country down the toilet, yeah that's great, I wonder how long it will take us to crawl out this time. Speaking of troll bait, why fuel the fire with a line like your one above?
posted by Pollomacho at 7:41 AM on November 22, 2002
I haven't really seen him outsmart anyone, you think he'd have ANY authority if some nut cases hadn't flown planes into a couple of buildings, come on you're deluding yourself? 9/11 couldn't have happened at a better time for Duh-bya. I'm not saying he had anything to do with the timing, but you've got to admit things looked pretty bleak for the man before. As for the Reagan factor, great so we've got ANOTHER moron taking our country down the toilet, yeah that's great, I wonder how long it will take us to crawl out this time. Speaking of troll bait, why fuel the fire with a line like your one above?
posted by Pollomacho at 7:41 AM on November 22, 2002
Also getting play on our airwaves: apparently the Whitehouse staffers refer to Chrétien (our fearless leader) as 'dino', as in, dinosaur. He is 68, and was first elected in 1963. How old is Cheney, BTW?
Interestingly, both get less repect than they deserve, politically. Chrétien has a history, like strangling an activist at a protest, that would make him unelectable were he anyone else. He's been written off at least twice and but "le p'tit gars de Shawinigan" has always come back with greater popularity than before. Bush does come off as an idiot, but I suspect he was cast of the same clay.
posted by bonehead at 7:43 AM on November 22, 2002
Interestingly, both get less repect than they deserve, politically. Chrétien has a history, like strangling an activist at a protest, that would make him unelectable were he anyone else. He's been written off at least twice and but "le p'tit gars de Shawinigan" has always come back with greater popularity than before. Bush does come off as an idiot, but I suspect he was cast of the same clay.
posted by bonehead at 7:43 AM on November 22, 2002
Come on. It must be astonishingly hard for aides and diplomats having to deal with Bush not to let the word 'moron' slip out, simply because they have to try so hard not to. It must be like the classic comedy scene when someone's trying to talk to someone else with a big nose or suchlike, and ends up saying, 'it's nice to nose you'. I'm sure other staffers have a soundproof cupboard they lock themselves into, so that they can shout 'MORON! MORON! MORON!' and get it out of their systems.
As for underestimating Bush: the joke's on people who continue to think he's worth backing because he's 'underestimated'. (That means you, dagny, just to s-p-e-l-l it out.) Because it means underestimating his capacity to bring on World War Three.
posted by riviera at 7:44 AM on November 22, 2002
As for underestimating Bush: the joke's on people who continue to think he's worth backing because he's 'underestimated'. (That means you, dagny, just to s-p-e-l-l it out.) Because it means underestimating his capacity to bring on World War Three.
posted by riviera at 7:44 AM on November 22, 2002
No, the problem is people are OVERestimating him...
"No one can be that stupid, he has ulterior motives!"
When in fact, yes he is that dumb, he has no ulterior motives, and no he has no idea what he's doing.
Look, Bush and his folks have the best intentions (ya ya, road to hell...) for the US and it's citizens. They mean well, they are just a wee bit misguided and maybe a little slow.
posted by CrazyJub at 7:49 AM on November 22, 2002
"No one can be that stupid, he has ulterior motives!"
When in fact, yes he is that dumb, he has no ulterior motives, and no he has no idea what he's doing.
Look, Bush and his folks have the best intentions (ya ya, road to hell...) for the US and it's citizens. They mean well, they are just a wee bit misguided and maybe a little slow.
posted by CrazyJub at 7:49 AM on November 22, 2002
Wait, i think the word is 'misunderestimated.'
posted by eastlakestandard at 7:50 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by eastlakestandard at 7:50 AM on November 22, 2002
Mr. Bush at one time thought Jean Chretien's name was Mr. Poutine.
posted by Stuart_R at 8:00 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by Stuart_R at 8:00 AM on November 22, 2002
Just because Daddy bought him the Supreme Court doesn't make him less of a moron.
The Bush haters just don't get it.
