This week on THE LEFT ... er ... WEST WING

Since we have a small hiatus with TWW. I thought I'd address a list of lies being floated by LIBS about President Bush:

A rebuttle to FIFTEEN THINGS THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION CANNOT BLAME ON THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION:

1. George W. Bush entered the White House with a criminal record (a first)

PROVE IT. What crimes did Bush commit (other than misdimeanors) that were convictions?

And actually, he isn't the first president with a record (which there is no proof that Bush has). President Ulysses S. Grant was arrested for a misdimeanor WHILE IN OFFICE for speeding his carriage in D.C. A first, indeed.


2. George W. Bush set the all-time record for most days on vacation by a president

UNlike Clinton, who set a record for flying in Air Force One, Bush's "vacations" have all been WORKING vacations. Just because the President spends a month in Texas every year, doesn't mean he's lounging around with a mint julip ignoring the country's business. IN fact, even a cursory look at Bush's vacation schedule show numerous trips on OFFICIAL BUSINESS in the middle of so-called vacations, and daily meetings, briefings, and other presidential activity proving that, like other Presidents before him, that a Presidential vacation is a working vacation.

3. George W. Bush appointed more convicted criminals to administration positions than any president in history

Again, PROVE it. When you say "convicted criminals" you need to site your sources, provide E-V-I-D-E-N-C-E. Clinton had a convicted criminal on his staff, his name was Webster Hubble and there's PROOF.

And Congress APPROVES Presidential appointments and convicted criminals would NEVER pass the vhetting process.

The statement is a CANARD, pure and simple.

4. George W. Bush set the record for the least amount of press conferences of any president since the advent of television

And the point is ...? There is no Constitutional requirement for press conferences and the Press receives briefings from the Adminstration on a regular daily basis.

5. George W. Bush signed more laws and executive orders amending the Constitution than any president in history

Foolish. READ THE CONSTITUTION. A President can't amend the Constitution. Amending the Constitution requires a majority vote in Congress and 2/3 vote of all state legislatures. The President is OUT of it. He doesn't even sign an Amendment and he can't veto it.

6. George W. Bush set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously take to the streets to protest him (15 million) shattering the record for protest against any other person in the history of the human race.

So? That tells me he's on the right track. And how many people took to the streets to support this country during 911? My guess is, that record was shattered as well.

7. George W. Bush dissolved more international treaties than any president in history

AND THAT'S A GOOD THING. If you check the language of the treaties Bush pulled out of, ALL of them allow for pulling out with 6 month's notice. ALL OF THEM.

And the main one, the Treaty again missile defense, was out of date since it was made with a country WHICH DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE (the USSR).

8. George W. Bush is the first president in history to have all 50 states of the Union simultaneously go bankrupt

NO STATE HAS DECLARED BANKRUPTCY. I know for a FACT that California hasn't. In fact, a simple search yield NO articles reporting such an accusation. Even the Democratic nominee doesn't make this claim. So if you're going to make this charge, you need to PROVE it or shut up.

And even if this was somewhat close to true, a sitting President has no Constitutional authority over the purstrings of individual states. NONE.

9. George W. Bush rendered the United Nations irrelevant and withdrew from the World Court of Law while refusing to allow inspectors access to prisoners of war (thereby breaking the Geneva Conventions)

17 Resolutions promising military actions in 12 years. The UN rendered itself irrelevant when it refused to back up it's threats to Saddaam Hussein. Bush decided this wasn't acceptable and backed up those threats with action. The UN cried foul. If anything, Bush tried to keep the UN relevant. Instead, the UN has become a debating society who's resolutions mean NOTHING.

And prisoners of war, including Saddaam Hussein, have received REGULAR visits from Red Cross representitives who have even passed messages to his family.

10. George W. Bush is the all-time U.S. (and world) record holder for most corporate campaign donations

(#1 supporter - Kenneth Lay of Enron)

SOURCES. SOURCES. SOURCES.

According to http://www.opensecrets.org- a website which keeps track of political campaign contributions, the grand total of donations that Ken Lay has given to the Bush Campaign is $2,000.

LAY, KENNETH L
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORPORATION
3/29/1999
$1,000
Bush, George W

LAY, KENNETH L MR
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORPORATION/EXECUTIVE
5/17/2000
$1,000
Bush, George W

in fact, if you take a look at donations to Democrats for that time period you will see that KEN LAY gave 7.75 TIMES MORE money to DEMOCRATS than to George Bush!

