Bush: I veto bills to ‘ensure that I am relevant.’
Today in his press conference, President Bush attempted to justify his recent veto of an SCHIP expansion by explaining that he needs to issue vetoes in order to prove to people that he’s still the Decider:
That’s why the president has a veto. Sometimes the legislative branch wants to go on without the president, pass pieces of legislation, and the president can then use the veto to make sure he’s a part of the process. And that’s what I fully intend to do. I’m going to make sure. And that’s why when I tell you I’m going to sprint to the finish, and finish this job strong, that’s one way to ensure that I am relevant. That’s one way to ensure that I’m in the process. And I intend to use the veto.
Watch it:
Bush has issued four vetoes during his presidency, twice blocking stem cell research, withdrawal from Iraq, and now SCHIP.
UPDATE: Froomkin has more.
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
I am relevant, too. I feel ya.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:07 pmSprinting to last place.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:08 pmIt’s better than signing statements. At least he gives Congress a chance to override, if they dare.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:08 pmHow can the 24-percenters NOT see what an idiot this man is?
Ah well, I guess there are those who thought “Mama’s Family” was funny…
October 17th, 2007 at 2:08 pmwow what a weird thing to say
October 17th, 2007 at 2:09 pmSprinting to the finish with the training wheels still attached.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:11 pmYou gotta be kidding me! Bush is vetoing legislation to provide health care to children whose parents have been frozen out of the skyrocketing private health insurance industry BECAUSE HE NEEDS TO BE RELEVANT?????
Even if we all know it’s true that Bush behaves like the snotty little kid who does annoying things “because I can”, why is he admitting this to the American people? Can he truly not use his brain at all in the absence of Rove?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:12 pmI think the issue of relevancy and President Bush was settled a long time ago.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:13 pmApparently millions of sick/injured children in America are not “relevant” in this twisted a$$hole’s opinion.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:15 pmI guess actually working with Congress and the Senate to help pass some laws that might actually BENEFIT this nation would be irrelevant.
Relevent means you’re going down in the history books as a worse president than Millard Fillmore, dude.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:15 pmHow can the 24-percenters NOT see what an idiot this man is?
Ah well, I guess there are those who thought “Mama’s Family†was funny…
Comment by ralph the wonder llama — October 17, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
Hey! It was funny! But-only because it reminded me of all the people I grew up around….
As long as Bush is “relevent” then FU
October 17th, 2007 at 2:17 pm“Bush has issued four vetoes during his presidency, twice blocking stem cell research, withdrawal from Iraq, and now SCHIP.”
And he’s doing this in the interest of the country, because of his desire to do what’s best for Americans — right?
Let’s see — most Americans want stem cell research, most Americans want us to withdraw from Iraq, and most Americans want SCHIP funding.
He really is the president of a small minority, isn’t he?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:17 pmEmbarrassingly stupid. Again.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:17 pmSo, he’s opposed to curing disease, opposed to ending his fiasco in Iraq (resulting in over one million deaths and 4.5 million refugees, at a cost of $2 Trillion, and a gift to terrorists) and opposed to providing healthcare to poor sick children.
Anything else we need to know?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:18 pmI suspect that Randi Rhodes was attacked by minorities and was paid hush money to say that she “fell downâ€.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:18 pmEvery week Congress should pass a resolution or some legislation that funds something that promotes Bush as a knowledgable, conscientious, moral, and legally upright leader. Then, Bush has something to veto every week to show his relevance.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:19 pmIn other words, “I’m just doing this cause I can-you’re not the boss of me” This flipping idiot scares the crap out of me.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:19 pmHow effing pathetic.
I AM so ashamed for my country.
He has no concept that being president is all about serving the people. None.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:19 pmIdiot thinks 24%=relevance. And 51%=mandate.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:20 pmBy relevent does that mean he is happy about his new Zogby/Reuters poll numbers of 24% ? Which is lower than Harry Truman when he left office.
Authoritarians believe that because Bush is at such a low approval he is doing a great job. And up is down and black is white.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:21 pmRelevent means you’re going down in the history books as a worse president than Millard Fillmore, dude.
Comment by Race Condition — October 17, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
Guess he is afraid of being a lame duck like Mallard Fillmore.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:21 pmSeems like the central theme for Bush lately has been the “I am the President”. I guess he knows the walls are closing in, and he doesn’t like it much. Me I think it is more of the same idiotic stupidity we have seen from him. Basically placing his own legacy, and ego before the United States.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:23 pmWay to go King George! Flexing your executive “muscles” by vetoing legislature concerning advancements in science, peace, and healthcare sure is a way to maintain your relevance in the “Worst President of All Time” discussion.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:25 pmNot much of a leader, is he?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:25 pmWhat pisses me off the most is the smarmy tone he takes, like he thinks he’s qualified to give me a lecture on how gummint is sposed to wurk.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:26 pmSo, what Bush wants is the only thing in the world that is relevant. What about what 70 to 80% of the people in this country want? I thought that Bush worked for us. I guess I was wrong.
This man has seriously gone off the deep end. He is getting downright scary.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:26 pmStem cells could save lives, Iraq withdrawl would save American lives and S-CHIP would save American children’s lives.
Yup - relevant, all right. Relevant to the “culture of death.”
October 17th, 2007 at 2:27 pmHe reminds me of Nixon. Nixon used to always refer to “the president” like it was somebody else. Dilusional.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:28 pmBush is certifiable. When was any US president not relevant?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:28 pmHOW ABOUT THE FLIP SIDE TO THAT COIN AND SIGN THE LEGISLATION… YOU DOPE.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:28 pmDoes anyone else wonder at this man’s sanity ? Interesting on Frontline last night how many staunch Republicans left the administration over the wire tapping. Guess there are some moral Republicans after all.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:29 pmGeorge W. Bush personifies the most malevolent, irredeemable and unholy aspects of mankind. Not only is he wantonly destructive, purposefully dishonest and shamelessly unremorseful, he disgracefully defends his catastrophic decisions by hiding and perpetuating the devastating impact they have on the lives of defenseless human beings. Hundreds of thousands of innocent children, women and men, who have not harbored a harmful thought toward another human being, have been murdered, eviscerated and maimed as a direct result of George W. Bush being the president of the United States of America. And yet, his overriding priority is to prolong the inhuman carnage he has instigated, not to end it. George W. Bush is an indelibly chilling example of what man is capable of doing to his fellow man……the worst example imaginable.
