THE BUSH CREDIBILITY GAP

HOMELAND SECURITY

FIRST RESPONDERS
Bush Says: �We're dealing with first-time responders to make sure they've got what's needed to be able to respond.� � Bush, 3/27/2002


Bush Does: Bush had been saying that he was proposing $3.5 billion in �new� money for first responders. However, his budget tried to cut more than $1 billion out of existing grants to local police/fire departments to fund this. Then, in August of 2002, Bush rejected $150 million for grants to state and local first responders. Bush�s decision prompted the President of the Firefighters Union to say, �President Bush, don't lionize our fallen brothers in one breath, and then stab us in the back by eliminating funding for our members to fight terrorism and stay safe.� The President of the Virginia firefighters association said, �The president has merely been using firefighters and their families for one big photo opportunity.�

PORT SECURITY
Bush Says: �We're working hard to make sure your job is easier, that the port is safer. The Customs Service is working with overseas ports and shippers to improve its knowledge of container shipments, assessing risk so that we have a better feel of who we ought to look at, what we ought to worry about.� � Bush, 6/24/02

Bush Does: The President�s 2003 and 2004 budget provides zero for port security grants. The GOP Congress has provided only $250 million for port security grants (35% less than authorized). Additionally, in August, the President vetoed all $39 million for the Container Security Initiative which he specifically touted.

BORDER SECURITY
Bush Says: �A secure and efficient border is key to our economic security.� � Bush, 9/9/02

Bush Does: While Bush did hold a photo-op to sign legislation promising more INS/Border Patrol staff and facilities, his budget provided no additional money for this. Additionally, in August, Bush vetoed $6.25M for promised pay upgrades for Border Patrol agents. Additionally, he vetoed all $39 million for the Container Security Initiative. His 2004 Budget slashes total total �Border and Transportation Security� by $284 million.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS
Bush Says: �This is a hospital, but it's also - it's a place full of love. And I was most touched by meeting the parents and the kids and the nurses and the docs, all of whom are working hard to save lives. I want to thank the moms who are here. Thank you very much for you hospitality�There's a lot of talk about budgets right now, and I'm here to talk about the budget. My job as the President is to submit a budget to the Congress and to set priorities, and one of the priorities that we've talked about is making sure the health care systems are funded.� � Bush, Egleston Children's Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia 3/1/01

Bush Does: Bush�s first budget proposed cutting grants to children�s hospitals like the one he visited by 15% ($34 million). His 2004 budget additionally proposes to cut 30% ($86 million) out of grants to children�s hospitals.


HOUSING
Bush Says: "Part of being a secure America is to encourage home ownership" He also went on to talk about his experience meeting the residents saying, "You know, today I went to the -- to some of the homes -- met some of the homeowners in [their] newly built homes and all you've got to do is shake their hand and listen to their stories and watch the pride that they exhibit when they show you the kitchen and the stairs...They showed me their home. They didn't show me somebody else's home, they showed me their home. And they are so proud to own their home and I want to thank them for their hospitality, because it helps the American people really understand what it means." � Bush at the Carver Homes in Atlanta, which is supported by a HUD Hope VI grant [6/17/02]

Bush Does: According to AP, �President Bush's proposed 2004 budget for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced Monday, phases out HOPE VI� the program Bush visited and touted in Atlanta. �Renee Glover, executive director of the Atlanta Housing Authority said. �We didn't anticipate that HOPE VI would be eliminated.�� [AP, 2/5/2003]

continued

www.dccc.org...

I was expecting the 'sources' to be left of center; but all numbers highlighting his double speak come from the Associated Press, Washington Post, the House Appropriations Comittee and his own budget!!
When some of you heralded Bush as bringing 'dignity' back to the White House, was that usage of the word code for bold face lies!?!

Originally posted by mad scientist
Is this really any different to what any other politician does.

You have a deep hatred for Bush, BT. I would almost go as to say it may be unhealthy for you. RELAX.
Is there any particular reason for this ?

Thanks for the concern, but I can't hate the guy, I don't know him!

But Seriously he is:

- He's an illegal squatter
- A Roosevelt fascist
- Ruining America
- Destabalizing the World
- Creating a caste system in the US
- A scared little boy thrust into a role he can't hope to handle
- An embarassment for all Americans on the world stage
- A failure in everything he's ever done
- Never worked a day in his life
- Making America unsafe & Americans targets
- A habitual lier

That's my short list! Now wake the hell up, get off his bandwagon, he didn't "grow into being a war time leader" and isn't half the man or leader that Clinton is!


