Faced with looming democratic opposition and for the first time, something less than a chorus of angels behind him singing Hallelujah ever time he hiccups, Bush is on the offensive.
His Op-Ed in the WSJ's full of nuggets of goodness.
Together, we have a chance to serve the American people by solving the complex problems that many don't expect us to tackle, let alone solve, in the partisan environment of today's Washington. To do that, however, we can't play politics as usual. Democrats will control the House and Senate, and therefore we share the responsibility for what we achieve.
I get to blame them for the failures in Iraq now.
In the days and weeks since the November elections, I have been encouraged by the productive meetings I've had with many of the new leaders in Congress from both parties. I am hopeful we can find common ground without compromising our principles.
(...)
My principles are no secret. I have campaigned on them in my races for governor and in two presidential contests, and I have worked hard during my presidency to translate these principles into sound policy.
My principles dictate that I only listen to the still small voice of the Christ-child. He says we need more troops on the ground and a greater sacrifice. Ignore the failure of all of my "policies".
Our priorities begin with defeating the terrorists who killed thousands of innocent Americans on September 11, 2001--and who are working hard to attack us again. These terrorists are part of a broader extremist movement that is now doing everything it can to defeat us in Iraq.
Threw that in for taste. Can't have good soup without some 9/11 in there. heh heh. Need more money and less budgetary oversight. Can't let fiscal responsibility get in the way of good war'ing.
But we can and should do more. It's time Congress give the president a line-item veto. And today I will announce my own proposal to end this dead-of-the-night process and substantially cut the earmarks passed each year.
Best way to ensure I can lop off a minimum wage hike and still keep my "negotiated" tax cuts in the bill. I rule!
Our Founders believed in the wisdom of the American people to choose their leaders and provided for the concept of divided and effective government. The majority party in Congress gets to pass the bills it wants. The minority party, especially where the margins are close, has a strong say in the form bills take. And the Constitution leaves it to the president to use his judgment whether they should be signed into law.
That gives us a clear challenge and an opportunity. If the Congress chooses to pass bills that are simply political statements, they will have chosen stalemate. If a different approach is taken, the next two years can be fruitful ones for our nation. We can show the American people that Republicans and Democrats can come together to find ways to help make America a more secure, prosperous and hopeful society. And we will show our enemies that the open debate they believe is a fatal weakness is the great strength that has allowed democracies to flourish and succeed
You hear me Nancy... Checks and Balances are quaint. Ain't nuthin' gettin' passed unless I get my way too. Now is the time for bi-partisanship. Didn't really need it the last 8 years.
Good Luck Y'all.
Posted by kerry at January 4, 2007 02:25 AM