It's not just cranky green-eyeshade libertarians like myself who are upset with Bush's spendthrift ways. So are some of his fellow Republicans in Congress:
In briefing papers prepared for this weekend's party retreat -- expected to be dominated by budget debates -- the Republican "appropriators" who actually divvy up federal funds each year noted even a complete freeze in the spending targeted by Bush would cut the deficit by only a "minimal" $3 billion.
"We need to be realistic about the impact of this proposal," the House Appropriations Committee said. "Solely targeting non-defense discretionary spending will not have a significant impact on the deficit."
Of course, those same Republicans have been happily dishing out pork and increasing entitlements, too.
some of us registered, centerist Republicans are really pissed off at him, too..... That is, the ones NOT in Congress.
All I have to say to these losers in Congress is STFU. Spending bills start with them, not Dubya. If they're pissed about his reckless spending, they are in the catbird seat to do something about it. Hell, it's not like Dubya will veto them or anything...
Stephen,
I wonder why you call yourself a libertarian.
You say you love this kind of government and you love that kind of government.
And you are in favor of MASSIVE government spending programs......
Don't you realize by now that the only way to get your massive spending programs approved is to give everybody else their massive spending programs too?
You are a good writer and I enjoy reading what you have to say. But to paint yourself as a fiscally conservative libertarian is truly a work of fiction.
Best Wishes,
Richard
Yeah, I wish Bush would govern exactly as I would. But cutting programs doesn't win votes. And Bush is the only one who shows the remotest degree of seriousness about the threats facing the country and with the cojones to do anything about it.
But, more to the point of your post, who controls the pursestrings?
Think about it this way, the Senate Gang of 41 can hold up judicial nominees almost # YEARS, but can't make a stand on spending.
