Obama Ready To Ctrl+Z Bush's White House Policies

[Dari]

Originally posted by: bozack
Interesting...

My belief, right or wrong, is that the majority voted for change because of the bad economy first and foremost...

The people who I know that are a part of what many would consider Obama's base constituency are very socially conservative but feel that the republicans favor the wealthy with regards to money...

it will be interesting to see how in four years reversing these policies effects Obama's public appeal, especially if he isn't able to do anything to either shift perception away from himself should the economy still suck, or take alot of undue credit should things get better....

For reference I say look at what just happened in california...if anything that is a slap in the face followed by double barrel middle fingers to the liberal agenda given that state is one of their powerhouses.

The belief that the economy needs re-balancing is correct so his actions should be popular.

 

[Lemon law]

Originally posted by: Duwelon
Guess what will happen when Republicans voice their opposition? The Dems will probably flood the media with reports of the right being "devisive!"

If only the Republicans will go along with getting raped without lube, in the name of unity!

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Everyone of those 200+ orders GWB signed amounted to the rape of the American public and it will be great to see the damage belatedly undone.

As for the republicans who protest having their raping license taken away, I doubt the democrats will even dignify their protests with a reply. But for the learning disabled, I will point out the following.

Silly Duwelon and silly GOP rabbits, did not you learn anything from the campaign of 2008, if you come back with politically spin bullshit, the dems will rapidly debunk it and it will almost always backfire on you. The GOP has worn out ALL of their credibility in the past eight years.

If the GOP thinks this crapola GWB back doored into semi law is wise national policy, do it the responsible way, sponsor the legislation to enact it into law. And for that matter, in the time period 2001-2006 inclusive, the GOP had the rubber stamp congress to do it. But declined because they knew it would not pass in congress or withstand public scrutiny.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: Dari

The belief that the economy needs re-balancing is correct so his actions should be popular.

Maybe, maybe not...again it depends on what actually happens...if the econ continues to suck and he bothers with all of these changes no one cares about, or worst case that his base who are often times more religious than not especially if you think of minorities, then it could backfire on the guy....

But if his plan actually works out for the lower and lower middle class then who knows....

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Obama will easily get reelected IMHO. I've seen enough, sometimes you just know from your gut that something great is about to happen. I truly believe this country is on the right track after so many years of being stuck in the wilderness. The Republicans damn near destroyed the fabric of this nation, I would hope Bush and his administration are tried for their war crimes and lies.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: OneOfTheseDays
Obama will easily get reelected IMHO. I've seen enough, sometimes you just know from your gut that something great is about to happen. I truly believe this country is on the right track after so many years of being stuck in the wilderness. The Republicans damn near destroyed the fabric of this nation, I would hope Bush and his administration are tried for their war crimes and lies.

Considering the dems backed virtually every move I would be really surprised if this happened. And way way to early to be talking re-election no...who knows what will happen in four years, I will almost guarantee though if the econ gets worse you can bet that Obama won't see another term.

 

[frostedflakes]

Immigration enforcement? Hmm :thumbsup:

 

[winnar111]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: OneOfTheseDays
Obama will easily get reelected IMHO. I've seen enough, sometimes you just know from your gut that something great is about to happen. I truly believe this country is on the right track after so many years of being stuck in the wilderness. The Republicans damn near destroyed the fabric of this nation, I would hope Bush and his administration are tried for their war crimes and lies.

Considering the dems backed virtually every move I would be really surprised if this happened. And way way to early to be talking re-election no...who knows what will happen in four years, I will almost guarantee though if the econ gets worse you can bet that Obama won't see another term.

Who said anything about koolaid? :laugh:

 

[fskimospy]

Originally posted by: bozack
Interesting...

My belief, right or wrong, is that the majority voted for change because of the bad economy first and foremost...

The people who I know that are a part of what many would consider Obama's base constituency are very socially conservative but feel that the republicans favor the wealthy with regards to money...

it will be interesting to see how in four years reversing these policies effects Obama's public appeal, especially if he isn't able to do anything to either shift perception away from himself should the economy still suck, or take alot of undue credit should things get better....

For reference I say look at what just happened in california...if anything that is a slap in the face followed by double barrel middle fingers to the liberal agenda given that state is one of their powerhouses.

And there are tons of Republicans who are socially liberal against the religious crazies in their party and vote with their pocketbooks too. Trying to use gay marriage as some litmus test for America's acceptance of other liberal social positions is trying to focus on an outlier to prove a larger point that it doesn't apply to.

America is becoming more socially liberal at an amazing rate. What all but the craziest Republicans believe today (while believing themselves to be conservative) would have been considered flaming hippie liberal crap in my parents' day. Yeah, it sucks to have to wait for equality for all Americans, but everyone knows its coming sooner or later. Social liberals always win in the end.