Focusing attention on Bush's alleged inferior intellect did not help the Democrats win the Presidency or Congress in 2000. Whining about the Florida election did nothing to win Congress or defeat Jeb Bush in 2002.
How about presenting some proposals or ideas to remedy all of the problems that you claim Bush has created? Of course, I am skeptical that most Democrats could articulate alternative policies that the American electorate would support.
posted by Durwood at 8:01 AM on November 22, 2002
The Bush haters just don't get it.
Focusing attention on Bush's alleged inferior intellect did not help the Democrats win the Presidency or Congress in 2000. Whining about the Florida election did nothing to win Congress or defeat Jeb Bush in 2002.
How about presenting some proposals or ideas to remedy all of the problems that you claim Bush has created? Of course, I am skeptical that most Democrats could articulate alternative policies that the American electorate would support.
posted by Durwood at 8:01 AM on November 22, 2002
Okay. One more time, because it was only, what, two weeks since I was given that lame line?
Please explain to me how I have underestimated Bush. He has not done one single thing the two years he has been in office that everyone in the country hasn't predicted he would do. He has pushed every psychotic right-wing element of his agenda and performed nearly every favor the news has predicted he would pull for old buddies that wanted cabinet positions. He has not vetoed a single piece of legislation. He pushed drilling in Alaska, war on Iraq, shoving Federal Agents directly into women's vaginas, and eroding the separation of church and state since day one. So please, give me a fucking break, ok?
I don't think he "loves how his opponenets are underestimating him." I think he loves pie. He sits there all day and says to himself "mmmmmmm, I want pie." That's it.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 8:03 AM on November 22, 2002
Please explain to me how I have underestimated Bush. He has not done one single thing the two years he has been in office that everyone in the country hasn't predicted he would do. He has pushed every psychotic right-wing element of his agenda and performed nearly every favor the news has predicted he would pull for old buddies that wanted cabinet positions. He has not vetoed a single piece of legislation. He pushed drilling in Alaska, war on Iraq, shoving Federal Agents directly into women's vaginas, and eroding the separation of church and state since day one. So please, give me a fucking break, ok?
I don't think he "loves how his opponenets are underestimating him." I think he loves pie. He sits there all day and says to himself "mmmmmmm, I want pie." That's it.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 8:03 AM on November 22, 2002
He's moron with some smart m*therf*ckers making some moves to secure themselves in positions of power for sometime to come. i might move to canada.
posted by specialk420 at 8:05 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by specialk420 at 8:05 AM on November 22, 2002
[sigh] I don't know whether to laugh or cry. We live in sad times and I don't see anyone doing anything to make it better.
I think Bush is a moron, but I'd gladly give him a cheer if he could just make things, anything, suck less. If I'm underestimating him then that implies that all this crap - miserable image overseas, crappy economy, declining confidence, unabated terrorism - are part of his plan for a better future.
Mr Bush, I've underestimated you. I'm ready for you to break out the magic wand. Please make things suck less.
posted by y6y6y6 at 8:10 AM on November 22, 2002
I think Bush is a moron, but I'd gladly give him a cheer if he could just make things, anything, suck less. If I'm underestimating him then that implies that all this crap - miserable image overseas, crappy economy, declining confidence, unabated terrorism - are part of his plan for a better future.
Mr Bush, I've underestimated you. I'm ready for you to break out the magic wand. Please make things suck less.
posted by y6y6y6 at 8:10 AM on November 22, 2002
[Underestimating him? I have heard this tired and meaningless refrain before. Why is it a *good* thing that people are underestimating him? ]
One possible answer. That's something I host so I'm guessing it's a self link even though it wasn't written by me.
posted by revbrian at 8:22 AM on November 22, 2002
One possible answer. That's something I host so I'm guessing it's a self link even though it wasn't written by me.
posted by revbrian at 8:22 AM on November 22, 2002
The Bush haters just don't get it.