IMPEACHMENT is the only means we have of STOPPING the CONSEQUENCES of the MADNESS of KING GEORGE!!!
October 17th, 2007 at 2:29 pmHe DID NOT block stem cell research. He merely pointed out that the fed’s shouldn’t fund new stem cell lines. The private sector is more then free if they want. I like this site, but tell the truth.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:29 pmIn other words, “If I do not block the will of the people by vetoing those that represent them, I am irrelevant.”
Truer words have never been implied.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:31 pmfinish this job strong, that’s one way to ensure that I am relevant.
Oh, you are relevant alright, just not in a positive way.
Okay dittoheads, sheeples, trolls, …etc., please defend this man, who just proclaimed that his ego is more important than a child’s health.
No wonder he will go down as the. worst. president. EVER!
October 17th, 2007 at 2:33 pmAnd that coke is really working overtime for the Veto-in-chief. And I agree too. Worst President ever.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:34 pmHhhmmm when ya have to use a veto to remain relevant…thats sad…
October 17th, 2007 at 2:35 pmDon’t worry, George, rest assured, the sun will rise on the day after you leave office, and America will get to work cleaning up the damage you wreak in your vain attempts to avoid “irrelevance”.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:36 pmI listened to the speech and it was humdrum as usual, but the question and answer periods have taken on a new life–very few soft slow balls for the decider these days.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:37 pmI do like to see him squirm, but I’m worried about what he might do, as childish as he is.
I was over at RedState and got the crap beaten out of me and then got banned, so it’s nice to be back in the world of the sane.
Those guys are really nuts and probably count among that dismal 24%.
Comment by robbez_92107 — October 17, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
very well said.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:39 pmNot much of a leader, is he?
Comment by Art — October 17, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
I once asked my boss (a good boss, actually) to explain to me his differentiation between “leader” and “manager”. He started off by saying that leadership isn’t always the easiest thing to define, but there’s one clear way of telling who doesn’t have it — if nobody’s following you, you aren’t a leader. I would say this pretty much fits Bush.
He also said that a manager may not necessarily have much vision, but can keep the trains running on time. I don’t think Bush is much of a manager, either.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:39 pmBabara Bush is known for her meaness and petty vendettas, guess the acorn doesn’t fall too far off the tree. This whole family has no ethics, morals or shame. I hope they enjoy Paraguay which will be the only place they will be wanted.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:40 pmYesterday he was given time to announce his “changes” for Walter Reed. Lets’ see the committee gave him the changes in April and it is October. Hope Washington Post reporters do an update to see if things have improved.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:42 pmVictoria Jones reported on Thom Hartmann’s program today that Bush stated that Iran cannot be allowed to even possess the knowledge of how to build a nuclear bomb. This statement is wrong on at least two counts.
First, as Hartmann pointed out, practically any high school student can gain knowledge of how to build a bomb by using the Internet. Is Bush trying to say that he will somehow ban Iranians from using the Internet?
But more importantly, Iran has never expressed any intention of building a nuclear bomb; instead, they have always said that they wish to build a nuclear facility to be used as a power source for their country.
Simply another example of fear mongering by this administration in order to achieve their nefarious ends.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:44 pmrobbez_92107
Are you in Ocean Beach?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:44 pmGallup Poll 10-7-07: satisfied with direction of country = 25%; dissatisfied = 73%
2-12-99: satisfied = 71%; dissatisfied = 26%
October 17th, 2007 at 2:44 pmRelevent means you’re going down in the history books as a worse president than Millard Fillmore, dude.
Comment by Race Condition — October 17, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
Nixon is turning in his grave as we speak. He thought he was going to be the most hated president in history, and Old Tricky Dick wanted to be #1 at something.
I also think that Bushie will have Saddam-like statues erected at Insurance, Oil, and Defense Contractor companies in a tribute to his “relevance”
October 17th, 2007 at 2:45 pm[…] he needs to issue vetoes in order to prove to people that he’s still the Decider:
Um, actually, big Bush, I am one of the people. The legislative branch represents me. I am the decider, and I veto you.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:46 pmirrelevant? no way. george will show everybody who’s boss when he lands us on mars, just like he promised.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:47 pm“Sometimes the legislative branch wants to go on without the president, pass pieces of legislation…”
Ohmigawd, we can’t let the legislative branch create and pass pieces of legislation. We can’t let them run amok as though they were a co-equal branch of government, after all.
I think GWB mispoke: instead of relevANT and I think he meant arrogANT.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:49 pmHis latest approval numbers are at 24%…the lowest in US history. Congrats, you strong finish for last place is a sure thing, herr dubyah.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:50 pmBush is like a pimp chasing a get away car full of whore’s…..Most of his whores have left him, only the head madam chaney is left…..Time to impeach and lock these scum’s up……
October 17th, 2007 at 2:51 pmIt sounds like Bush is trying to convince himself that he’s relevant more than he’s trying to persuade reporters, voters, or Congress.
Of course, most of us would prefer that Bush demonstrate his competence than his relevance.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:52 pmGallup Poll 10-7-07: satisfied with direction of country = 25%; dissatisfied = 73%
2-12-99: satisfied = 71%; dissatisfied = 26%
Comment by Keith
Wow, that pretty much says it all, doesn’t it!
October 17th, 2007 at 2:52 pmThis whole debate is about moving towards government controlled healthcare.
If we do this, where will Canadians go to get quality healthcare.