 

[Polish3d]

Originally posted by: Duwelon
Guess what will happen when Republicans voice their opposition? The Dems will probably flood the media with reports of the right being "devisive!"

If only the Republicans will go along with getting raped without lube, in the name of unity!

Frankly (and I used to vote Republican), the Republican establishment can go fuck itself for the moment. We do need a multitude of voices putting forward differing ideas in our democracy, but the establishment Republicans (e.g., commentators, lobbyists, neoconservative-evangelical coalitionists) come off as Ken Lays screeching about corporate policy ideas after the fall of Enron.

They need to gain some credibility back after royally fucking things up for the last ~decade before I'm going to be sympathetic to anything beyond basics like fiscal responsibility and individual liberty

 

[alien42]

the news gets better by the day.

 

[Lemon law]

Hopefully the repeal of those 200+ Bush decrees will be done a deal by 12:01 PM, 1/20/2009. Maybe the first Obama official action and a good way to hit the ground running. Dare we hope, Obama might even give GWB one of the signing pens as a keepsake.

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: winnar111

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: techs
What is fascinating is that Obama's team has been hard at work planning on running the country from day one.
And McCain barely had a transition team meeting. Even when he was ahead in the polls.

Apparently Bill Clinton was on day 5 when he named his cabinet. I don't know where Bush was. Obama certainly seems to be at work, I guess putting all the ducks in a row. Perhaps his first few hours will be spent simply signing the documents he now will have the authority to sign.

Bush had less time to prepare since Gore was trying to steal the election.

In any case, pwnage not found, unless you believe that Bush did the same pwnage to Clinton.

The Bush Administration wasn't capable of pwning anybody, least of all Clinton. In case you still haven't noticed, Bush and his Christian-right ideologues are imbeciles.

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: Duwelon
Gosh, aren't you a clever one? Funny to see the liberal P&N'ers circle the wagons with one condescending statement after another.

It's really difficult to not be condescending to mental midgets.

 

[chess9]

Originally posted by: Duwelon
Guess what will happen when Republicans voice their opposition? The Dems will probably flood the media with reports of the right being "devisive!"

If only the Republicans will go along with getting raped without lube, in the name of unity!

How much lube do you need? I'll be happy to donate to make your life bearable.

-Robert

 

[International Machine Consortium]

If anyone is lame, it's you. You're not as smart as you must imagine. Cut with the "Dumb" lead in, dummy. Coming up with some substance would be nice too, instead of talking about anal intercourse. You seem to be fascinated with the subject.
You might want to visit some other forums available on the Web where they talk about stuff like that.

Originally posted by: Duwelon

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: Duwelon

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: Duwelon

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: Duwelon
Guess what will happen when Republicans voice their opposition? The Dems will probably flood the media with reports of the right being "devisive!"

If only the Republicans will go along with getting raped without lube, in the name of unity!

That's called separation of power. The American people elected a Democrat to the White House so he could enact his agenda.

Republicans can voice their opposition in Congress with something called a "vote".

Dumb. You can voice your opposition to the President in congress as well. It's called a "debate". Any other words of wisdom from Mr Propaganda?

Your signature is supposed to come at the end of your statement, not at the beginning.

Gosh, aren't you a clever one? Funny to see the liberal P&N'ers circle the wagons with one condescending statement after another.

This is the second thread I've seen it in. Just trying to help you out there, buddy.

Lame.

 

[trenchfoot]

Nice find jpeyton.:thumbsup:

This news fits in nicely with and is indicative of the style and pace that Obama will lead our country with. I wonder how long it's going to take to fill in the very deep hole that Bush and friends dug us into. How very refreshing. How very satisfying.

Too bad that his efforts to reach across the aisle will conflict with the need to hold some people from the Bush Admin. accountable for all the corruption and malfeasance that was committed, condoned and pardoned by them.

 

[Thump553]

It's not over yet by a long shot. Despite his public statements that the Bush Adminstration will cooperate fully with the transition, I heard a news report that Bush is trying to rush through some 70 changes to federal regulations before the end of his term. As these are changes to fed regs, it requires essentially going through the whole regulatory process agin (with appeal rights, etc) to change them back.

Hopefully these get tied up in court so that they don't become final before Inaguration Day.

 

[bamx2]

Someone please post President Elect Obama's email adress . - Thanks

 

[Lemon law]

Originally posted by: Thump553
It's not over yet by a long shot. Despite his public statements that the Bush Adminstration will cooperate fully with the transition, I heard a news report that Bush is trying to rush through some 70 changes to federal regulations before the end of his term. As these are changes to fed regs, it requires essentially going through the whole regulatory process agin (with appeal rights, etc) to change them back.

Hopefully these get tied up in court so that they don't become final before Inaguration Day.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We did just have a thread on that, some of the changes can be immediate and some of the more major ones require a 60 day waiting period.

Sadly its almost typical of every President's last days, as they wait until the last minute to push through crap the public would protest over. And then exit office knowing your opposition is at least temporarily befuddled.