Get what? Please feel free to try and give me a reason, ANY reason why I shouldn't think this guy is a raving village idiot? Yeah, he's pretty good at kissing the right asses, and Colon Powell wasn't a terrible choice (compared to the other jack booted thugs in the cabinet) but of course they've clashed at every bend in the river. So please, I beg you, give me something, just anything that will make me not view him as a complete moron. He can't talk, he can't make decisions on his own, hell, the man can barely chew pretzels on his own. XQU... is completely on target. I just want one example of something intelligent he's done for himself. Please, I'm begging you, I'm serious, I fear for our country, and an example would maybe put my ming at ease a bit, so fire away...
posted by Pollomacho at 8:25 AM on November 22, 2002
Get what? Please feel free to try and give me a reason, ANY reason why I shouldn't think this guy is a raving village idiot? Yeah, he's pretty good at kissing the right asses, and Colon Powell wasn't a terrible choice (compared to the other jack booted thugs in the cabinet) but of course they've clashed at every bend in the river. So please, I beg you, give me something, just anything that will make me not view him as a complete moron. He can't talk, he can't make decisions on his own, hell, the man can barely chew pretzels on his own. XQU... is completely on target. I just want one example of something intelligent he's done for himself. Please, I'm begging you, I'm serious, I fear for our country, and an example would maybe put my ming at ease a bit, so fire away...
posted by Pollomacho at 8:25 AM on November 22, 2002
troll
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood at 8:25 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood at 8:25 AM on November 22, 2002
websavvy I would type LOL, but that might not properly convey the fact that your post actually made me laugh out loud.
My feelings are that the man is probably a little light in the IQ department, and that he is surrounded by smart people that cringe every time he strays off the prepared script.
I think that his lack of intellect may be outweighed by the obvious intelligence of those he receives counsel from (Scary Cheney and seemingly noble Powell, etc.).
posted by canucklehead at 8:29 AM on November 22, 2002
My feelings are that the man is probably a little light in the IQ department, and that he is surrounded by smart people that cringe every time he strays off the prepared script.
I think that his lack of intellect may be outweighed by the obvious intelligence of those he receives counsel from (Scary Cheney and seemingly noble Powell, etc.).
posted by canucklehead at 8:29 AM on November 22, 2002
Please explain to me how I have underestimated Bush.
Well, I would assume that when he was elected, you would not have predicted that at mid-term he would have a 70+% approval rating and that Republicans would have gained control of the House and Senate in the mid-term elections. If my assumption is correct, then one could argue that you "underestimated" him. I know that in that sense I certainly did -- I would not have anticipated his approval rating would be that high in a questionable economy.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:29 AM on November 22, 2002
Well, I would assume that when he was elected, you would not have predicted that at mid-term he would have a 70+% approval rating and that Republicans would have gained control of the House and Senate in the mid-term elections. If my assumption is correct, then one could argue that you "underestimated" him. I know that in that sense I certainly did -- I would not have anticipated his approval rating would be that high in a questionable economy.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:29 AM on November 22, 2002
now.
CNN just poted a comment by Chretien concerning this issue. In it, Chretien said: "He is a friend of mine, he is not a moron at all"
posted by clavdivs at 8:32 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by clavdivs at 8:32 AM on November 22, 2002
Just to add, my ming is quite troubled!
Pardonyou? His approval rating WOULDN'T be so high if it weren't for 9/11, we'd actually have looked into his dalliances with Enron, etc. and he'd be in some hot water!
posted by Pollomacho at 8:33 AM on November 22, 2002
Pardonyou? His approval rating WOULDN'T be so high if it weren't for 9/11, we'd actually have looked into his dalliances with Enron, etc. and he'd be in some hot water!
posted by Pollomacho at 8:33 AM on November 22, 2002
shoving Federal Agents directly into women's vaginas
What?
We all know the man's a moron
He's not any worse than most of the commentators in this thread.
posted by insomnyuk at 8:39 AM on November 22, 2002
What?
We all know the man's a moron
He's not any worse than most of the commentators in this thread.
posted by insomnyuk at 8:39 AM on November 22, 2002
How about presenting some proposals or ideas to remedy all of the problems that you claim Bush has created? Of course, I am skeptical that most Democrats could articulate alternative policies that the American electorate would support.
