Conservative groups break with Republican leadership

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040115-112447-9758r.htm

National leaders of six conservative organizations yesterday broke with the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, accusing them of spending like "drunken sailors," and had some strong words for President Bush as well.

"The Republican Congress is spending at twice the rate as under Bill Clinton, and President Bush has yet to issue a single veto," Paul M. Weyrich, national chairman of Coalitions for America, said at a news briefing with the other five leaders. "I complained about profligate spending during the Clinton years but never thought I'd have to do so with a Republican in the White House and Republicans controlling the Congress."

Warning of adverse consequences in the November elections, the leaders said the Senate must reject the latest House-passed omnibus spending bill or Mr. Bush should veto the measure.

"The whole purpose of having a Republican president is to lead the Republican Congress," said Paul Beckner, president of Citizens for a Sound Economy, whose co-chairman is former House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas. "The Constitution gives the president the power to veto legislation, and if Congress won't act in a fiscally responsible way, the president has to step in — but he hasn't done that."

"If the president doesn't take a stand on this, there's a real chance the Republicans' voter base will not be enthusiastic about turning out in November, no matter who the Democrats nominate," Mr. Beckner said.

[TheDalaiMama]

1. The corporations are pulling shrubs strings...not the party

this republican group is living in the past century...1999

dalai

[Khephra]

7. What I see happening is this:

The Republican Party is divided up into 4 major groups:

1: Corporate Republicans

2: Christian Right Republicans

3: Neocon Republicans

4 Paleo Republicans

The Neocons have formed an alliance with both the Corporates and the Christian Right. One of the reasons I believe this has been possible is that the Neocons are comfortable with speaking both the language of religion and business.

Most of what the Neocons want is in opposition to what the Paleocons want, so there's only one choice open to the Neos--squeeze them out.

We're starting to see the fallout now from the Paleocons. They've been quite vocal about the spending frenzy, and now they've been hit with the immigration plan. They're not happy at all.

[aquart]

16. "Paleo Republicans" is a Republican term.

Don't use their terminology. Don't get side-tracked by their false definitions.

The neo-cons are not a separate group from your Corporate Republicans. It is one group and its correct name is fascist or, to go with Mussolini, corporatist.

They have managed to enlist the Christian bigots who have never listened to a word Christ had to say.

Your list made the split seem three to one. Be serious. How many fascists do we have in this country? Well, the rich are only one percent, but there are probably more in the lickspittle category.

We have tons of Christians and we must all hope most of them wouldn't toss Christ into the snow for being a hippie with a bunch of really close guy pals.

The true Republican base is beginning to wake up. And they don't like the dogs in bed with them.

[Khephra]

21. I stand by what I posted

That's what I see happening.

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

26. I agree with you

That's how I characterize it too. The paleo's are NOT FUCKING HAPPY, believe me.

[0007]

33. Like good Nazis they will kowtow to the party whim

without missing a beat.

[Melodybe]

28. I like your terms, I think you sumed them up pretty well

All of the fiscally responsible republicans dropped out of the party a while ago. Many of my republican friends were republican for that reason alone. They are not hip with the new social policies of this administration. I tried to tell them but I was just over reacting. Also, those who weren't pissed about the money/social policies now ware mad about the immigration plans. If he wanted to piss off the redneck vote he sure did it. It is really going to be near imposible for them to steal another election.

[Guaranteed]

45. What's the difference between the corporate Republicans

and the neocons? Or, between the corporate Republicans and the Paleocons?

[joeunderdog]

38. Here's what's pissin alot of career fiscal conservatives off...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/11/opinion/meyer/main588015.shtml

[Khephra]

2. Weyrich?

Holy Crap! Bush is in trouble big time now.


Paul M. Weyrich
From Disinfopedia, the encyclopedia of propaganda.

Paul M. Weyrich <1> is "Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation. He served as President of the foundation from 1977 to 2002. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Weyrich served as President of the Kreible Institute of the Free Congress Foundation, responsible for training democracy movements in the states comprising the Former Soviet Empire.

"He is a founder and past director of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the founding president of the Heritage Foundation, and the current National Chairman of Coalitions for America.

"A former reporter and radio news director, Mr. Weyrich is a regular guest on daily radio and television talk shows. A sought-after writer, Mr. Weyrich has published policy reports and journals on a variety of conservative issues and has contributed editorials to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He has been described by The Economist as 'one of the conservative movement's more vigorous thinkers.' Voted three years in a row from 1981 - 1983 by readers of Conservative Digest as one of the top three 'most popular conservatives in America not in Congress,' Mr. Weyrich has been named by Regardie's Magazine as 'one of the 100 most powerful Washingtonians.'

"He has been married since 1963 to the former Joyce Smigun, is the father of five children, and serves as a deacon in his church. Age: 57. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, married to Joyce Smigun Weyrich, July 6, 1963."