Since the forum is 'Political Scandal', it's only obvious that a president who is a scandal just by being in office would show up on so many post.

Is this really any different to what any other politician does.

You have a deep hatred for Bush, BT. I would almost go as to say it may be unhealthy for you. RELAX.
Is there any particular reason for this ?

Amazing, you'd have the ability to call this man a liar after what we just went through for 8 years. Comparatively, he is a saint.

As far as dignity, compared to the embarrassment of the previous regime, any dignity, even that of ties being expected and no pizza boxes scattered about the joint, and the White House staff being treated with respect is a glaring difference.

I could write volumes about why Bush is head and shoulders above what we've grown used to, but books have already been written and are available to read for any who wish to learn the truth.

[Edited on 21-2-2003 by Thomas Crowne]

- He's an illegal squatter
You are participating in history revisionism and liberal lies. No more need be said. Learned know better and the ignorant won't learn.

- A Roosevelt fascist
Which Roosevelt? The socialist that started the notion that the government owes the citizen something for nothing, or the one who was a great American? I can imagine which one to which you refer.

- Ruining America
Again, were you asleep when the nation's sovereignty was being signed over to the U.N., defense secrets were being sold to the highest bidder, the White House was being turned into a brothel, and parts were being rented out for personal gain and personal freedoms were being attacked with the president telling us that we have to be willing to give up freedoms for security, while he blew up aspirin factories to take the attention off his personal lack of integrity?

- Destabalizing the World
Bush is responsible for the actions of those who hate us now? You blame him for the attacks on us? You fail to see how the weakening of the U.S. by the previous regime, the one who loathes what this nation used to stand for has brought on this "destabilization" and endangered us all? Your hatred for Bush and conservatism in general is actually becoming palpable, my wayward friend.

- Creating a caste system in the US
Caste system? Kind of an "us-vs-them" scene, huh? Just like the one that democrats create in order to get votes, huh? Naw, conservatism is about each man being responsible for his own way, for creating his own niche in this world and each taking responsiblity for where he goes, or doesn't go. Losers need not apply. And I get tired of supporting them. You should, too.

- A scared little boy thrust into a role he can't hope to handle
A bullcrap statement written from hatred. He's shown the ability to lead as a true leader, not a poll reader. The fact that he doesn't follow the liberal guideline bugs some, doesn't it?

- An embarassment for all Americans on the world stage
Another purely stupid statement. If you want to go and try and apologize to the French, the North Koreans and the Chinese and every other group that despises the U.S., do it in your own name and not on behalf of all of us. I'm sure Martine Sheen, Babs, and Sean Pinhead will make room for you on their next trip to Europe. If, that is, you fit their elitist profile. We normal Americans, you know, are stupid shmucks that need the "enlightened" to guide them and make their decisions for them.

- A failure in everything he's ever done
Not even worth commenting on, as that is nothing but a caddy, hate-filled comment. By that standard, Abe was a failure. Besides, Churchill wasn't that bright a star until the circumstance made the man, and the man was honed by the circumstance. At any rate, that was nothing more than a caddy comment that I would expect from, well, someone like Gore.

- Never worked a day in his life

Yeah? And your hero, Billy, was a workaholic? How can a Clinton apologist even consider picking up that stone?
- Making America unsafe & Americans targets
Again, you haven't yet figured out what has made this nation unsafe. Quit trying to blame years of liberal subversion on the Shrub.

- A habitual lier
Onthis planet, we spell that "l-i-a-r", or "C-l-i-n-t-o-n"; either one of them. Again, let's not play with heavy object when habitually defending those who live in glass houses.

All in all, B-T, I'd say this series of bullets you wrote in reference to Bush spoke volumes about from what position you write than from what direction Bush leads. Key word being, Leads.
Leadership is what we have now, not poll-reading and liberal butt-kissing. He's not judging his actions by what you think, and he's not cow-towing to the socialist nations that despise us throughout the world. No, I doubt he'll ever be shamed by being considered the Grand Poo-Bah of the U.N.; something that should shame any American.

[Edited on 21-2-2003 by Thomas Crowne]

[Edited on 21-2-2003 by Thomas Crowne]

However TC, you seem to be on the complete opposite side when it comes to defending Bush...IMO, both Clinton AND Bush are rotten examples of Americans when it comes to dignity & honesty. It never matters whether the left or the right win the elections...The People still loose.

Do you really want to see America turned into a facist state...It's not Clinton that put the Homeland Security out, it was the Shrub.

