Pantagraph.com | Letters | Bush's fixation on legacy could bring down U.S.

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

ThosSpence wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:31 PM:

" Just consider the quality and nature of the comments offered by "liberal = miserable." Is it possible to find a better example of someone who is utterly passive and fatalistic, the whole time nursing deep anger at those who unwilling to accept the appalling government of the present day. Such posts beg for a consideration of the way in which psychological need (security, certainty, validation of the status quo etc.) drive political choices. I have long believed that far too much credit is given to the alleged principles of conservative belief, which in the main, are utterly banal and even nonsensical, and not enough to the way in which psychological desires guide political ideals. "

to: Liberal = Miserable wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:21 PM:

" Yes, despite any labels you might try to pin on me, I have a low opinion of most of our leaders and especially George Bush Jr. I can't really do much about bad foreign policy, which will inevtiably make our lives "miserable". I can't really change the federal deficit, which will make future generations of Americans "miserable". And yes, a series of out of control Bush Jrs. can bring down our country. I can, however, rant and rave and warn in order to try to affect change. "

Another Fairy Tale wrote on Sep 5, 2007 6:29 PM:

" of the Republican persuasion is biting the dust as we post. Remember the "fact"so often posted here about how all the terrorists were so bound up in fighting us in Iraq? Well, of course they weren't. Seems now that a few took a time out to head to Europe to blow up a few Americans. Over ONE TRILLION spent and what has changed? Well, we are up to our eyebrows in debt for several generations but beyond that... "

Liberal = Miserable wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:37 PM:

" Oh quit whining. "My life is so hard. Jobs are so hard to find. Bush made my life miserable. Wah, wah, wah." Life is what you make of it. If your life sucks, it's YOUR FAULT. Quit trying to blame everyone else. The most negative people in the world are liberals & democrats. They have such a low opinion of their fellow travelers and our leaders that they think 1 politician can "bring down our nation". This is a great nation, and if it's ever "brought down", it will be brought down by whiners and complainers. "

ThosSpence wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:12 PM:

" It is evident that the critics of Hobbs have something in common. They don't appear to actually know anything and their idea of debate is to deliver venomous and witless insult. More than 50 percent of full-time workers in the U.S. earn less than $30,000, meager earnings at best. The median household income in 2006, after 6 years of the "miraculous" economy of Bush, is below that of 2000. In fact, the U.S. has the greatest levels of economic inequality in the developed world, a trend that has eroded much of the country's surviving social cohesion. More than 45 million people lack health care insurance. The U.S. system of employer-provided healthcare will insure that those numbers will continue to rapidly swell and place U.S. businesses at enormous disadvantages with foreign competition. Meanwhile Bush has squandered more than half a trillion dollars fighting pointless wars, securing the bitter enmity of much of world and insuring that Iran will emerge as the dominant regional power of the Middle East. And the solution of the Social Darwinist Panglosses of Bloomington: make life far more comfortable for billionaires, ravage basic social services, including education and pursue war as a permanent way of life. "

Sox 05 wrote on Sep 5, 2007 3:32 PM:

" To T: Nice slam. Why would we leave? Maybe we should live where you live and have a 1st grade education. "

Cynic wrote on Sep 5, 2007 3:14 PM:

" Has it been 30 days already? How is the writing ficton going jack? Looks like you and vic are doing a good job of it. "

Think Again, Jack wrote on Sep 5, 2007 2:26 PM:

" This is a reply to "to: think again"... You failed to take note of my qualifier, "as we know it today", in my reference to the Republican Party. I think we are actually in agreement, the GOP needs to and will ditch it's nuttier elements - the Christian Conservatives. But a lot of damage has been done by these folks and the recovery time for the GOP may be long as they must convince voters that they have "thrown off the shackles" and are free of influence from these fruit cakes. "

Hey Jack wrote on Sep 5, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Looks like you're having some success writing fiction! This article is proof! "

Replican wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:38 AM:

" I Agree with"spoken like a true democrat", If he had any brain at all he would realize that there are no such things as Aids, the Talinan, or Iran. Just rantings from liberal conspiracy theorists. "