Background and Positions<2>


President, Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, 1977 - present.
President, The Krieble Institute of Free Congress Foundation (responsible for training democracy movements in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Empire) 1989 - 1996.
Member, Board of Directors, Open Debates.
Member, Board of Directors, The Freedom and Democracy Institute of Russia, 1997 - present.
Treasurer, Council for National Policy, 1981 - 1992 (currently on the Executive Committee of the CNP).
National Chairman, Coalitions for America, 1978 - present.
Founder, American Legislative Exchange Council, 1973; Director, 1975 - 1978.
Founding President, The Heritage Foundation, 1973 - 1974.
President, Chief Operating Officer, NET - now America's Voice, public affairs cable channel, April 1991 - October 1997.
Host, Direct Line (Daily talk show on America's Voice), December 1993 - December 1998.
Co-host, Endangered Liberties weekly syndicated TV show on the privacy/technology issues, April 1999 - present.
Executive Producer and Host, Public Disclosure syndicated Investigative show, February 1995 - present.
Member, Board of Directors, NET - now America's Voice, 1991 - 1998.
Political Commentator, BBC, 1989, 1992.
Executive Co-Publisher, Conservative Digest, 1988; Senior Editor, 1985 - 1988; Columnist, 1980 - 1990.
Member, Board of Advisors, Texas Review, University of Texas, Austin, 1986 - 1991.
Radio Commentator, Listen America Radio Network, 1985 - 1988.
Member, Board of Directors, Helen Broadcasting Corporation; WEEI Newsradio, Boston, Massachusetts, January 1984 - May 1990.
Publisher, Election Politics Journal 1983 - 1988; Journal of Family and Culture, 1984 - 1988; and Empowerment!, 1991 - 1994.
Publisher, Family, Law & Democracy Report, 1979 - 1990; The Political Report, 1977 - 1990.
Moderator, Colorado television show from U.S. Senate, 1967 - 1972.
Substitute host, The Michael Reagan Show, The Alan Keyes Show, WMAL, Newstalk 630, Washington.
Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Gordon Allott (Republican, Colorado), 1967 - 1971.
News Director, KQXI, Denver, Colorado, 1966.
Political Reporter, Weekend Anchorman, CBS - Milwaukee, 1964 - 1965.
Reporter (City Hall, state politics), Milwaukee Sentinel, 1963 - 1964.
News Director, Announcer, Program Director, WLIP, WAXO-FM, Kenosha, Wisconsin, 1960 - 1963.
Op-ed Contributor, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, etc.
Also see Free Congress Foundation web site<3> for Weyrich's connections to the Transportation industry and more on his political connections.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

External Links

Paul M. Weyrich (attributed to), The most important legacy of Joe Coors, web posted March 24, 2003.

http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?title=Paul_M._Weyrich

[kainah]

42. Weyrich built the modern conservative movement

I believe he has been in a power struggle with Grover Norquist for reigning dominion. Norquist, now, could be in a bind because of the continuing investigation into the (probably) phony Muslim charities.

This is the link to Weyrich from RightWeb, the site that is tracking the "architecture of power that's changing our world." An excellent resource: http://rightweb.irc-online.org/ind/weyrich/weyrich.html

Needless to say, this story is HUGE! Forget the scandals, this is the kind of thing that truly can bring this (mis)administration down. I've been waiting for the paleocons in the House of Reps to rebel and this will give them the cover.

Sorry, Mr. Bugkiller, I think you're life is going to get a little more difficult. Better get the bribes ready.

[qanda]

3. All we are saying is

Give staying home in November a chance.

[twilight]

4. where to I sign-up?

Hell, I'll join this group because THEY ARE RIGHT and they hath seen the light!!!! :D

One big kick!!!!!!

:dem: :kick:

[Bandit]

5. Because of this Bush* could give us Congress

They are drunk with power and their base is beginning to realise it. Stay home and don't vote for corruption. The world will be a better place.

[twilight]

10. you are right!

I know of a die hard Republican that just said to me yesterday, "Now Bush the idiot wants to go to Mars! What the hell is that all about anyway?" I replied, "He thinks there is oil on Mars!"

They extreme right is getting pissed as Chimpboy's power is beginning to diminish and fail miserably.

Stay tuned for the fall of the 3rd Reich! It WILL happen one way or the other eventually!

:dem: :kick:

[aquart]

19. "Corruption" should be used constantly in connection with George and Dick.

Remember their lie about bringing "honor and integrity" back to the White House? We'll have to use bleach to get out the stains when they're gone.

[BigBigBear]

6. Weyrich is a Repuke direct mail pioneer

Rove is playing this beautifully....criticism from the right moves Bush to the middle, just in time for the election.