Let's start here:
A full 9/11 investigation
A full anthrax investigation
An SEC and an FCC (and plenty of other agencies) not filled with industry shills
Alternative energy policies, starting with conservation
Environmental respect for national parks and wilderness areas
Corporate board and accounting reform
Election reform
Campaign finance reform
Reinforcement of citizen privacy and civil rights
Stepping down from a ludicrous Iraq policy
The American electorate can't support proposals that never get on the table legislatively and aren't communicated by a monolithic corporate press. Not everybody is a blogger.
posted by skimble at 8:40 AM on November 22, 2002
Let's start here:
A full 9/11 investigation
A full anthrax investigation
An SEC and an FCC (and plenty of other agencies) not filled with industry shills
Alternative energy policies, starting with conservation
Environmental respect for national parks and wilderness areas
Corporate board and accounting reform
Election reform
Campaign finance reform
Reinforcement of citizen privacy and civil rights
Stepping down from a ludicrous Iraq policy
The American electorate can't support proposals that never get on the table legislatively and aren't communicated by a monolithic corporate press. Not everybody is a blogger.
posted by skimble at 8:40 AM on November 22, 2002
Who's laughing now?
the rest of the civilised world.
- sorry I just couldn't resist, must............... stop.......... posting..............sarcasm.
posted by johnnyboy at 8:44 AM on November 22, 2002
the rest of the civilised world.
- sorry I just couldn't resist, must............... stop.......... posting..............sarcasm.
posted by johnnyboy at 8:44 AM on November 22, 2002
A plague on both your houses. Do as I do and call him "King George the Third".
posted by wobh at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by wobh at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
Well, I would assume that when he was elected, you would not have predicted that at mid-term he would have a 70+% approval rating and that Republicans would have gained control of the House and Senate in the mid-term elections.
- I am writing my journal article as we speak, a new variant of stockholm syndrome.
posted by johnnyboy at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
- I am writing my journal article as we speak, a new variant of stockholm syndrome.
posted by johnnyboy at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
The Bush backers just don't get it.
Focusing attention on Bush's handling on the war on terror doesn't change the fact that the bush admin is legislationing away our rights. Anyone's life can be put under the microscope as long as the investigator thinks they might be a terrorist or a friend of a terrorist, proof need not apply. The Freedom of Information Act, gone. Corporate Accountability, bhwahahaha. How about this one, did you know that the Republican controlled Congress is moving to block people from buying their medication in Canada? What a way to give it seniors right after an election.
How about presenting some proposals or ideas to remedy all of the problems that you claim Bush has not created? Of course, I am skeptical that most Republicanss could articulate alternative policies that the American electorate would support.
posted by Wong Fei-hung at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
Focusing attention on Bush's handling on the war on terror doesn't change the fact that the bush admin is legislationing away our rights. Anyone's life can be put under the microscope as long as the investigator thinks they might be a terrorist or a friend of a terrorist, proof need not apply. The Freedom of Information Act, gone. Corporate Accountability, bhwahahaha. How about this one, did you know that the Republican controlled Congress is moving to block people from buying their medication in Canada? What a way to give it seniors right after an election.
How about presenting some proposals or ideas to remedy all of the problems that you claim Bush has not created? Of course, I am skeptical that most Republicanss could articulate alternative policies that the American electorate would support.
posted by Wong Fei-hung at 8:53 AM on November 22, 2002
STOP! Stop it.
Calling Bush an idiot is not a good strategy for getting him defeated in 2004. It's a good strategy for the opposite. It makes you sound like a whiny little jerk with nothing constructive or interesting to offer.
The fact is, either Bush or his people are pretty smart. They're passing much of their program, and have control of the whole Congress now. Does it matter if it's him or his handlers that are smart and effective? No.