Spoken like a true Democrat wrote on Sep 5, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Did you make up all that you said or did you read it in some anti-Bush propaganda piece because it appears to be all made up. "

to Mr. Hobbs wrote on Sep 5, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Your letter was very succinct and articulate in describing what's going on in America today. What makes me sad is that I don't see any heroes on the horizon. "

To: Spoede wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:56 AM:

" A lot more people in the $20-30,000 pay range than there was in the 90's? That's what the average American pays annually to keep their car gassed up! "

T wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:47 AM:

" Ahhh you Cush lovers crack me up. You folks here in B/N leave in a bubble with no clue whats going on in the rest of the world "

Replican wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:42 AM:

" The truth is... if you do not make more that $895,987.42 a year, then your opinion does not matter. The great part is we have all of these "middle class" types CONVINCED that they are important. HAHAHAHA I love America (especially Bush.) "

To To: Here Goes Nothing . . . wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:34 AM:

" No, that is called nature. Now try and find another excuse to cloud over Clinton's screw ups. "

OGS Thomas Paine... wrote on Sep 5, 2007 3:01 AM:

" ...once said, "Reason obeys itself, ignorance submits to what is dictated to it." I would specifically direct this to the Bush suporters. "

Spoede wrote on Sep 4, 2007 11:36 PM:

" While democrats like to point out that there are a few more millionairs now than we had during the Clinton years, they tend to overlook the fact that there are a lot more people in the $20-30,000 pay range than there was in the 90's. Earnings are up, wages are up, tax receipts are up, savings are up and more people are making more money than ever before. Calling this economy bad, as Jack Hobbs does, is just a partisan attack that is not justified by any economic measure. "

To: Here Goes Nothing . . . wrote on Sep 4, 2007 11:06 PM:

" You forgot to mention that Hurricane Katrina was Clinton's fault too. Now let's all sing the BBBC Athem. "

Sounds Like wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:27 PM:

" Another dummycrat wanting more government involved in their miserable lives. Get a job, get a life. Quit crying to the government because your too lazy. This is a capitalistic society. Go to another part of the world if your want government to pamper you. "

Here Goes Nothing . . . wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:22 PM:

" The nation's infrastructure is crumbling is is by far accurate. Because of one bridge collapsing, democrats think the US is falling apart. The value of the dollar sinking, immigration policy is a shambles, personal and government debt are unsustainable can be placed during the Clinton administration. The credit crunch is nothing more than consumer irresponsibility. Our military is NOT overstressed. The monthly trade deficit with China is around $20 billion thanks to Clinton's NAFTA. The spread between the rich and poor in the United States is greater than ever and 45 million Americans have no health insurance. The final statement is called capitalism so for those people I have to say . . . GET A JOB! "

Is that Sulfur I Smell? wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Bush is prolonging the war in Iraq for one reason and one reason only ... he wants it to end on someone else's watch, so that an argument can be advanced that he did not lose it. He is willing to sacrifice another 1,000 - 2,000 lives to this selfish end. You got it right Jack, it's all about his legacy. Pure evil. "

Good Letter wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:20 PM:

" Your first paragraph lays things out well, yet there are people so partisan, like Yada Yada and Kathy, for example, that you wonder if they live in isolation from reality. Bush is a man unable to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. These consequences falll on us, on Yada Yada and Kathy as well. To say the Bush years are "cake" is a real dislocation from the actual. "

ES wrote on Sep 4, 2007 7:17 PM:

" In a recent biography on President Bush, he admits that he "cries" often. Not as much as the families of those who have died. Crocodile tears mixed with brine, to steal a line from Elvis Costello (welcome to the area, sir) are all Mr. President is able to shed. He sickens me. "

YadaYada wrote on Sep 4, 2007 5:00 PM:

" Another, but different, person with the moniker ""to Liberal = Miserable", when was the last time you remember good jobs being plentiful? Never, that's when. They are contradictory. You want a good job, then make yourself more marketable and valuable by being highly educated or trained, and experienced and be always willing to work late, long and hard for your employer. Next item: When do prices go down? They don't, except extremely rarely, and it takes a depression or some such thing deflationary force to do it. Property taxes naturally go higher. Gasoline naturally goes up in price. Food costs go up. College costs go up. You blame President Bush for those things? How old are you, anyway? Do you have any experience in life? Life may be a little tough because we are all competing for a limited amount of resources, but, in America, if you prepare properly for life, as I previously mentioned, it will be pretty good to you. "