Haven't you seen by the *confirmed numbers* from several sources (listed in Bout Time's first post here)? Have you verified those sources for yourself? Can't you see that Bush is taking our money & telling us it's going to worthy causes for the American People & then actually taking even more money away from those causes? Yeah, a war is expensive, but such blatent lies about what he's doing with *our* money isn't going to make the People feel any better about what he's telling us about the war itself.

Comparing Bush's "credibility gap" with the actual truth is like describing the size difference between the Grand Canyon & the eye of a needle...



[Edited on 21-2-2003 by MidnightDStroyer]

M-D, I see a reason for concern, not because Shrub's credibility is as bad as B-T says it is, but because the potential for abuse is great. Considering what the threat is and how the enemy acts, I'd say the Homeland Security is a good thing. But what about things like closing our borders? We are as porous as a screen door. Things like this does make me wonder what the deal is!

This man is the worst thing to happen to western world politics for decades. It is generally accepted that he is a figure of ridicule in Britain, your biggest 'ally'.I have yet to meet a person that takes kindly to him. Even the BBC openly takes the piss out of him and the mayor of london called him a 'coward' and a 'creature' that we need to get rid of. I respect the office of president, but if you cant see this man for what he is, then you are a fool my friend.

Originally posted by kegs
This man is the worst thing to happen to western world politics for decades. It is generally accepted that he is a figure of ridicule in Britain, your biggest 'ally'.I have yet to meet a person that takes kindly to him. Even the BBC openly takes the piss out of him and the mayor of london called him a 'coward' and a 'creature' that we need to get rid of. I respect the office of president, but if you cant see this man for what he is, then you are a fool my friend.

BLAH BLAH, history will be the true judge of Bush. I think what annoys the Europeans is the fact that they have become largely irrelevant and aren't used to such a straight talking proactive President.
I can understand that you're scared of war, but the consequences of inaction will be far worse. Just look at WWII no one wanted war then either, the result of coarse being disasterous.
Saddam is not going to be removed with words alone, if you think this then you truely are a fool.

Thomas, a fool you are indeed. Please, tell me what you find truthful in any of the categories in what Bush the liar said and what he actually did? Please show anyone who read the information, which you didn't because I know you're not stupid & incapable of grade school reading comprehension, how you can bring dignity out of bold face propaganda & lies!!?!?

As for your break down of why I'm so strongly opposed to Bush, utter bullshyte my friend, utter bullshyte!

- We haven't gone from admired to feared & loathed under Bush!?!
- government officials from all of our allies haven't been on record as calling Bush an idiot & ill equipped for the job!?!
- American citizens & legal residents are being held without there Constitutional rights being honored, after being detained on American soil, under Bush....Clinton wouldn't dream of such an abbrogation.
- Look up 'oligarchy' and then look at the actions, not the propaganda, of Bush to see about the caste system.
- He was appointed by a family friend or backed by their money to every 'job' he ever had....and every company went bankrupt, right after he looted it along with his cronies. If that's not your definition of 'failure' , then I'd love to see your definition of success.
- that you support an incompetent figure head who 'governs' by comittee, soley because of a 'good soldier' mentality is slightly admirable, but having been in the military, I know you saw examples of true leadership.....and none of it even remotely looked like Bush.
- When I call Bush a fascist, it is in the FDR definition that I refer:
"The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic State itself. What, in its essence, is Fascism, but ownership of government by an individual, by a group or by any controlling private power."

We've argued this several times and I've brought to light the facts of what he's done, so I don't know why you hold so desperately to such a losing hand, but I'll flip your qoute back at ya: Learned know better and the ignorant won't learn.

On topic, please read the link & tell me how youdo not see a credibility gap between rhetoric and action.....it's right in front of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My dear fellow fool-at-arms, each and every point that I made in reference to your insane hatred for Bush was true, and you know that.

We were not admired before Bush, we were actual bafoons and useful idiots, at least under Clinton's rule. The drive toward socialism, the handing over of the technology to arch enemies, the kissing of the European hindsides - The rest of the world doesn't have that, now, and the rest of the world certainly doesn't like this great source of money and influence to be concerned with its own state than with the state of the rest of the world. Furthermore, I couldn't care less what the average Klause on the sidewalks of Bremen think of President Bush as Klause is not overly concerned with my country's well-being.

Clinton wouldn't dream of doing what? Arresting someone for exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech, maybe? You'd better go back and check again. Your precious hero is quite the trampler of the constitution. Who has been snatched up by the Bush Squad and thrown into secret prisons? Who are these innocent, naive children and old ladies?