As someone who is sincerely interested in getting this man out of office in the next election, I would suggest that a better strategy might be to say he is wrong, not stupid, say precisely why he's wrong, and offer a better program. Otherwise you'll get to make "Duh-bya" jokes for the next six years.
posted by lackutrol at 8:55 AM on November 22, 2002
Calling Bush an idiot is not a good strategy for getting him defeated in 2004. It's a good strategy for the opposite. It makes you sound like a whiny little jerk with nothing constructive or interesting to offer.
The fact is, either Bush or his people are pretty smart. They're passing much of their program, and have control of the whole Congress now. Does it matter if it's him or his handlers that are smart and effective? No.
As someone who is sincerely interested in getting this man out of office in the next election, I would suggest that a better strategy might be to say he is wrong, not stupid, say precisely why he's wrong, and offer a better program. Otherwise you'll get to make "Duh-bya" jokes for the next six years.
posted by lackutrol at 8:55 AM on November 22, 2002
It's nice to see I was wrong about this erupting into a flamewar. *sigh*
Look, calling Bush stupid or defending him as underestimated really isn't going to do much more than anger the people who disagree with you. It's not contructive. There's no point. We can go around in these kind of circles all day and then some, but who but a troll would want to?
If you agree or disagree with Bush's politics, say so and be prepared to defend those positions. But quit the whole tired "He's stupid!/No he's not!" argument.
posted by UnReality at 8:58 AM on November 22, 2002
Look, calling Bush stupid or defending him as underestimated really isn't going to do much more than anger the people who disagree with you. It's not contructive. There's no point. We can go around in these kind of circles all day and then some, but who but a troll would want to?
If you agree or disagree with Bush's politics, say so and be prepared to defend those positions. But quit the whole tired "He's stupid!/No he's not!" argument.
posted by UnReality at 8:58 AM on November 22, 2002
No, a moron is a communications director making such a moronic comment within earshot of a frickin' reporter. You can debate whether or not Bush is a moron. That's beside the point. Getting caught saying it, when your job is communications, that's moronic. - GhostintheMachine
Amen to that. Bush's intellect aside, how do you get a job in communications when you can't keep your yap shut?
posted by Limegirl at 9:03 AM on November 22, 2002
Amen to that. Bush's intellect aside, how do you get a job in communications when you can't keep your yap shut?
posted by Limegirl at 9:03 AM on November 22, 2002
what skimble said pretty much covers it...but add some unemployment insurance extensions and maybe a job-creation idea or policy or two (not as soldiers)....oh, and an impeachment would be nice as well...
(and a pony)
posted by amberglow at 9:05 AM on November 22, 2002
(and a pony)
posted by amberglow at 9:05 AM on November 22, 2002
His approval rating WOULDN'T be so high if it weren't for 9/11, we'd actually have looked into his dalliances with Enron, etc. and he'd be in some hot water!
We are now many months removed from 9/11, and I believe that all of the "rally around the president" enthusiasm has dissipated. Bush has earned his popularity.
Bush remains popular because most Americans perceive that the response to 9/11 has been effective. Believe me, if the war to remove the Taliban in Afghanistan had been the disaster that the lefties had predicted, 9/11 would have been political nightmare for Bush. It is incorrect to suggest that Bush is popular simply because 9/11 occurred.
With respect to Bush's alleged "dalliances" with Enron, I recall that the Democrats and their friends in the media did their best to smear Bush on that issue all year long. Of course, there was no factual basis for suggesting that he personally or his administration played any role in causing the Enron collapse. The worst I heard was that Bush "created a climate of regulatory permissiveness" where such corruption could thrive. Give me a break!
posted by Durwood at 9:15 AM on November 22, 2002
We are now many months removed from 9/11, and I believe that all of the "rally around the president" enthusiasm has dissipated. Bush has earned his popularity.
Bush remains popular because most Americans perceive that the response to 9/11 has been effective. Believe me, if the war to remove the Taliban in Afghanistan had been the disaster that the lefties had predicted, 9/11 would have been political nightmare for Bush. It is incorrect to suggest that Bush is popular simply because 9/11 occurred.