I wish Bush would take wrote on Sep 4, 2007 4:59 PM:

" time out long enough to do somthing for the hard working people of this country. All I ever hear him say is how wonderful things are here. What world does he live in? Can't he do away with NAFTA, that would be for the betterment of the people, who cares if he steps on Clinton's toes. Can't he multitask? All I've seen since he has been in office is the gas prices become robbery, and jobs disapate faster than you can blink an eye. People's very exsistance is at stake here and we are nowhere on his agenda. He doesn't have a clue, he neighter has to buy gas, food, make a morage payment, or do without health care. Because he doesn't personally experience these things he thinks we aren't as bad off as we are. "

Kathy wrote on Sep 4, 2007 4:35 PM:

" Sorry, Jack. This doesn't wash. If you want to talk economy, LET'S! You must be a kid if you this econonomy is bad. I remember the Carter years. Please spare me! If you think you can put a price on freedom...what would YOU do? I remember the Carter years. I say the Bush years are cake. If you don't get it, I cannot help you. Let's try getting a job and paying taxes and THEN we can have opinion. Otherwise, you are a little nobody trying to fit in. You're been caught! "

to: think again wrote on Sep 4, 2007 4:30 PM:

" I think the Republican Party will recover in due time. This is just a cleansing of the nuttier elements. It is needed. Barry Goldwater already saw things coming 40 some years ago, when he warned against Christian conservatives taking over the Republican Party. "They want to make it a religious organization", he astutely predicted. Overall, a more stable Republican Party, like under IKE, is good for the country. "

YadaYada wrote on Sep 4, 2007 4:29 PM:

" Dear "To: Liberal = Miserable", Bill Clinton increased the national debt from $4.174 trillion in 1993 to $5.727 trillion at the end of 2000, so it is incorrect to say Clinton turned-around our nation's debt. The national debt increased 37% under Clinton. You must have meant that annual budgets under Clinton went from deficit to surplus. Is that what you meant? Well, I've bad news for you there also: During the first four years of the Clinton presidency, our country continued to experience the ususal and customary yearly deficits (since 1969). The budget was balanced only after the Republicans took control of the Congress for the first time in 40 years. Congress sets the budget and passes appropriations bills for the president to sign. The only thing the president can do is either sign or veto them. "

to re: to come on jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Among non-25%ers, if Clinton isn't remembered fondly, at the very least, he's seen as 100,000 times better than Bush. It helps to get off the tractor. "

Think Again, Jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:37 PM:

" Sorry Jack, I have to take issue with you on this one. Sometimes, what appears to be a disaster is actually a blessing in disguise. Take the Great Chicago Fire for example. It spurred a renaissance that transformed Chicago into a great American city known world wide for it's architecture. Likewise, President Bush's legacy will very likely include the demise of one of the world's most destructive forces as we know it today - the Republican Party. Just think of the positive long term effects that will have for not just the US, but the entire world. "

YadaYada wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:28 PM:

" The elderly have a prescription medicine plan for the first time in history. More Americans are employed than ever; 8.3 million jobs created since 2003; the unemployment rate (4.6%) is about as low as ever. Income gains in 2006 were substantial and widespread across all income categories, the GREATEST GAINS TO THE BOTTOM 20%. More Americans own their homes than ever before, including about half at poverty level. The hungry little children are obese. Salaries are higher than ever. Purchasing power of the dollar is high. Credit is plentiful with historically low interest rates. The recession Bush inherited is over. Income taxes are lower for every tax payer, meanwhile tax revenues are higher. The deficit is falling (currently only $200 billion), projected to be balanced between one and three years. Infrastructure maintenance is fully funded. The Iraq War is being won. Terrorism is on the ropes. "

to: to lets see wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:02 PM:

" What are you talking about. The republicans blamed Clinton. Economic policy takes about 4 - 6 years to play out, Clinton wrecked it, Bush offered a plan to fix it, congress acted, and it worked. In Illinois we are realing from a bad run with Gov. Ryan being further wrecked by the current Governor and legislature. It will take us 10 more years to catch up with the rest of the nation, 2 more with Blago, 2 to start fixing and 6 to come into effect. Many of us will not live to see a healthy economy in Illinois in our lifetime. "