Can’t wait until a visit to my doctor is like a visit to the DMV.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Actually, it’s not, you boob. It’s about government-provided health insurance. You aren’t very bright, are you?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:54 pmComment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
If you want to talk about expanded healthcare (which is not even the point of this discussion), then I will happily wait in line for others, so that I can sleep at night because everyone else has equal coverage you sick, heartless, conservative.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:55 pmCan’t wait until a visit to my doctor is like a visit to the DMV.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
You are an idiot. Single-payer systems have been PROVEN worldwide to deliver quantifiably superior health care at little more than half the cost we pay in the U.S.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:55 pmjdc: “Can’t wait until a visit to my doctor is like a visit to the DMV.”
Actually, what you are describing is more like socialized medicine, where the government not only provides the funding, but delivers the service. Nobody is proposing that. Thinking people know that the most efficient way to deliver healthcare is a single-payer scheme, but you evidently are too stupid to understand the distinction. I’m not surprised, since you also have demonstrated the belief that Reagan was a great president.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:56 pm“Sometimes the legislative branch wants to go on without the president, pass pieces of legislation”
And heaven forbid they go on without asking the most unintelligible moron to ever occupy the Oval Office , his opinion.
How does this delusional simian not even remotely recognize his complete lack of ability ?
His limitations are limitless …………
October 17th, 2007 at 2:56 pmBush is still relevant and he will continue to be relevant right up to the 2008 election and beyond. He is one of the main reasons that the modern conservative movement is over - he pretty much broke it like he’s broken everything else he’s touched.
October 17th, 2007 at 2:57 pmBush is like a pimp chasing a get away car full of whore’s…..Most of his whores have left him, only the head madam chaney is left…..Time to impeach and lock these scum’s up……
Comment by Witch1
That’s a great visual. Thanks for the laugh!
October 17th, 2007 at 2:58 pmSo Ms Pelosi, why exactly is impeachment of this chucklehead still off the table again?
October 17th, 2007 at 2:59 pmthat’s one way to ensure that I am relevant
The sociopathy of this man, rooted in his deep insecurity, is palpable and it’s an embarrassment to this nation.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:01 pmComment by StratRat — October 17, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Yup - “Nine square miles surrounded by reality.”
October 17th, 2007 at 3:01 pmWhen the government controls the insurance, they control the care.
Support that.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:02 pmThis whole debate is about moving towards government controlled healthcare.
If we do this, where will Canadians go to get quality healthcare.
Can’t wait until a visit to my doctor is like a visit to the DMV.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
We Canadians DO get QUALITY health care. Any Canadian can go to any Canadian hospital and get treatment - NO ONE GETS TURNED AWAY. If your RICH you can go to the US and get FASTER treatment BUT you have to be RICH. FASTER does NOT MEAN BETTER QUALITY. If your poor in the US and you get hurt in an accident your screwed.
BTW, the whole debate is NOT about health care, it’s BUSH and his adolescent reasoning.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:02 pmComment by hellinabucket — October 17, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks, hellin - sometimes the doublespeak just gets to me.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:02 pmAbout 28% relevant according to his new record in the polls!
October 17th, 2007 at 3:04 pmWhen the government controls the insurance, they control the care. — jdc
Support that.
Comment by Picklee — October 17, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Picklee, pelase don’t expect the troll to engage with actual arguments. Those guys only deal in sound bites. But, boy, do they know their way around a sound bite, huh?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:04 pm“I would recommend buying a clean set of pliers so you can pull your own teeth after we get Hillary care.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007″
i’ll pull your teeth for free.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:06 pmBut, boy, do they know their way around a sound bite, huh?
Comment by ralph the wonder llama — October 17, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Yeah, but when they try to chew and swallow those bytes, they choke up, and voila, btyehairballs all over the floor.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pmComment by ralph the wonder llama — October 17, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Heh, I’m just asking him to support how quality of insurance affects quality of healthcare. That is what he is suggesting, but there is nothing to support such a remark.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pmbtyehairballs ??
Or mebbe
bytehairballs?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pmI veto bills to ‘ensure that I am relevant.’
Too late, Mr. President, you are already irrelevant to many of us.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:08 pmWhen the government controls the insurance, they control the care.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
We already have medicaid and medicare (both are forms of government insurance); now please explain how the government controls health care.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:08 pmComment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
At least you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that we will have another President Clinton…..smart of you.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:08 pmWow….
24% Approval!
Having Bush actively campaign for a Republican (or even mention the Republican Candidate’s name in public) is the Kiss of Political Death.
These days, when Republican candidates running for office see a picture of President Bush or hear his name, do they make the sign of the cross and turn away?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:10 pmHow much does health insurance cost?
Feel free to get some quotes.
For me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
And remember, the idea of all insurance is to get it BEFORE the unthinkable happens. The Frosts’ and Wilkerson’s chose to take a chance and roll the dice. Now the taxpayers are bailing them out for their poor choices and subsequent tragic life events.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:12 pm“Bring it on” Bush.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:14 pmWhile you’re busy stroking your giant ego, trying to convince yourself that you’re relevant, what you really are is a giant anchor tied around the neck of the entire Repub party.
So, go ahead andcontinue to drag the entire Repub party down with you, like you have been doing.
You were the Repub’s wet dream for years. Now you are their demise.
Good riddance to bad rubbish, I say.
For me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
So? Do you have a family of 4 and only make 45K/year? When you are in those shoes, let’s see how you lack compassion at that point.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:14 pmJust heard on Thom Hartman from a guest, Larry Scott, with VAwatchdog.org, that Bush also wants to screw with the VA pensions. Not so surprising as anything is possible with that cruel bastard. This backs up what I heard a few years back on abc news: Bush stated he wanted to change the status of some of the service connected disability VA pensions to non service connected and make it retro active. Having some experience with the VA hospital system, I could just imagine all those service connected Vets being reclassified to non service connected becoming homeless wheelchair and all. How cruel. I only heard that abc news bit one time… and I will bet the MSM was asked to pull it.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:14 pmdid anybody here watch CHENEY’S LAW - FRONTLINE - PBS last night?
everything those criminals did was a direct attempt to make congress and the LAWS completely irrelevant…
secrets and lies, to do whatevery they wanted…
criminals.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:15 pmWe treat half of Mexico for free.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Prove it.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:16 pmSimply another example of fear mongering by this administration in order to achieve their nefarious ends.
