Media Links:
http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/ http://www.democraticunderground.com/cu/cu.php?az=blaster IS G.W. BUSH REALLY WHAT HE SEEMS?
Presidential reelection campaigns always examine the incumbent's record. Such discussion is integral to an informed electorate. Therefore, this letter will discusses several salient but ignored aspects of the current administration.
Polls give Mr. Bush high marks on being a "strong leader." Comparison with a list of other "strong" Presidents (Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Truman, JFK, and Reagan) shows that a majority saw combat; war was a last resort and won with skill, restraint, and highly sensitive intelligence; each embraced and advanced science; none hijacked and manipulated a national tragedy (or religion) for political gain or failed to make public the investigation; war time Presidents enjoyed a robust economy; none condoned unrelenting scurrilous attacks on the integrity and combat record of an opponent; none required interpreters to untangle jumbled words and befuddled phrases; none tolerated the public mocking of a US military medal, or permitted an aide to refer to Americans as being like a 10 year old child.
Polls also give Mr. Bush high marks on handling the war on terror. However, the record reveals a list of unheeded pre-9/11 warnings and requests such as the Hart-Rudman recommendations; Paul Bremer's warnings of impending attacks; FBI concerns about Arabs who wanted to learn to fly but not to land planes; CIA Director Tenet’s memo entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US;” the arrest of Moussaoui who was described as "the type of person who could fly something into the World Trade Center;" Senate ASC recommendation to shift $814 million from missile defense to anti-terrorism; and Acting FBI Director Pickard’s request for more anti-terrorism funding.
The Bush record on Homeland Security is similarly distressing according to the report of the GOP dominated Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction. They reported (Dec 2003) "serious concern about the current state of homeland security efforts;” they found that momentum for security had "waned," and blamed the government for causing complacency. It also found "fragmentation" of efforts and "that scarce resources may not be prioritized and applied most effectively.” Bush has inadequately funded the department as well as undermined state and local security efforts, including police, fire and health first-responders. Federal funding of local anti-terror efforts has been restricted, and chemical plant, airport, airline, port, and border security is still is perilously lacking.
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." George W. Bush, Aug. 5, 2004
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW MR. BUSH...
1. Why is it that you claim to be a friend of veterans and yet have proposed so many cuts to programs benefiting veterans including the closure of some V.A. hospitals?
2. If you believe Sen. Kerry's military service was "honorable" and something "about which he should be proud," then why do you refuse to specifically condemn the Swift Boat Veterans? Aren't values more than something to which one gives lip service?
3. Former Sen. Max Cleland left half of his body in Vietnam. Yet when he came to your ranch with a letter signed by 9 other Congressional war heroes, neither you nor any of your immediate aides had the courtesy to accept the letter. Why?
4. The almost 3,000 victims of the WTC attacks did not die for politicians or political parties. How do you justify using images and emotions related to that tragedy for personal political gain at a convention bathing itself in those themes?
5. Do you endorse members of the RNC mocking military medals by wearing "purple heart band aids" at the convention? If not, why have you failed to issue a statement denouncing that mockery?
6. Is it not true that you Mr. President have flip flopped on more issues than Senator Kerry such as the 9/11 Commission; on calling for a UN vote on Iraq; on creation of the Dept. of Homeland Security; on a Constitutional amendment on gay marriage; on use of the military for "nation building;" on the issue of tax credits for hybrid automobiles; on extending the assault weapons ban; on steel tariffs; on spending the Social Security surplus; on the patient's right to sue; on the Federal Government's position on tobacco buyout; on disarmament incentives to North Korea; on lobbying OPEC; on the Condoleeza Rice testimony; on your pledge to issue regulation based on science; on the presence of WMD in Iraq; on restricting Free Trade; on the importance of capturing Osama Bin Laden; on mandatory caps on carbon dioxide emissions; on an investigation into intelligence failures in Iraq; summits in the Palestinian crisis; campaign finance; on providing financial support for the First Responders; on military benefits; on who was responsible for the "Mission Accomplished" sign; on the fingerprinting and photographing of Mexicans entering the US; on refusing to pass budget deficits; your positions on stem cells and human embryos; about your support of the Low Income Energy Support Program; your position on abortion; on racial profiling; on describing success of US objectives in Iraq.
7. Specifically addressing your Flip Flops, which of your recent comments about the war in Iraq and terrorism is really your belief: Mission Accomplished, Mission Miscalculated, Mission Impossible, or Mission Possible?
8. How do you justify the budget cuts for veterans benefits at precisely the time you are ramping up the military for permanent war?
9. Where are the WMD? Would you still go to war knowing that there were no WMD?
10. 45 million people lack health coverage. Do you think basic health care is an American right? Health care costs have gone ballistic during your Administration. Why haven't you made health care more affordable?
11. "I'm also not very analytical. You know I don't spend a lot of time thinking about myself, about why I do things." (June 4, 2003). Recently, you admitted mistakes in Iraq. Don't you think being more analytical, deliberate, and "sensitive" to the intricacies of international politics might promote US success and national security?
12. You are quoted as saying, "When I take action, I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It's going to be decisive." (Sept. 19, 2001). Then why are Americans still dying in Iraq so long after you declared "Mission Accomplished?"
13. "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." (Sept. 29, 2000). Then why are millions of fish now dying in our lakes and streams? Why are there warnings in many states advising people not to ingest fish because of the dangers of mercury poisoning from industrial pollution?
14. "As you know, these are open forums, you're able to come and listen to what I have to say." (Oct. 28, 2003). When was the last time that you spoke before an audience that wasn't exclusively "invited guests?"
15. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." (Aug. 5, 2004). Do you really believe that policy is really beneficial?
16. On Aug 22, 2002 you proposed deforestation as a means to combat forest fires. ("We need to understand if you let kindling build up and there's a lightning strike, you're going get yourself a big fire.") Isn't your support for deforestation actually pandering to logging and timber financial interests? If not, do you think that we should test your theory by setting experimental fires in certain areas of Texas?
17. Sen. Kerry challenged you to run a positive campaign on current issues. In 2001 you said, "It is time to set aside the old partisan bickering and finger-pointing and name-calling." Do you think the RNC and your current campaign are consistent with your prior statements? As you know, Zell Miller is rumored to be suffering from the early stages of dementia. Do you specifically endorse and share Miller's hateful and divisive comments?
18. In 2001 you promised the American people that you were going to balance the Federal Budget. You inherited a $230 billion dollar surplus. Yet, in 2004 we have a DEFICIT of $478 billion. Why have you not kept your word to the American people?
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