So Far wrote on Sep 4, 2007 2:56 PM:

" No president has left a legacy to bring down the country yet, not even Jimmy Carter. They try, but the country persists. What an idiotic statement to say that the elected official will bring anything down, it is the voters that do that. We have our governer, New York has Hillary Clinton, Normal has Mayor Koos, Bloomington had Mayor Judy, New Orleans is nothing but crooks and yet all these entities survive all this incompetence on the part of the voters to pick leaders. "

re: to come on jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 2:00 PM:

" If Clinton would have had his head other than anywhere other than Moncicas crotch he would have eliminated O'sama when he had the opportunity. But as others in this forum has stated he was too concerned about covering his *** and securing HIS legacy. Clinton is not remembered "fondly" he is remembered as the only sitting president in the history of this country who was impeached. "

to Lets see wrote on Sep 4, 2007 1:04 PM:

" I remember a few years ago when all those economic indicators were crummy. Republican Apologists of the time cried, "Bu..bu...bu...the President doesn't have anything to do with the economy." and now that the economic indicators are up, they give Bush all the credit. So which is it? "

to Liberal = Miserable wrote on Sep 4, 2007 1:03 PM:

" Aww, how cute, a State Farm lifer Republican. When was the last time you tried to find a job? 1985? The job market is very tight. Taxes aren't low. Property taxes go ever higher. Gas prices are higher. Food costs more. College costs more. Record home ownership? There's an article in the paper today about the collapse of subprime mortgages. Phony money and bad loans contributed heavily to record home ownership and now its coming back to bite the soon-to-be-former home owners. And you're quite right. Bush didn't solve any foreign problems but he created a whole bunch of new ones. Life is tough and only someone with a super-duper secure high-paying State Farm job would say otherwise. "

Lets see wrote on Sep 4, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Unemployment lower than has been in 50 years. Darn Economy. Stock Market up 14 percent this year. Darn Economy. Yep Bush has done nothing but goto war. "

Yes Jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Bush is a totally self centered and narcissistic personality, and his sidekick Cheney is "right or wrong" right wing ideological. Neither can own up to failure. We are today fighting in Iraq for their already shattered legacy. These two clowns just can't deal with it. "

To: Liberal = Miserable wrote on Sep 4, 2007 12:22 PM:

" Unfortunately, since Lil Bush maxed out the credit card limit at $8 TRILLION for the hand full of "accomplishments" you mentioned, the Democrats are left with paying the bill. But hey, Bill Clinton was left with the $4 TRILLION debt load that Reagan-Bush dumped on us, and he managed to turn it around, so who knows, maybe Hillary will too. "

Stand up for the USA wrote on Sep 4, 2007 11:28 AM:

" Great letter Jack, as is evident by all of the But-But-But-Clinton posts. Whenever Lil Bush is exposed for the incompetent misleader that he is, the 25%ers sing the BBBC Anthem. Another $50 BILLION for Iraq!!! That is pretty expensive lipstick he is putting on that pig. What a tragedy when you consider all of our unmet needs. I shutter to think of the additional damage this mental midget can do to this country in the remaining 15 months of his term. Patriotism demands his impeachment, justice demands his imprisonment. "

Liberal = Miserable wrote on Sep 4, 2007 11:24 AM:

" So when are those wacky Democrats in congress going to start cleaning up this "mess"? You know, low unemployment, low inflation, low taxes, record home ownership, good stock market, improving student test scores, new Medicare drug benefits, etc. I can't wait for the Democratic "fix". As to the foreign problems you mention, every one o fthem existed before Bush came into office, and they'll be there when he's gone. No other President "solved" a single one of them. And I haven't heard one of the Presidential wannabees with a plan for any of them. "

Area Resident wrote on Sep 4, 2007 10:58 AM:

" You people are ridiculous, this country is falling apart! I am surprised I don't see more ltters like this. "

Vic Connor wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Well said, Jack! But it's not just the Shrub. Clinton, Bush Sr., Reagon, Carter, Ford, Nixon, LBJ, and Kennedy were the same. They just had lesser amounts of destructive behaviour than the Shrub. Remember, the Shrub could never have trashed our country as much as he's done if he wasn't standing on the shoulders of these other giants. As long as Americans bicker about their pissant party leaders rather than offer legitimate criticism, we will continue to stagnate and regress. "

to Come on Jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:06 AM:

