This is a bit of a rant from past arguments.
I've always said that GWB's statement that he would sign the AWB renewal if it got to his desk, reiterated by Gonzales, was disasterous. Apologists for him said it was brillant strategy. I viewed it as venial pandering to soccer moms for his own self-interest. If one doesn't support a basic human right for self-interest, you stink. However, those who mindlessly supported the leader as they liked the rest of his social agenda, sucked it up. Remember GWB having a hysterical fit and trip to sign the Terry Schiavo legislation. Ever see him get so riled for the RKBA? Ha!
In any case, IMHO - GWB set the tone for the current major GOP candidates. It is now mantra of them to be for gun rights (hunting, O/U shotguns) but for the AWB. It is part and parcel of the official GOP presidential playbook.
They have bought into the Zumbo line big time. That's because the leadership really doesn't care - they really are in favor of the state having a monoply of power. They are statists with a concern for state power to enhance the position of their perceived social class. Thus, the true reason for the 2nd is not their concern.
They have found that they can rile up the social conservative base with rantings about gay marriage, flag burning, abortion and the like. The social conservative sheeple fall in line with that message.
Bush could have set the tone by strongly coming out for the major premises of the 2nd - protection against tyranny and protection of self - but he never did. He could have set that tone by making it a mantra of the GOP to oppose any AWB renewal or modification as it was against a basic human right. But he never did - he went along with it (a brillant political strategy of the hypocrite or a word that rhymes with Zumbo).
Now the major candidates of the GOP can happily follow the Bush line - O/U for you but AK go away.
They keep the soccer moms, the Zumbo-ites and minimize the harm from the Dems branding them as gun nuts. Sure, pretty boys like Mitt will pontificate about the sanctity of human life and marriage so that the social conservatives will be happy, hunting and sport. RKBA folks will have to vote for the GOP as it is better than none or Hillary/Obama or vote for a third party in protest.
So thanks, GWB for your brillant political strategy. You had a chance to make a strong statement but as most things you touched, you failed us.
Rant over.
I've always said that GWB's statement that he would sign the AWB renewal if it got to his desk, reiterated by Gonzales, was disasterous. Apologists for him said it was brillant strategy. I viewed it as venial pandering to soccer moms for his own self-interest. If one doesn't support a basic human right for self-interest, you stink. However, those who mindlessly supported the leader as they liked the rest of his social agenda, sucked it up. Remember GWB having a hysterical fit and trip to sign the Terry Schiavo legislation. Ever see him get so riled for the RKBA? Ha!
In any case, IMHO - GWB set the tone for the current major GOP candidates. It is now mantra of them to be for gun rights (hunting, O/U shotguns) but for the AWB. It is part and parcel of the official GOP presidential playbook.
They have bought into the Zumbo line big time. That's because the leadership really doesn't care - they really are in favor of the state having a monoply of power. They are statists with a concern for state power to enhance the position of their perceived social class. Thus, the true reason for the 2nd is not their concern.
They have found that they can rile up the social conservative base with rantings about gay marriage, flag burning, abortion and the like. The social conservative sheeple fall in line with that message.
Bush could have set the tone by strongly coming out for the major premises of the 2nd - protection against tyranny and protection of self - but he never did. He could have set that tone by making it a mantra of the GOP to oppose any AWB renewal or modification as it was against a basic human right. But he never did - he went along with it (a brillant political strategy of the hypocrite or a word that rhymes with Zumbo).
Now the major candidates of the GOP can happily follow the Bush line - O/U for you but AK go away.
They keep the soccer moms, the Zumbo-ites and minimize the harm from the Dems branding them as gun nuts. Sure, pretty boys like Mitt will pontificate about the sanctity of human life and marriage so that the social conservatives will be happy, hunting and sport. RKBA folks will have to vote for the GOP as it is better than none or Hillary/Obama or vote for a third party in protest.
So thanks, GWB for your brillant political strategy. You had a chance to make a strong statement but as most things you touched, you failed us.
Rant over.