Until Weyrich starts calling for a Republican challenger or supporting a Dem, this is all about positioning.

Bush has been fically irresponsible since the day he took office. Criticism now only serves Bush's re-election prospects.

[MoonAndSun]

9. You are absolutley right, BigBigBear...

these people will still vote repuke versuse Dem. If a few of them stay home, then fine. But the majority will not abandon bush*. We should not be fooled by this outburst. I would not put it past Rove to be behind this.

[chookie]

13. I think not

You may be underestimating how much traditional Republicans and conservatives hate Bush. There are any number of Democratic candidates who are infintitely less radical than His Chimperial Majesty -- who they will not vote for this year.

[West Coast Democrat]

11. This is hardly a "Rove play"

Do you really think Bush* will gain anything in the next election by getting bad press in conservative publications?

[Khephra]

14. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss this as a Rove move

Poppa Bush pissed off the Christian Right, and a lot of them DID stay at home for the election. Shrub has vowed not to ignore the Christian Right, but he may be making his father's mistake with a different group this time around--the traditional Republicans.

Shrub's got power and he's arrogant. Not everything is a Rovian play. He might just not like them (the Bushies hold long grudges) or feel that he needs them.

[West Coast Democrat]

18. Exactly, Rove has made big mistakes before

and some of his worst mistakes were made in 1992.

[joeunderdog]

39. I think they are overplaying their hand in starving the left.

They are funneling money out of gov programs for the needy into private companies who are making a killing off of taxpayers. It's just advanced privatization.

The fashion that they are doing this in lends credence to the liberal notion that it's not how much spending the gov does that pisses off conservatives, it's who the money's going to (you know--the poor, needy). Bushco has answered that pretty clearly here. They dropped the masquerade that it was about easing tax burden and spending carefully.

I know there is a seasoned sector of basically honest conservatives who philosophically believe in smaller government and not just unabashed profiteering. They are either jumping ship or staying home in November. I know some. It's out there.

[Don_G]

24. You're Probably Right

But the arrogant fiddles around while Rome burns. I think more than a few Republicans aren't Bush-Bots and recognize the danger Dimdo and his cronies represent.

I just wish there was some way of tracking that trend reliably.

[Galley_Queen]

15. Competition for the Squatter?

I didn't hear the whole story, just a bit of it, but on C-Span this morning someone was talking about a Repuke running against Smirk which could pull votes from him. I've heard some other rumblings along this line too.

Wouldn't that be something most excellent? Get another Republican to run against the Unelected Fraud? Can we spell Ross Perot?

[blindpig]

27. where's Pat Bucanhan when you need him? n/t

[BigBigBear]

23. As soon as Rove paints

Dean or Kerry or even Clark (whoever get the nomination) as a chickenshit liberal ("if xyz was president, Saddam Hussein would still be in power..."), the conservatives will come home. I do understand that there's discontent in the fiscal/xenophobe right at this time, but I think Rove believes he can successfully bury that in all the flag-waving at Ground Zero this summer.

There will be two quarterly economic reports between now and then - ANY positive economic news will show a bite into projected deficits, and they can trot out the "right track" argument on the fical issues.

And don't forget, there's always the "we're at war" excuse.

Look, I think it's all hogwash, too, but until Weyrich or the other scions of Reagan-era neocon political philosophy actually do something (besides bellyache) to divide the Republican vote, they've got no place but Bush to cast their votes, and they'll hear Dean promising to roll back their tax cuts, and all will be forgiven.

My $0.02.

[murielm99]

43. If xyz were president...

The World Trade Center Towers would still be standing. Let a Dem say that, and back it up...

because it is true.

Clinton's people tried to warn them, but would they listen?

I think they need to hammer them with this.

[NickB79]

44. No matter how they play it, the ugly facts still remain

That Bush Jr. is spending and expanding the goverment at a rate unmatched for years even by the much-hated "Clenis" (in Repub speak). No matter how you spin it, he's still signing away billions every month.

I frequent a lot of hunting websites where the vast majority of the posters lean heavily to the right. Even there I've noticed a lot of Republicans are getting royally pissed at Bush. He's not playing this well at all:

He said he'd resign the 1994 Assault Weapons ban if it gets to his desk this fall, pissing off a lot of gun-owners (myself included).

His much-hyped tax cuts are NOT creating new jobs no matter how much the posters over there keep trying to say they are. Every week another guy on the hunting forums posts about getting laid off or the plant closing down.

He's talking about giving amnesty and work visas to millions of illegal aliens, pissing off a lot of Republicans (especially those that just got laid off and are trying to find scapegoats).

He keeps pumping billions of dollars into Iraq and yet gas prices are still shooting up.

And he's talking about spending hundreds of billions to go to the moon and Mars, something that left both Dems and Repubs scratching their heads and saying "WTF?"