With respect to Bush's alleged "dalliances" with Enron, I recall that the Democrats and their friends in the media did their best to smear Bush on that issue all year long. Of course, there was no factual basis for suggesting that he personally or his administration played any role in causing the Enron collapse. The worst I heard was that Bush "created a climate of regulatory permissiveness" where such corruption could thrive. Give me a break!
posted by Durwood at 9:15 AM on November 22, 2002
Oh yes, and stiff financial penalties for companies that hide assets off-shore. And less protection for pharmaceutical companies and more protection for patients in managed care. And mandatory labeling for genetically engineered foods. And indictments for Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling, Enron CEOs and Bush contributors who are locked in their mansions, hiding from the employees whose 401(k)s they destroyed with lies and mismanagement. And stop already with the "faith-based" morons getting government grants.
And a pony for amberglow and a rocket ship for me.
posted by skimble at 9:15 AM on November 22, 2002
And a pony for amberglow and a rocket ship for me.
posted by skimble at 9:15 AM on November 22, 2002
Look, I agree, that the moron conversation has no where to go, but that still doesn't put my fears to rest. I was serious earlier when I wanted someone to give me an example of anything, that has been done to strengthen our nation in the last 2 years, please! I really mean it. Are companies any less corrupted? Has there been any progress in dealing with international terrorism? Has education benefited? Has our economy recovered? Is there peace in Israel? Northern Ireland? Chechnya? Hell, even the North Koreans have restarted their nuclear program in reaction to Bush Admin. policies. Things are not going well for our country or for the world and I'm scared, and having a man that has problems stringing a sentence together when he strays from the script steering the boat does not help me out. I really, really, desperately want someone out there to please, give me a reason not to be so scared other than what I tell myself each day, "we made it this far without blowing it all up, maybe we can keep it up indefinitely"
Oh, and yes, I am suggesting that Bush and his oil buddies, including Chaney have their hands in MANY sleezy corporate pots. And I would like some examples of how the war in Afganistan has been "effective".
posted by Pollomacho at 9:18 AM on November 22, 2002
Oh, and yes, I am suggesting that Bush and his oil buddies, including Chaney have their hands in MANY sleezy corporate pots. And I would like some examples of how the war in Afganistan has been "effective".
posted by Pollomacho at 9:18 AM on November 22, 2002
I am thrilled that it was a Canadian who said 'what a moron';Canadians are sterling citizens of the world. Let's revive the old idea of seceding from the US and joining the Maritime Provinces...New Englanders Unite! One idea was for the Republic of Vermont to secede along with Martha's Vineyard so that we could have a seaport...
posted by RepublicofVermont at 9:19 AM on November 22, 2002
posted by RepublicofVermont at 9:19 AM on November 22, 2002
the fact that the bush admin is legislationing away our rights
Actually, you have Congress to thank for that. Remember, the Legislative branch writes the laws, the Executive branch enforces them.
Hell, even the North Koreans have restarted their nuclear program in reaction to Bush Admin.
How do you know this is the case?
posted by insomnyuk at 9:28 AM on November 22, 2002
Actually, you have Congress to thank for that. Remember, the Legislative branch writes the laws, the Executive branch enforces them.
Hell, even the North Koreans have restarted their nuclear program in reaction to Bush Admin.
How do you know this is the case?
posted by insomnyuk at 9:28 AM on November 22, 2002
And I would like some examples of how the war in Afghanistan has been "effective".
The Taliban regime, which (1) had one of the most horrendous human rights records in recent memory, and (2) allowed Usama to openly use Afghanistan to train terrorists and to plan attacks on the United States, has been overthrown. What was ineffective about that? Should Bush have done nothing?
posted by Durwood at 9:55 AM on November 22, 2002
The Taliban regime, which (1) had one of the most horrendous human rights records in recent memory, and (2) allowed Usama to openly use Afghanistan to train terrorists and to plan attacks on the United States, has been overthrown. What was ineffective about that? Should Bush have done nothing?
posted by Durwood at 9:55 AM on November 22, 2002
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posted by mcwetboy at 6:11 AM on November 22, 2002