Comment by Erroll — October 17, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
And who do you think is behind this fear mongering? AIPAC is right behind you. Will my children die for Israel? No way!, they’re not Jews. Do I want peace between Jews and Palestinians? Yes, certainly, wholehartedly. Do we want a nuclear free ME? Start with Israel which has 200+ weapons of mass destruction including atom bombs. Then, we can talk!
October 17th, 2007 at 3:16 pmWhen the government controls the insurance, they control the care.
I would recommend buying a clean set of pliers so you can pull your own teeth after we get Hillary care.
Comment by jdc
Are you saying that private for profit health insurance companies don’t “control the care”? Can you tell me that you have never heard anyone tell you about the care someone they know needed that was denied by their for profit health insurance company? If you haven’t, you don’t get out much.
My sister lives in England. She has never been denied any kind of health care. She once had to wait a couple of months for elective surgery, but other than that, everything she has ever needed health-wise has been provided for her, free of cost to her. She does pay more taxes than we do, but like she said, “I would rather pay more money into taxes to live in a country that provides for me when I have a need (including food, clothing and shelter)” She has frequently told me that she feels like she is getting more than her money’s worth.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:17 pm#66 - I would love to see impeachment on Bush, but would we then have Cheney step up to the plate which is worse, because Cheney is smarter and if possible more paronoid.
Maybe it is better to just let Bush keep putting his foot in his ass without Rove or Bartlett to pull it out. Only 460 days left.
Gotta love those ratings go downnnnnnnnnnn!
October 17th, 2007 at 3:17 pm“Fast Medical Care†is fairly important to me.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
So apparently your boast that Canadians go to the US for QUALITY health care is BS and you know it! Moron.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:18 pmoh yea, had enough… this SCHIP bill contains much needed
funds for the military…
there needs to be more info about that…
i heard paul reikoff talk about it yesterday…
SUPPORT THE TROOPS … SUPPORT AMERICANS …
or don’t…
October 17th, 2007 at 3:18 pmComment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Seriously, if they could afford health insurance, THEY WOULD. They weren’t gambling, they simply could not afford it. Are 40 million Americans gambling with their lives every day? What ignorance.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:18 pmFor me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Not everybody can afford a latte a day — especially when it’s a latte a day for each member of their family. And yes, people DO roll the dice. When you deal with having to pay for rent/mortgage, food, transportation, health insurance, day care, etc. and you can’t pay for everything, you have to leave something out.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:20 pm“Fast Medical Care†is fairly important to me.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
in your case i suppose it is.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:20 pmacute psychotic episodes require immediate medical attention.
katy
October 17th, 2007 at 3:21 pmdid not see it but I heard Kucinich’s response…
Jan. ‘09, the minute these thugs leave office he would like to have them arrested.
Overhead Cost per $1
Private Insurance = 0.25 - 0.35 Cents
Medicare = 0.3 Cents
Comment by RemoveBush — October 17, 2007 @ 3:19 pm
sam seder played this game with a caller yesterday…
the doofus says, “uuh… well… i’d have to think about that…”
amazing…
October 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pmPrivate insurers are so inefficient. I thought you conservatives would be smart enough to realize that since you boast so much about government waste. The government isn’t trying to make a profit, they are just trying to break even.
So which do you think, in the long run, will cost less: profiteering private insurance out of your pocket, or flat taxes?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pmFeel free to get some quotes.
For me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
Comment by muckdog
If it costs you less than a latte a day, you are either very young or your employer pays most of the cost.
Try being over 50 and having a pre-existing condition. I was in that position some time ago and I could not find anyone who would insure me. I applied to every private health company I could find and they all turned me down for being over 50 and having a pre-existing condition. Please find me anyone over 50 who doesn’t have any kind of a pre-existing condition.
Because of this, I now have a $600+ bill I have to pay to my doctor for four office visits to get a prescription refilled. Fortunately I can handle it and pay this bill. There are many people out there who can’t.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pmYup - “Nine square miles surrounded by reality.â€
Comment by robbez_92107
I only ask because I am in 92117 (Clairemont).
October 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pm“Fast Medical Care†is fairly important to me.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Umm
They do sell Depends for those like you …………Or haven’t you heard ?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:24 pmsome folks veto to be relevant; others win the nobel prize.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:25 pmWe treat half of Mexico for free.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Prove it.
Comment by Dr. Matt — October 17, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Recommend (0) | Report Abuse
He can’t. He is just some koolaid drinking jerk who listens to Rush and shoots his ignorant mouth off.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:25 pm….and the president can then use the veto to make sure he’s a part of the process. -GWB
The lame duck needs to be…cooked?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:25 pmkucinich - from his lips to the gods ears…
we’d all - conscientious citizens - like to see these criminals arrested…
and tried and convicted and sentenced and REMEMBERED…
SO THAT IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN…
but that’s been said before too…
October 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pmugh…
We treat half of Mexico for free.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
What do you think about that?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pm“Fast Medical Care†is fairly important to me.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007
We should start with Walter Reed….
October 17th, 2007 at 3:28 pmsome folks veto to be relevant; others win the nobel prize.
Comment by cha cha cha — October 17, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
Well said.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:30 pmWe treat half of Mexico for free.
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
What do you think about that?
Comment by Picklee — October 17, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
heh…
that struck me funny… reminded me of when i would
try to talk with my kids when they were little…
“how does that make you feel?”…
how appropriate…
October 17th, 2007 at 3:30 pm…
Feel free to get some quotes.
For me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
Comment by muckdog
Can you feel the compassionate latte values yet?