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
3/7/2000
$1,000
Corzine, Jon D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
7/23/2001
$2,000
Smith, Bob D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
9/12/2001
$1,000
Smith, Bob D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON/CHAIRMAN & CEO
6/1/2001
$1,000
Frost, Martin D


LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON
9/8/1999
$500
Jackson Lee, Sheila D


LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
6/28/1999
$1,000
Bingaman, Jeff D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
10/29/1999
$500
McCollum, Bill D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
5/8/2000
$1,000
Edwards, Chet D


LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
10/31/2002
$1,000
Smith, Bob D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
7/24/2001
$1,000
Smith, Bob D


LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON
6/30/1999
$500
Frost, Martin D

LAY, KENNETH
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORP
6/22/1999
$1,000
Kerrey, Bob D


LAY, KENNETH L
HOUSTON,TX 77002
ENRON CORPORATION
4/27/1999
$1,000
Bentsen, Ken D


LAY, KENNETH L
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORPORATION
6/29/1999
$1,000
Domenici, Pete V D

LAY, KENNETH L
HOUSTON,TX 77002
ENRON CORPORATION
6/23/2000
$1,000
Bentsen, Ken D


LAY, KENNETH L
HOUSTON,TX 77019
ENRON CORPORATION
4/9/1999
$1,000
Markey, Edward J D


totals To Democrats: $15,500
To George W. Bush: $2000


11. 71% of the civilized world views George W. Bush as the single biggest threat to world peace and stability

Does that include the FIFTY MILLION people America has FREED under George Bush? Does that include any of those surveyed from the 45 countries in the Coalitition of the Willing? Does that count the thousands of CHILDREN who were released from prisons after the fall of Saddaam Hussein?

NAME THE COUNTRIES CONSIDERED "CIVILIZED." If it includes JORDAN, PAKISTAN or any country in the middle east or country that isn't infect with Islamic Terrorism, Communism or War, you've failed that test.

12. George W. Bush failed to get Osama Bin Laden 'dead or alive', failed to capture the anthrax killer - and as of today has produced not a single workable suspect or lead in either case

BULLSHIT. The war on Terror isn't over. OBL is being hunted. And besides, the REAL stat is that there hasn't been a terrorist act committed on America SINCE 9-11. Most Al Queida leadership is not either DEAD or Captured, included OBLs #2 who is currently SURROUNDED by Pakistani forces - and is considered a more important target tactically than OBL himself.

And when OBL is captured, Bush will be assured a landslide.

And don't get me started on the fact that Clinton was offered OBL THREE TIMES by Sudan. Clinton couldn't find a "legal justification" to take him - even though we had evidence of OBLs complicity in numerous terrorist attacks including the USS Cole, the first WTC attack other on the US around the world . And had Clinton taken the threat seriously, 9-11 would never had happened.

13. George W. Bush has created the most divided America in decades, possibly since the Civil War itself

According to recent polls, the divisions between Democrats and Republicans is roughly the same as under Clinton. In addition, Bush is currently enjoying the highest approval rating as any president during the same time period in his first term.

14. George W. Bush entered office with the strongest economy in U.S. history and proceeded to obliterate it in less than two years

BULLSHIT. The country had just started to hit a recession. It is IMPOSSIBLE to take a country into recession from "the strongest economy in U.S. history" in 3 months, when the claims began, much less 2 years. Additionally, I submit these:

"US Economy: Jobless Claims Fall to Three-Year Low"
Bloomberg

'Signals of recovery' for US economy
Boston Globe, MA - Mar 12, 2004
WASHINGTON -- The US economy is showing ''increasing signals of recovery" that should boost job growth ''soon," Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said ...

US Economy: Industrial Production Increased 0.7% in February
Bloomberg - Mar 15, 2004

Index of US economy rises in latest week - report
Reuters, United States - Mar 12, 2004

Snow says US economy improving ...
Forbes - Mar 5, 2004

US Economy to Grow 4.5% in 1st Half, Bloomberg Survey Says
Bloomberg

US economy on track for growth
The Scotsman, UK Mar 3, 2004

Beige Book reveals humming US economy
Business Report, South Africa - Mar 4, 2004
... America's chief executives believe the US economy is on course for continued steady improvement over the next six months,"

Reports point to recovering US economy
The Olympian, WA - Mar 5, 2004

US seen adding nearly 3 million jobs by 2006
Forbes - 21 hours ago
DETROIT, March 18 (Reuters) - The US economy is gearing up to add nearly 3 million jobs by the end of next year and unemployment will drop below 5 percent


US Treasury Sec, Greenspan Paint Positive Picture of US Economy
Voice of America - Feb 23, 2004
Treasury Secretary John Snow says the US economy is on a strong growth path, thanks to the tax cuts that were approved by Congress last year.

US economy's strength lifts dollar
International Herald Tribune, France - Mar 3, 2004
... dollar has risen to its highest level against the yen since November as traders turn their attention back to signs of strength in the US economy

Fed's Regional Survey Shows US Economy Expanding , Jobs ` Growing ...
Bloomberg - Mar 3, 2004
March 3 (Bloomberg) -- The US economy expanded in January and February with moderate employment growth and ``slowly rising'' retail prices

And that's just in March!

