Columns from The Union 05/2001

Bush's First 100 Days: A Conservative Triumph?
Published Saturday, May 12, 2001

Surely everyone, no matter what his or her political persuasion, is amazed at the large number of moves George W. Bush has made in his first 100 days as president. That boy stirs a lot of pots.

Republicans, especially conservative Republicans, are no doubt feeling an elation greater then the day they got their first Barry Goldwater campaign button, or the time when Herbert Hoover shook their hand.

But is this really a conservative triumph, putting America on the "right" track? As Bush's term progresses, it will become clear that his sweeping set of executive orders and legislative initiatives are designed to pay off ultra-right constituencies and big-ticket corporate backers.

Over the next 1359 days, traditional Republican voters will be hard-pressed to overlook Bush's failures to deliver for them. Sadly, Democrats will probably try to rub it in.

Bush is the elected president, and the legitimacy of his election is no longer an issue. But even the most ardent conservative dares not insult our intelligence by saying Bush won by a sweeping majority. Given that he won with a divided electorate, I marvel at Bush's brass in advancing so many extreme programs. More than one columnist and radio commentator has summarized the Bush philosophy as, "Campaign moderate; govern right."

In April, columnist Molly Ivins points out that, in almost every speech, Bush says, "I was elected because the people expected me to do X (or Y or Z)." What strikes me are the leaps of non-logical reasoning:

For example, saying you "support a strong national defense" in a campaign means raising Star Wars from the grave.

Saying you want to "ensure the health of the American people" means stalling a patients' bill of rights.

"Creating an effective energy policy" means drill, drill, and drill.

"Allowing the American people to keep more of what they earn" means proposing a tax cut to give 40% of the benefits to the country's richest 1%.

Any modern political observer would cite this dishonesty as common to all politicians. But shame on us! American voters are hardly stupid, yet we absorb, believe, and act on this rhetoric every four years!

All Americans, but especially those who cannot set aside their hatred for Bill "the cursed, evil, vile, womanizer" Clinton, will find it a great relief that George W. Bush does not have "character" issues.

Bush's policies are based on a belief system. I caution all of us not to demean the president's character because of our dislike for his policies. I believe this is a good man who is advancing a program based on what he sincerely thinks is good for the country. My only quarrel with character is that Bush seems closed to honoring the interests of half of the population and half of the Congress. Ignoring the people is shaky on moral grounds. Ignoring the Congress is not a smart way to advance the Bush agenda.

This column wouldn't be complete without a laundry list of questionable Bush actions. You judge the merits for yourself, but if you are a woman, working person, concerned about the environment, or a Californian who uses energy, AND if you're a Republican, you've got some 'splaining to do as this guy's term progresses:

The George W. Bush "first 100 days" achievements:

Implementing the "Global Gag Rule" that prohibits recipients of U.S. international family planning assistance from counseling women on abortion or engaging in political speech on abortion.

Trying to remove birth control coverage from federal employees' insurance plans.

Resurrecting Star Wars, potentially starting a new nuclear arms race.

Cutting funds to safeguard Russia's crumbling nuclear weapons system.

Ignoring California's energy crisis, proposing "supply side" solutions, and refusing to ask Americans to conserve.

Dropping the Kyoto treaty.

Advocating drilling on Alaska's North Slope.

Auctioning off rights to offshore Florida oil drilling.

Opening the national forests to road building for the timber industry.

Refusing to lower arsenic levels in drinking water.

Reversing the stance on CO2 emissions.

Ending the ABA's role in selecting judges.

This is too extreme a program for America. I'd prefer that Bush just executes his term with dignity, remembered in history as one of America's marginally-adequate presidents.

Barry Schoenborn is a technical writer, and a 12-year resident of Nevada County. His column appears the second Saturday of the month. barry@wvswrite.com is his e-mail address. The opinions of columnists are not necessarily those of The Union.

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