I guess Muckdog, is michael, or a clone of.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:32 pm“I would rather pay more money into taxes to live in a country that provides for me when I have a need (including food, clothing and shelter)†She has frequently told me that she feels like she is getting more than her money’s worth.
Comment by bilbobaggins — October 17, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
I’m a full blown an unrepentant Socialist (the South American Chavez-Castro kind) and I predict that the future is ours to hold and to keep. Care to discuss it?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:33 pmWe should start with Walter Reed….
Comment by Xisithrus — October 17, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
What happened at Walter Reed is an example of what happens when Government services are privatized.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:35 pmDOWN RIGHT STUPIDITY DOES NOT MAKE YOU RELEVANT YOU SORRY SACK OF SHlT!
October 17th, 2007 at 3:38 pmNow fan, don’t suppress your feelings. Not healthy and all, you know..
October 17th, 2007 at 3:40 pm#86 and #95.
No, I don’t work a part-time job like the Frosts chose to do; and no, I didn’t quit a job that had health insurance to take a job that didn’t have health insurance like the Wilkerson’s chose to do.
Who’d be dumb enough to do that?
Oh, the Frosts and the Wilkerson’s.
By the way, they’re covered by the current SCHIP program. No need to expand it to cover them. So, nobody is taking away their health care. Fiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:41 pmBush: I veto bills to ‘ensure that I am relevant.’
Since when has immature , petulant and childish behavior been quantified as someone being “relevant” ?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:41 pmI don’t think he really knows the definition of the word “relevant”!
October 17th, 2007 at 3:41 pmFeel free to get some quotes.
For me? Less than a cost of a latte a day.
Comment by muckdog
Can you feel the compassionate latte values yet?
I guess Muckdog, is michael, or a clone of.
Comment by Xisithrus — October 17, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
Someone who makes 45K/year clears somewhere around $2500/month. A family of 4, of which two are children, would have to pay for out of pocket health insurance about $400-500/month for some rather 3rd rate, high deductible, personal coverage. If they wanted a better policy with reasonable deductibles and better coverage they could be paying easily upwards to 1K to 1.5K/month.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pmNo, I don’t work a part-time job like the Frosts chose to do; and no, I didn’t quit a job that had health insurance to take a job that didn’t have health insurance like the Wilkerson’s chose to do.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
So, according to your reich-wing “logic”, a person shouldn’t work unless they are employed full time with health insurance. Brilliant, you twit.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:44 pm“You don’t get turned away from American hospitals if you are poor.”
Comment by jdc — October 17, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
This debate point is often used by people who argue that the health care system in this country is just fine, thank-you-very-much, and we don’t need to change it.
It’s true that if you show up in an emergency room anywhere in this country with an emergency condition, you will get treated. They can’t turn you away.
But allow me to poke a couple of holes in this argument.
1) An uninsured person with an emergency is often a person who could have avoided it had he/she been able to afford regular doctor visits. Emergency room care is some of the most expensive care there is, and keeping a person healthy and out of the emergency room costs less for everyone in the long run.
2) Just because Joe Uninsured is treated in an emergency room doesn’t mean he won’t get billed. When Joe gets billed, chances are he can’t pay. So then what? Medical expenses is currently the number one reason for bankruptcies in this country.
When Joe declares bankruptcy, the hospital and the attending doctors get stiffed. They have to make up for this loss by hiking their rates for those who CAN pay. This means insurance companies have to pay out more for claims. Which means they have to hike up premiums. Which makes health insurance unaffordable for yet another layer of people. Which makes for more avoidable emergency room visits. Can you see how this spiral is going?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:44 pmFiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
“Fiscal conservatives” is an oxymoron. That is a fact.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:45 pmI’m a full blown an unrepentant Socialist (the South American Chavez-Castro kind) and I predict that the future is ours to hold and to keep. Care to discuss it?
Comment by foreyes
I too am a socialist type. I believe that anything we need to survive should be taken out of the hands of the private sector (gas, electricity, healthcare). There is something fundamentally wrong with a country where corporations profit off of the basic necessities we need to survive.
I am not quite as optimistic as you about our future. I fear that Bush has brought us too far down the road of ruin for us to ever come back to a place where we once again care about our fellow man and our mother earth. Right now it looks like greed will win out in the end.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:46 pmBy the way, they’re covered by the current SCHIP program. No need to expand it to cover them. So, nobody is taking away their health care. Fiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
How about ensuring that ALL CHILDREN be covered 1st , and then worry about rooting out the abusers ?
Create some humanity within yourself instead of only worrying about the bottom line …………..
BTW No one ever claimed the Wilkerson kid nor the Frost kids were going to have their medical coverage rescinded or removed ; that is a typical bullshit statement from the horseshit GOP and their equally full of crap backers.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:46 pmAnd they say that impeaching this embarrassment would be DIVISIVE??????
October 17th, 2007 at 3:47 pmComment by Wayne — October 17, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
I agree that privatization is partly to blame for Walter Reed and that privatisation does not always mean cheaper and better, The two terms are not synonymous by any means.
A look at todays skyrocketing health care costs has not caused an increase in American productivity or longivity. Quite the opposite of its intent.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pmSo muckdog - wait until you are over 50 with a pre-existing medical problem and get laid off a job. You will find out very quickly that you can’t get private medical insurance even if you can afford to pay for it. So what are you going to do then? Should you be left to fend for yourself and neglect your health because you can’t afford to pay a doctor their cash rates?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:50 pmI just realized that I have not publicly called Bush a moron in several days…
He’s such a moron.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:51 pmFiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
That is what this is about a .02% increase. BTW when has the current admin become fiscally conservative?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:51 pmThat is what this is about a .02% increase. BTW when has the current admin become fiscally conservative?
Comment by Xisithrus
Don’t hold your breath. muckdog doesn’t answer questions that can’t be answered by picking one of his RNC talking points.
