Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Alright I'm sitting around talking about contemporary issues with some co-workers. The subject of our current President, George W. Bush, and his election efforts came up and we had a good talk. I fully believe (right now) that this will another close election and our incumbent leader will not come up winning. I say this in light of several major factors:
- Our economy has grown by leaps and bounds during his administration
- Job growth has exploded recently
- His efforts at appointing various federal judges have been stifled by the democrats in the Senate
- He has provided competent leadership in times of extreme trial
- In spite of great media haranguing President Bush has maintained his positions on important issues
Even though things are looking up I believe that the most critical misstep of this current administration is their policy towards Iraq and their invasion of said country. I am opposed to the crusade Iraq this current administration is leading. I support our troops and their commitments to our country, but believe that we have precipitated a wrong in this world. About 20 months ago as the rhetoric from the White House was heating that if the President invaded Iraq he would not be re-elected. Seems my predictions are beginning to come true.
Now do not get me wrong, I have not completely written off this administration and their chances for re-election. I just believe it would have been better for the President to have focused on Afghanistan and then focus on our country. The United States cannot be the policeman of the world, and no matter how badly injured after the horrific events of September 11 we have not been given a mandate from God to go out and beat every suspicious bush to root out potential terrorists. I end my diatribe against this policy.
Now there are several factors at play on why President George W. Bush will not be re-elected in November. Note: these factors can be changed, and hopefully will be changed.
- The Democratic party is finding new life in Senator John Kerry, who has no official position on anything except he is against President Bush. Now this is a major matter to consider. Senator Kerry was lagging in the polls until he beefed up his attacks against President Bush. Yet in the face of the attacks of no less than five Democratic candidates for the Presidential nomination the White House did little to counter the criticisms and let the media focus on the Democrats. The velocity behind Senator Kerry is enough to carry him until the national conventions. If anything the Democrats have shown that they can put on a far better national convention than the Republicans and that might be a deciding factor.
- Though the economy is continuing to grow at tremendous rates, there are not enough prominent Republicans and other policy makers out there drumming up public awareness of these matters. It has been fairly well established that the economic recession began in the last months of the Clinton administration (read this article for proof) yet we have yet to see the Bush team make a big deal out this. Now I realize that we have seven months until election day, but these are the formative months for public awareness. The economy is not rocket science, but it does take some educating to get the public aware of certain trends and factors.
- Osama is still out and about. Plain and simple the American public has been lead to believe that terrorism is to be associated with one person and one organization (its helps to make things simple for the public.) Though the Afghanistan crusade has more fruit than the Iraq crusade, the major component is still running amok in the wilderness. If Osama bin Laden is caught, or killed, before the November election date than the Bush team will get a big push in the polls. Americans are beginning to realize that terrorism is here to stay and we have to continue living. Getting bin Laden under wraps will be a big push in the polling data.
- They need to stop talking about Iraq. We should still support the effort we began, yet the Bush team cannot stop talking about Iraq and letting that be the focus of their message. They need to change the message and recapture the public. Getting the governing council underway has been important and a major step, but further initiatives need to be draw up and put out to sail. The public right cannot see a positive message coming out of Iraq.
- One last one. If gasoline prices were to drop significantly, from the current $1.65 for 87 Octace at my local QuikTrip to about $1.35 I would be happy and so too would the American public. It is time for this country to stand up to OPEC and get things figured out in Argentina so we can see more crude oil being piped into our country. A significant change lead by the White House would do wonders for Bush's approval ratings and electability.
Okay that is the short list. Probably not too insightful, certainly all are obvious. I hope President George W Bush gets re-elected. We have several vacancies on the Supreme Court that are up for grabs soon and more positive progress can be made in a re-elected White House.
I disagree vehemently with many of the President's policies and plans. Yet as November approaches I suppose I will have to put a gas-mask on a vote for President Bush, for at least he has a position and is more in line with my beliefs on who is the better candidate.
posted by Preachin Jesus |
2:09 PM
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