Additionally, looking at the deficit as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. With the 2004 deficit at less than 3 percent of GDP, the "Bush deficit" ranks lower than deficits under Truman, Ford, Reagan and the first President Bush. In fact, it's ranked 21st highest since 1940 — with the top five occurring under Democratic presidents.

Most economists believe Bush's tax cuts stimulated the economy, making the recession short and shallow

Other recently released data confirm that the economy is strong and growing stronger:

- Housing construction in 2003 was the strongest in 25 years.
- Initial claims for unemployment insurance continue to fall and, for 3 consecutive weeks, have been below 350,000, a level consistent with a slowly declining unemployment rate.
- Growth in factory orders remained solid in the fourth quarter after a very strong third quarter.
- More manufacturers are reporting increased activity and new orders than at any time in 20 years.
- The composite index of leading indicators has increased about 3.5 percent over the last 9 months-the fastest 9-month increase in nearly 20 years.
- Consumer confidence is at its highest level in 18 months and is rising. Consumers' expectations about employment are at their highest level in nearly 20 years.
- Recent employment numbers show that the Nation has gained over a quarter million new jobs since last summer.

We must also remember that the challenges America has faced of late where more due to the fact that we suffered a series of shocks that slowed the economy, including a sharp drop in the stock market beginning in 2000, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, revelation of corporate scandals that shook investor confidence, and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Much was reason why the President acted by providing tax relief to put more money in families' pockets, and encourage businesses to grow and invest and keep and create jobs. Tax relief brought substantial savings to families and helped fight back the effects of the recession. Without the President's tax cuts, as many as 2 million additional Americans could have lost their jobs.

And it shows.

15. George W. Bush CANNOT and WILL NOT produce any information for the media or his constituents regarding the following: his Texas driving record (for which he was convicted on a DWI), his drug tests results, records of his tenure as governor of Texas, records of SEC investigations into his inside trades and bankrupt companies, minutes of meetings for any public corporation upon whose board he served, records or minutes from meetings he or Dick Cheney attended regarding public energy policy

Have you ever heard of the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT? Has the media? Obviously not.

Webster's defines the word CANNOT as:
can·not ('ka-(")nät; k&-'nät, ka-')
"to be unable to do otherwise"

So it boggles the mind as to why Bush cannot provide info is a negative thing. Consider that Bush doesn't have to provide his Texas Driving record - and if he did, he gets it as easily as the media can. The media can get that from the Texas DMV. Bush doesn't have to provide his record of his tenure as governor, the State of Texas can provide that. NO candidate provides their medical records. In fact, name one Democratic candidate who has? CLINTON NEVER DID. KERRY HASN'T. SEC Investigation records are a matter of public record. And gee, what do they reveal? BUSH DID NOTHING WRONG. Minutes of meetings of any public corporation are property of the CORPORATION, not the individual. Bush has NO power to hold up or release them. PERIOD.

As for the minutes of public energy policy, those are still subject of judicial review. You may have a point there. But Bush wasn't a part of them, ONLY CHENNEY.


When people make accusations like these WITHOUT PROOF, they just end up looking desparate, mean-spirited and silly.

posted by James @ 1:12 PM 0 comments

Pre-empted this week.

However, here's what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks:

03-24-04 - #517 "THE SUPREMES"
TORNADO OF POLITICAL FUROR AND INTRIGUE ENGULFS BARTLET WHEN HE MUST NOMINATE NEW SUPREME COURT JUDGE

When a Republican Supreme Court justice suddenly dies, the Bartlet administration scrambles to find a worthy replacement and the halls are are flooded with candidates -- but the President (Martin Sheen) senses that the process is a political minefield until Josh (Bradley Whitford) hits upon a wild plan that could open the door for an unthinkable liberal.

The game continues as potential judicial nominees are marched in and out, some serving only as press decoys, but everyone gets curious when the President meets with a bright but conservative judge (guest star William Fichtner, "The Perfect Storm").

OSCAR WINNING ACTRESS GLENN CLOSE guest stars!

03-31-04 · #518 "ACCESS"
C.J. IS A 'FULL-COURT' PRESS SECRETARY FOR A DAY WHEN TV DOCUMENTARY CREW TAGS ALONG

C.J.'s (Allison Janney) every move is recorded by a TV documentarian as a crew follows her through a "typical" day for a program on White House press secretaries past and present, but the presence of outsiders adds stress when a crisis involving a terrorist shootout with the FBI has a smiling C.J. trying to keep a lid on the story.

Meanwhile, C.J. supervises her team as they prepare for a formal papal visit with the President and dodges hardball questions about the imminent future of the current FBI director.

posted by James @ 12:33 PM 0 comments