October 17th, 2007 at 3:53 pmFiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
Comment by muckdog
Incorrect, sir. The folks you indicate (fiscal conservatives) want to do away with any service they believe the common citizen should provide for themselves like health coverage. Fraud and abuse are code words used to gather the talking points together and create a common enemy for the right side. Fraud and abuse is not the problem - Creating a society where childrens small health issues balloon into larger health issues as they grow older is the problem. It is far less expensive to provide care while they are healthy, than wait for the impending explosion of major diseases caused by the lack of access to health care.
We provide care to the armed forces, congress, poor people, civil service, etc…Why can’t we provide the same care to our young people? What is wrong with a healthy citizenry?
October 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pmO-H—M-Y—G-A-W-D…..what a freaking A-S-S-H-O-L-E!!!!
Buck Fush
October 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pmmuckdog doesn’t answer questions that can’t be answered by picking one of his RNC talking points.
great visual of duckmog at his computer, frantically thrashing through an eleven inch stack of paper on his desk, looking for RNC TP #3,297.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:00 pmWhat happened at Walter Reed is an example of what happens when Government services are privatized.
Comment by Wayne — October 17, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
A few years ago, water was privatized in Bolivia by a president who spoke Spanish with an English accent and was controlled by Bechtel. He’s currently living in Washington after being thrown out of power by the Bolivian people.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:01 pmSanchez de Losada will only return to Bolivia if the US government backs him up. Fat chance at best; will not happen, count on it!
Keep up the good work Fritz!
And don’t let another day go by without shouting from the rooftops…
October 17th, 2007 at 4:01 pmGreat post’s bilbobaggins and other’s…….Blessings
October 17th, 2007 at 4:02 pmLooks like muckdog has left the building. The hard questions start coming and he skedaddles. I do love his moniker though. He surely is a dog that spends a lot of time in the muck.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:08 pmHeh. I’ve seen two-year-olds make themselves “relevant” the same way: screaming NO NO NO NO NO!!!!
What a complete idiot.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:12 pmFiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
You can’t do both? Or is chewing gum, and walking at the same time too much for a simple minded republican?
October 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pmThere is something fundamentally wrong with a country where corporations profit off of the basic necessities we need to survive.
I endorse this statement. Anyone care to join me?
October 17th, 2007 at 4:27 pmFraud and abuse weeded out as it has been in Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, foster care. As it has been in the pharmaceutical and insurance companies ?
October 17th, 2007 at 4:40 pmThere is something fundamentally wrong with a country where corporations profit off of the basic necessities we need to survive.
I endorse this statement. Anyone care to join me?
Comment by Picklee — October 17, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
I do. This country is strongest when we stand together. Not to have all of us out for ourselves grabbing the all mighty dollar. We need to collectively determine to provide for all the basic necessities. Just like our roads, our water and other public utilities. We decided these are necessary for all.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm“Fiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.”
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
This is just another way of saying, “we would like to appear concerned and compassionate, but we also want to make sure we never spend any money on people who can’t afford to buy elections for us.” They will ALWAYS be able to find something in the system they can label “fraud and abuse” — even if they have to make it up. Look at what they have done to the Frost and Wilkerson families. If you don’t sell your home and move into a tent, you’re defrauding the system. If you have children you clearly can’t afford, you’re defrauding the system. Etc. Etc.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:51 pmNonono, sprinting to Den Hague.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:52 pmI fear that Bush has brought us too far down the road of ruin for us to ever come back to a place where we once again care about our fellow man and our mother earth. Right now it looks like greed will win out in the end.
Comment by bilbobaggins — October 17, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
You’re right bilbo. Evil seems to be winning over good. Now, which side are you on, the ‘winning side” or the “right side”? Just asking , you know. I know which side I’m on!
October 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pm#131: The liberals always bring up Iraq when talking about health care. It’s apples vs. oranges. The government is constitutionally mandated to provide for the nation’s defense. I know you don’t think the war on terror is worth fighting, but both Democrats and Republicans have agreed on going into Iraq, and both Hillary and Rudy are talking tough on Iraq and Iran. So current military posture will continue post 1/21/2009, no matter if it’s Hillary or Rudy.
So get over it.
The government is not constitutionally mandated to provide health care. It’s a nice thing to do for those who are trying to get back on their feet. It’s the wrong thing to do for those who “choose to abuse.”
#133: BTW when has the current admin become fiscally conservative?
This administration has been a disappointment for fiscal conservatives. Especially when the GOP held Congress. But that doesn’t mean fiscal conservatives have given up hope on holding down spending.
#135: Creating a society where childrens small health issues balloon into larger health issues as they grow older is the problem. It is far less expensive to provide care while they are healthy,
So, in your view, should we tax unhealthy foods? For example, refined grains, dairy products, meat, foods with high sugar and/or corn syrup, and high fat foods? Because most of our health issues later on in life are self-inflicted by a lifetime of poor nutrition choices.
October 17th, 2007 at 4:58 pmBecause most of our health issues later on in life are self-inflicted by a lifetime of poor nutrition choices.
And there has been research done in microbiology that strongly suggests that your health is affected by the nutrition of your ancestors. The fact is that humans can live without a large portion of the unhealthy foods we have made in the last century. What this means for the health care problem is difficult to say. It seems plainly obvious that all humans should be given the chance to be cured of disease and common ailments.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:12 pmGuys in the white coats … yup, that’s the one.
Take him away!
October 17th, 2007 at 5:13 pmBush: That’s why the president has a veto. Sometimes the legislative branch wants to go on without the president, pass pieces of legislation, and the president can then use the veto to make sure he’s a part of the process. And that’s what I fully intend to do. I’m going to make sure.
Once again, Bush speaking to the American public as if they are a bunch of damned ignorant children and he’s the teacher.
Next he’ll be saying, “The big house where I live is called the White House because it is painted white.”