No, he's not looking good. Many people are starting to see the light.

[Okole]

8. They are right!!

He/they are spending us right into the crapper!

[phillybri]

12. Run, Pat Buchanan, Run!!!

PLEAAAAAAAAAAASE!!!!!!!

[MGKrebs]

17. MmmmHmmmm.

It don't take a weatherman to see which way the wind blows:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1018345

[KayLaw]

20. Corporate Republicans rule the airwaves

That is what helps Bush. Sometimes I feel people who say they are conservatives really aren't. I believe a lot of people are just suckered by the coporate media.

[leesa]

22. Good, Think maybe conservatives have learned that blind,

unquestioning obedience to their party above all rational thought is not all it's cracked up to be? Maybe they will re-think their pride in the foolish solidarity they practice.

[Ganja Ninja]

25. How dare the disloyal traitor criticize the anointed one.

“The Republican Congress is spending at twice the rate as under Bill Clinton, and President Bush has yet to issue a single veto, I complained about profligate spending during the Clinton years but never thought I'd have to do so with a Republican in the White House and Republicans controlling the Congress."

This America hating conservative needs to get on the same page as Bigus Dickus.

Dick Cheney: “Ronald Reagan proved deficits don’t matter.”

[Cocoa]

29. why do conservatives hate Bush so much?

this article is nothing more than political hate speech! :-)

[GRClarkesq]

30. Warning shot

Since previous warnings went unheeded, thus a more public warning has been delivered. Could this be the reason Bush says he wants to reign in spending in 04?

The Repubs have their divisions also, just not as bad as the Dems, for the moment anyway.

[Mari333]

31. HAHA

Just what Im hearing from many former republicans in my town.

[snippy]

32. It is not the amount of spending they object to.

They want to gut just the social programs. Eisenhower was the last fiscally conservative republican president. Since Eisenhower was president the federal government has accumulated deficits totaling around $3.5 trillion. Of that total, about 90% was accumulated under a republican president and about 10% was accumulated under a democratic president. In that time the federal deficit has exceeded 3% of GDP 14 times, every time under a republican president. The deficit never has exceeded 3% of GDP under a democratic presint in that time.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2004/sheets/hist01z3.xls (Note: The spending for the first year of a presidential term is from the budget and appropriations of the preceeding year. Also, the estimates for 2003 and subsequent years are no longer valid.)

[peacetalksforall]

34. I don't see it like you do Kephra

I see the leaders and the lemmings.

Leaders

Corporate-Military-Banking brass
Intelligence employees
Israel First contingent
Constitution wreckers
Morality preachers
Media
Media expert guests
Think tankers
Un-American dirty trick idea leaders


Lemmings

Gun lovers
Abortion haters
Silver-haired and pearled plus collar and tie traditionalists
Borderline and over the line bigots and foreigner haters
Fiscal conservatives
Employees of media
Brainwashed military soldiers
Leaderless Libertarians
Corporate ladder climbers

The leaders, of course, aim to control the world and our earth's resources (as well as planets) while making money off employees and peasants through corporate, military, and banking policies along with the theft of rights. With the media, intelligence, and preachers working for them, they manage to do it under the guise of patriotism.

The leaders desparately need their lemmings because that is their voting base. It is not a large base, therefore they have to have judges, lawyers, and civic employees in all the right positions and build false voting machines.

Much more simple.

[mrdmk]

35. Like everything else, Mr. Bush Jr. pays lip service...

...and people are no longer buying it. I forgot which post in this tread made the point that Mr. Rove has made mistakes in the past, yes he has and paid dearly for them. The only thing Mr. Rove seems good at is ruining careers; this will catch up to him. This administration is good at campaigning and that is it. They have proven time after time when they put a plan together it is a mess from hell. Many Right Wing people a serious businesspersons and know a bad plan when they see one.

[Solly Mack]

36. So Shrub is a self-serving piece of sligshit

Gee, Weyrich, you didn't really think he gave a damn did you?

Newsflash: Shrub doesn't give a damn about conservatives either....he only cares how he can use people to fill his pockets.

Weyrich, you were just one means of grabbing power...nothing more.



It's not like Weyrich is much better than Shrub....if they want to eat their own...let'em.

[Endangered Specie]

37. They are right...

Republicains are spending more than Democrats. From a conservative standpoint (NOT ME) that is bad.

[are_we_united_yet]

40. I just don't believe it

Sorry. They will vote for Shrub if they think he's going to lose.

[davhill]

41. All Bush wants to conserve is his own power

The only welfare he is interested in is that of his campaign donors. I predict the biggest Libertarian vote ever in 2004.

[Dover]

46. If they are waiting on dunceboy to be a fiscal leader, they are bigger

fools than him.

Bush can't even count the number of dead in Iraq. How could they think he could figure a budget?