VTL
Member

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604 |
Bush is doing a great job.
1. He's going to get the majority of what he wants on his top priority, the education bill - by compromising with the Democrats, part of the "new tone" he is setting.
2. He is going to get the majority of his tax cut, his second priority.
3. He handled the China hostage crisis (hey, let's call it like it is) well. Tough talk was necessary. Contrary to popular belief, it got the Chinese leadership's attention.
4. He is in fact setting a more productive tone in D.C.
5. His only alleged "mis-steps" have been on the environment, and those are much exagerated. The media consistently make it sound like the Administration is "anti-environment" by casting his decisions in the worst light possible and by not providing any context for the decision.
For example:
The Kyoto Treaty - If memory serves, the overwhelming majority of the Senate (like 95 members) indicated it would NOT confirm the treaty - including the bulk of the Democrat members. In other words, the treaty is dead and has been dead for a while. The President merely recognized reality. However, the President is portrayed as being for global warming for backing away from the treaty.
Arsenic - The standard for arsenic in drinking water has been the same for something like 50 years. The Clinton/Gore administration took seven years and
360+ days to pass the new standard. The decision was made at the same time, and in roughly the same manner, as the Marc Rich pardon decision. It was also made over the objection of political leaders in parts of the country that will be most impacted by the implementation of this very costly change.
The President - rather sensibly - said the rule deserved more study. The Administration has signaled that the limit will be lowered at some point, but perhaps not by as much as the Clinton rule called for.
How does the media portray the decision? Like the President has somehow decided to put MORE arsenic in kids drinking water, that he has increased the exposure level. This is patently untrue.
All in all, a pretty good start if you ask me.
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