October 17th, 2007 at 5:38 pmI endorse this statement. I also am in favor of a Single Payer System. From the Physicians for a National Health Program web site; “Currently, the U.S. health care system is outrageously expensive, yet inadequate. Despite spending more than twice as much as the rest of the industrialized nations ($7,129 per capita), the United States performs poorly in comparison on major health indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality and immunization rates. Moreover, the other advanced nations provide comprehensive coverage to their entire populations, while the U.S. leaves 46 million completely uninsured and millions more inadequately covered.”
Learn more at the PNHP web site.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:43 pmMy dog sometimes eats her own shit and pukes on the back porch because she wants to be “relevant”.
Reminds me of a certain Chimp hooting and flinging shit.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pmThe liberals always bring up Iraq when talking about health care. It’s apples vs. oranges. The government is constitutionally mandated to provide for the nation’s defense. I know you don’t think the war on terror is worth fighting, but both Democrats and Republicans have agreed on going into Iraq, and both Hillary and Rudy are talking tough on Iraq and Iran.
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Provide for the defense of what? An attack that might happen in the future? You do not invade a country for an attack that MIGHT happen in the future. What a f-ing moron you are. For the 1076th time, Iraq was not a threat to the U.S. nor to their neighbors. Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice both said so in 2001. You and your moronic friends in politics STILL believe that Iraq has WMDs, and you STILL believe that Iraq was directly responsible for 9/11. And I don’t give a f–k what the Democrats said about Iraq. All the pussies in Congress…Dems AND Republicans…have been proven wrong.
Remind me again why we are in Iraq. WMDs? Ummm…no. To spread democracy throughout the Middle East? We aren’t supposed to be nation builders, per candidate George Bush in 2000. Save the Iraqi people from an evil man? We aren’t supposed to be the police of the world, again per candidate Bush in 2000. Stabilize the Middle East? Bush has f—ed up things so badly in the Middle East that it will take generations to fix.
I would ask what Bush thought of the U.S. supporting and being very friendly with Saddam and Iraq in the past, but the moronic President can’t even remember what was going on in 1981, so I doubt he couldn’t remember any other time in the past.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:59 pm“Fiscal conservatives just want to make sure that before SCHIP is expanded, that fraud and abuse are weeded out of the system.â€
Comment by muckdog — October 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
Yeah, I guess a 2 year old with a hole in her heart constitutes “fraud and abuse.”
October 17th, 2007 at 6:16 pmHow about this for compassion:
One in eight Iraqi children now die before the age of five. One in four in Afghanistan.
Iraq now the #2 failed state in the world. Only Sudan is worse.
About 30% of Iraqi people now dead or refugees.
US now 40th in world in life expectancy. About 35th in providing healthcare.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:32 pm#151: The last time I checked, Iraq and Afganistan were not part of the UNION
Neither were Japan and Germany in 1941. So is your position that we should always appease the aggressors?
#156: I guess a 2 year old with a hole in her heart constitutes “fraud and abuse.â€
Now you’re making things up. As I mentioned before, nobody is attacking any children. yes, the Democrats are guilty of exploiting children for their political purposes. What’s new? Remember Jimmy Carter trying to exploit his daughter on the anti-nuclear agenda back in the 1980 race? Or Hillary in 1993 with her Hillary Care agenda? Or John Kerry in 2004? Democrats have a long history of exploiting kids for political gain. Usually backfires. This one will, too.
As I mentioned, the Frosts and Wilkerson’s qualify for the current SCHIP program. They’re covered. Yes, they’ve made some extremely poor decisions in their lives that left them uncovered when tragedies hit.
Someone mentioned above that we should treat people at a younger age so that they don’t have more complicated medical conditions later in life.
Shouldn’t we also EDUCATE people how to take responsibility for themselves so that they’re empowered to provide for themselves instead of relying on a taxpayer bailout?
October 17th, 2007 at 6:32 pmIraq in 2003 was not the aggressor. We were. Every reason for the invasion and occupation was a known lie. Name one that was not.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:37 pmUniversal healthcare is not a taxpayer bailout. It SAVES $ 250 billion every year administrative alone because it is far, far, far, more efficient.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:39 pmMuckdog,
Name another time in history where one country had to prove they were disarmed before they were invaded and occupied by a country that spends 500 times as much on their military.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:42 pmmuckdog,
An example of taxpayer bailout would be when Reagan deregulated the savings and loans resulting in their collapse. That taxpayer bailout cost $400 billion.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:45 pmIraq in 2003 was not the aggressor. We were. Every reason for the invasion and occupation was a known lie. Name one that was not.
Name one that *was* a lie. With proof, please. Not just your opinions. Remember, if Bush acted on bad information, that was not a lie. By definition.
#160: Universal healthcare is not a taxpayer bailout. It SAVES $ 250 billion every year administrative alone because it is far, far, far, more efficient.
Pull those numbers out of your arse? It would increase the cost of health care. Simple economics.
If 10 doctors have 100 patients, would costs and availability go up or down if the same 10 doctors now had 150 patients?
Follow-up: Part (a) If 1 of every 7 Canadian women coming to America for their maternity needs because they can’t get appointments in Canada, where will they go once the Democrats implement universal health care in the US? Part (b) Where will American women go to have their babies once the Democrats force Universal health care on this country?
October 17th, 2007 at 6:49 pmMuckdog, Muckdog. Here boy, here boy.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:49 pmThe $250 Billion every year comes from Consumer Reports. The most any other country spends is half what the US spends administratively. Administration of Medicare is about 1/7th the cost of administration of private.
Where did you get the one in seven Canadian women coming to the US? Care to tell us that.
October 17th, 2007 at 6:54 pm#161: Name another time in history where one country had to prove they were disarmed before they were invaded and occupied by a country that spends 500 times as much on their military.
But Democrats claimed that Iraq had weapons!!! Are you calling them LIARS?
“We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and
consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to
take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air
and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond
effectively to the threat posed by Iraq’s refusal to
end its weapons of mass destruction programs.” — From
a letter signed by Joe Lieberman (D), Dianne Feinstein
(D), Barbara A. Milulski (D), Tom Daschle (D), & John
Kerry (D) October 9, 1998.