Again, Compare Bush's past with the Clintons'. Do not throw rocks that can come back and break entire walls that are in your heros' house (or is that "houses"? Are they living together, or has Hillary kicked him out, yet? I guess maybe she still needs him for the White House run, huh?)

I'm cutting to the chase, here, as this is getting monotonous. The whole reason for defending Bush is the fact that you revile him so badly, when your heros, Bill and Hillary, were the worst in history on every topic you mention. Your attacks are just that, hate-filled attacks. They aren't to reveal any possible conspiracy or wool-pulling, but are merely personal/political. You, fool, cause me to defend him, further than I wish to, because you are in dire need of balance. Furthermore, I'm beginning to think maybe you have sympathy toward the weakening of the U.S. and the strengthening of the "New World Order".

I think what can be surmized here, Mr. Crowne, is that politicians are generally a group to be despised. Which is sad because our country is run by them!

Ah... to yearn for the early intent of the founding fathers, citizens contributing to their government for a time, then returning to private life. What a simple and wonderful concept.

Originally posted by kegs
This man is the worst thing to happen to western world politics for decades. It is generally accepted that he is a figure of ridicule in Britain, your biggest 'ally'.I have yet to meet a person that takes kindly to him. Even the BBC openly takes the piss out of him and the mayor of london called him a 'coward' and a 'creature' that we need to get rid of. I respect the office of president, but if you cant see this man for what he is, then you are a fool my friend.

as a brit quite rite said stupid bush

Thomas: the topic is about a credibility gap that goes unchallenged in the mom & pop 6o'clock news everyday. Not the Bush pros & cons it's been made to.....I'd love for folks to address the liar based on what he said while out stumping & having photo ops....then turning and screwing those same folks with his action.
I'd give some respect to your argument about being a 'counter weight' to an unbridled attack on Bush ( since I had to play that role when I first joined these boards to counter the baseless propaganda from you/Bob/nyeff about Clinton. And it's worked, since we don't see NewsMax or Worldnet quoted here anymore as credible sources! ), but if I have clear data & facts - not speculation to support my points, it's far from baseless. If you can refute any instance in the above credibility gap points that are laid out, I'll gladly debate it & eat crow if I'm wrong.
Thomas, it does matter what the world thinks of us. We're a capitalistic society that outgrew it's domestic markets a long time ago. The world is our client, to act the way Bush is now is ok .....if we are going to be a colonial power. Otherwise, he's killing our prosperity, foreign investments are running away from the US, and trade wars are in play or on the horizon. And if you think that setting up a military government in the Middle East & turning a blind eye to whatever Sharon wants to do with the Palestinians is going to 'stabilize' or make us 'safe', then you must be a Captain in the fools brigade to my buck private!!!
As for heroes, the only person that can make Clinton a hero of mine is GW Bush, lord knows he has for the world!
I just respect him for his accomplishments & for leaving the country much better off than he got it.

lol!

quote: " I think what annoys the Europeans is the fact that they have become largely irrelevant and aren't used to such a straight talking proactive President"



How can the europeans be irrelevant? did they all die when i wasnt looking?
lol

Right at this very moment, I'm seeing on CNN that the Representative for Massachusetts is declaring Bush's lies, right out in the open...On a LIVE BROADCAST!

YES!

COOL!

Yeah, it was a live broadcast of open speech...Every State & Territory could speak on *anything* they wished, for up to an hour each. The MA Rep was pointing out the very lies from Bush that were already mentioned in this thread & many more besides...


Now if only the rest of the House *listened*...We may have some hope yet!

N.Machiavelli:

and he who has known best how to employ the fox has succeeded best.

But it is necessary to know well how to disguise this characteristic, and to be a great pretender and dissembler (disguiser, concealer); and men are so simple, and so subject to present necessities, that he who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived. One recent example I cannot pass over in silence. Alexander VI did nothing else but deceive men, nor ever thought of doing otherwise, and he always found victims; for there never was a man who had greater power in asserting, or who with greater oaths would affirm a thing, yet would observe it less; nevertheless his deceits always succeeded according to his wishes, because he well understood this side of mankind.

Therefore it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them.
.......

"the compassionate conservative". he's not unlike many politicans. they can promise you life with a tear in their eye all the while they are planning your death with a sly grin.

it seems Machiavelli wins this one. (i'm constantly looking to prove him wrong about the vulgarity of man) but, here it is in my face. there are people lined up to make excuses without disproving the lies of our president. maybe man is simple and easily decieved.