" Interestingly, Bush has done more for Clinton's legacy than Bill could ever dream of doing. Clinton was no great President, but Bush has been so horrible that Clinton looks positively wonderful. If Bush were a good President with an agenda besides faith based initiatives and Iraq, Clinton wouldn't be remembered nearly as fondly. "

to hmmh wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Actions speak louder than words. Bush is desperate to paint his pig, Iraq, in the best possible light. If you can't see that, you're blind. "

to No government wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:40 AM:

" A great man once said "The buck stops here." Bush may not be directly to blame for many of these problems, but his complete lack of a domestic agenda is really showing. "

Spoken wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:39 AM:

" Like a true 60's wannabe. Jack, pull your head out of the sand. This President does what he thinks is right regardless of what the press and the liberals have to say. That is a little inconsistent with him being fixated on his legacy don't ya think? His legacy will be that he is the president who responded to the Islamists attacking our country and no amount of revisionist history by the left can change that. History will tell if he made the right choices or not. "

Confused wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:32 AM:

" Camp David and the Dayton Accords work? Spread between rich and poor greater but the poor have more wealth than before(from a percentage standpoint the amount of growth is about the same). Military overstretched? Over 1.5 million members of the military and because of Iraq it is overstreatched? Terrorists in Palistine, Lebanon, Israel? But what about Camp David? AIDS in Africa. How do you propose that is Bush's fault? Is he suppose to go stop the lifestyle of multiple partners? 45 millions without health insurance? Please submit your sources with the proof. And Last. Have you written anything that has gotten published? I do like to support local writers(Yes I read even though I am conservative) "

Tell all, 2009 wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:19 AM:

" What Bush legacy? His 'friends' will abandon him like rats off the Titanic once his term is up. I'm sure the stories will come out that country won't believe. "

No government wrote on Sep 4, 2007 7:44 AM:

" Just another democratic letter to blame Bush for everything bad that happens. Hey, I broke my arm this weekend, can I blame Bush too. What a joke Jack. "

kjk wrote on Sep 4, 2007 7:04 AM:

" Meanwhile Jack Hobbs writes another doom and gloom letter to the editor that has no solutions to the problems of today, but I'm glad he has another source of income so he can at least pay taxes. "

ES wrote on Sep 4, 2007 6:37 AM:

" Well stated Jack. I would add that not only has Bush ignored other diplomatic responsibilities and economic errors (as you stated), he has sacrificed his own people and killed others in the process. It is about time Americans understand that no good is coming from this war and his greed, revenge, and folly will plunder us all. Great letter. "

Come on Jack wrote on Sep 4, 2007 6:05 AM:

" your hero Billy Bob Clinton is the only president in recent history with a fixation on his legacy. How can you say with a straight face Bush is concerned about his legacy when he pays absolutely no attention to the polls. Clinton lived and governed by the polls and Bush has no intention of doing anything other than follow his agenda. Jack do you know what an agenda is? It is when you have a to do list and you follow it to the letter despite what others think or say. Your letter is about the best laugh I have had in a long time and although you probably do believe what your writing, I think you should call David Lettermen and see if he needs a comedy writer for his show. I think your writing skills would be of great value to him. "

hmmh wrote on Sep 4, 2007 2:56 AM:

" I think you got the presidents mixed up. Clinton was concerned about his legacy. I have never heard Bush mention his legacy once. Do you think he will be campaigning for himself to get the Nobel Peace Prize? Oh now I'm mixed up. That was Clinton again. A good slogan for the Democrats is "That is what I do so apparently the Republicans do it too so let's tell everyone that." Sorry it doesn't work that way. Pay attention and you will see what really happens in politics. And most of it is not pretty. And most of what you hear is not true in the slightest. "

OGS W's Legacy... wrote on Sep 4, 2007 1:51 AM:

" ...revolves arounf his pursuit the New World Order. Why else does he obviously not care about the needs of this country and it's citizens? Connect the dots...it's all beginning to make sense now. Not that it is common or good sense...it is nonsense that leads the USA on the path of destruction. Wake up & speak up...before it is too late! "

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