“This December will mark three years since United
Nations inspectors last visited Iraq. There is no
doubt that since that time, Saddam Hussein has
reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate
that biological, chemical and nuclear programs
continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status.
In addition, Saddam continues to refine delivery
systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit
missile program to develop longer- range missiles that
will threaten the United States and our allies.” Bob
Graham (D), Joe Lieberman (D), Harold Ford (D), & Tom
Lantos (D) December 6, 2001.
“Whereas Iraq has consistently breached its cease-fire
agreement between Iraq and the United States, entered
into on March 3, 1991, by failing to dismantle its
weapons of mass destruction program, and refusing to
permit monitoring and verification by United Nations
inspections; Whereas Iraq has developed weapons of
mass destruction, including chemical and biological
capabilities, and has made positive progress toward
developing nuclear weapons capabilities” Tom Harkin
(D) and Arlen Specter (RINO) July 18, 2002.
“Saddam’s goal … is to achieve the lifting of U.N.
sanctions while retaining and enhancing Iraq’s weapons
of mass destruction programs. We cannot, we must not
and we will not let him succeed.” Madeline Albright
(D), 1998.
“Saddam will rebuild his arsenal of weapons of mass
destruction and some day, some way, I am certain he
will use that arsenal again, as he has 10 times since
1983″ National Security Adviser Sandy Berger (D), Feb
18, 1998.
“Iraq made commitments after the Gulf War to
completely dismantle all weapons of mass destruction,
and unfortunately, Iraq has not lived up to its
agreement.” Barbara Boxer (D), November 8, 2002.
“The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October
of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retained
some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons,
and that he has since embarked on a crash course to
build up his chemical and biological warfare
capability. Intelligence reports also indicate that he
is seeking nuclear weapons, but has not yet achieved
nuclear capability.” Robert Byrd (D), October 2002.
“There’s no question that Saddam Hussein is a
threat… Yes, he has chemical and biological weapons.
He’s had those for a long time. But the United States
right now is on a very much different defensive
posture than we were before September 11th of 2001…
He is, as far as we know, actively pursuing nuclear
capabilities, though he doesn’t have nuclear warheads
yet. If he were to acquire nuclear weapons, I think
our friends in the region would face greatly increased
risks as would we.” Wesley Clark (D) on September 26,
2002.
“What is at stake is how to answer the potential
threat Iraq represents with the risk of proliferation
of WMD. Baghdad’s regime did use such weapons in the
past. Today, a number of evidences may lead to think
that, over the past four years, in the absence of
international inspectors, this country has continued
armament programs.” Jacques Chirac, October 16, 2002.
“The community of nations may see more and more of the
very kind of threat Iraq poses now: a rogue state with
weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or
provide them to terrorists. If we fail to respond
today, Saddam and all those who would follow in his
footsteps will be emboldened tomorrow.” Bill Clinton
(D) in 1998.
“In the four years since the inspectors left,
intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has
worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons
stock, his missile delivery capability, and his
nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and
sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members,
though there is apparently no evidence of his
involvement in the terrible events of September 11,
2001. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked,
Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity
to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep
trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed
in that endeavor, he could alter the political and
security landscape of the Middle East, which as we
know all too well affects American security.” Hillary
Clinton (D) October 10, 2002.
“I am absolutely convinced that there are weapons…I
saw evidence back in 1998 when we would see the
inspectors being barred from gaining entry into a
warehouse for three hours with trucks rolling up and
then moving those trucks out.” Clinton’s Secretary of
Defense William Cohen (D) in April of 2003.
“Iraq is not the only nation in the world to possess
weapons of mass destruction, but it is the only nation
with a leader who has used them against his own
people.” Tom Daschle (D) 1998.
“Saddam Hussein’s regime represents a grave threat to
America and our allies, including our vital ally,
Israel. For more than two decades, Saddam Hussein has
sought weapons of mass destruction through every
available means. We know that he has chemical and
biological weapons. He has already used them against
his neighbors and his own people, and is trying to
build more. We know that he is doing everything he can
to build nuclear weapons, and we know that each day he
gets closer to achieving that goal.” John Edwards (D)
Oct 10, 2002
“The debate over Iraq is not about politics. It is
about national security. It should be clear that our
national security requires Congress to send a clear
message to Iraq and the world: America is united in
its determination to eliminate forever the threat of
Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction.” John Edwards (D)
Oct 10, 2002.
“I share the administration’s goals in dealing with
Iraq and its weapons of mass destruction.” Dick
Gephardt (D) in September of 2002.
“Iraq does pose a serious threat to the stability of
the Persian Gulf and we should organize an
international coalition to eliminate his access to
weapons of mass destruction. Iraq’s search for weapons
of mass destruction has proven impossible to
completely deter and we should assume that it will
continue for as long as Saddam is in power.” Al Gore
(D) 2002.
“We are in possession of what I think to be compelling
evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a
number of years, a developing capacity for the
production and storage of weapons of mass
destruction.” Bob Graham (D) December 2002.
“Saddam Hussein is not the only deranged dictator who
is willing to deprive his people in order to acquire
weapons of mass destruction.” Jim Jeffords (I) October
8, 2002.
“We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is
seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction.”
Ted Kennedy (D) September 27, 2002.
“There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein’s regime is a
serious danger, that he is a tyrant, and that his
pursuit of lethal weapons of mass destruction cannot
be tolerated. He must be disarmed.” Ted Kennedy (D)
Sept 27, 2002.
“I will be voting to give the president of the United
States the authority to use force - if necessary - to
disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly
arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is
a real and grave threat to our security.” John F.
Kerry (D) Oct 2002.
“The threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass
destruction is real, but as I said, it is not new. It
has been with us since the end of that war, and
particularly in the last 4 years we know after
Operation Desert Fox failed to force him to reaccept
them, that