And just wait until we see GWB's pardon list, it will likely be so bad, it will almost make us forget about everything else.

 

[GroundedSailor]

Originally posted by: Thump553
It's not over yet by a long shot. Despite his public statements that the Bush Adminstration will cooperate fully with the transition, I heard a news report that Bush is trying to rush through some 70 changes to federal regulations before the end of his term. As these are changes to fed regs, it requires essentially going through the whole regulatory process agin (with appeal rights, etc) to change them back.

Hopefully these get tied up in court so that they don't become final before Inaguration Day.

All presidents do it before they leave but Bush is taking this to new levels.

So Little Time, So Much Damage


While Americans eagerly vote for the next president, here?s a sobering reminder: As of Tuesday, George W. Bush still has 77 days left in the White House ? and he?s not wasting a minute.

President Bush?s aides have been scrambling to change rules and regulations on the environment, civil liberties and abortion rights, among others ? few for the good. Most presidents put on a last-minute policy stamp, but in Mr. Bush?s case it is more like a wrecking ball. We fear it could take months, or years, for the next president to identify and then undo all of the damage.

Here is a look ? by no means comprehensive ? at some of Mr. Bush?s recent parting gifts and those we fear are yet to come.

CIVIL LIBERTIES We don?t know all of the ways that the administration has violated Americans? rights in the name of fighting terrorism. Last month, Attorney General Michael Mukasey rushed out new guidelines for the F.B.I. that permit agents to use chillingly intrusive techniques to collect information on Americans even where there is no evidence of wrongdoing.

Agents will be allowed to use informants to infiltrate lawful groups, engage in prolonged physical surveillance and lie about their identity while questioning a subject?s neighbors, relatives, co-workers and friends. The changes also give the F.B.I. ? which has a long history of spying on civil rights groups and others ? expanded latitude to use these techniques on people identified by racial, ethnic and religious background.

The administration showed further disdain for Americans? privacy rights and for Congress?s power by making clear that it will ignore a provision in the legislation that established the Department of Homeland Security. The law requires the department?s privacy officer to account annually for any activity that could affect Americans? privacy ? and clearly stipulates that the report cannot be edited by any other officials at the department or the White House.

The Justice Department?s Office of Legal Counsel has now released a memo asserting that the law ?does not prohibit? officials from homeland security or the White House from reviewing the report. The memo then argues that since the law allows the officials to review the report, it would be unconstitutional to stop them from changing it. George Orwell couldn?t have done better.

THE ENVIRONMENT The administration has been especially busy weakening regulations that promote clean air and clean water and protect endangered species.

Mr. Bush, or more to the point, Vice President Dick Cheney, came to office determined to dismantle Bill Clinton?s environmental legacy, undo decades of environmental law and keep their friends in industry happy. They have had less success than we feared, but only because of the determined opposition of environmental groups, courageous members of Congress and protests from citizens. But the White House keeps trying.

Mr. Bush?s secretary of the interior, Dirk Kempthorne, has recently carved out significant exceptions to regulations requiring expert scientific review of any federal project that might harm endangered or threatened species (one consequence will be to relieve the agency of the need to assess the impact of global warming on at-risk species). The department also is rushing to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list ? again. The wolves were re-listed after a federal judge ruled the government had not lived up to its own recovery plan.

In coming weeks, we expect the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a final rule that would weaken a program created by the Clean Air Act, which requires utilities to install modern pollution controls when they upgrade their plants to produce more power. The agency is also expected to issue a final rule that would make it easier for coal-fired power plants to locate near national parks in defiance of longstanding Congressional mandates to protect air quality in areas of special natural or recreational value.

Interior also is awaiting E.P.A.?s concurrence on a proposal that would make it easier for mining companies to dump toxic mine wastes in valleys and streams.

And while no rules changes are at issue, the interior department also has been rushing to open up millions of acres of pristine federal land to oil and gas exploration. We fear that, in coming weeks, Mr. Kempthorne will open up even more acreage to the commercial development of oil shale, a hugely expensive and environmentally risky process that even the oil companies seem in no hurry to begin. He should not.

ABORTION RIGHTS Soon after the election, Michael Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services, is expected to issue new regulations aimed at further limiting women?s access to abortion, contraceptives and information about their reproductive health care options.

Existing law allows doctors and nurses to refuse to participate in an abortion. These changes would extend the so-called right to refuse to a wide range of health care workers and activities including abortion referrals, unbiased counseling and provision of birth control pills or emergency contraception, even for rape victims.

The administration has taken other disturbing steps in recent weeks. In late September, the I.R.S. restored tax breaks for banks that take big losses on bad loans inherited through acquisitions. Now we learn that JPMorgan Chase and others are planning to use their bailout funds for mergers and acquisitions, transactions that will be greatly enhanced by the new tax subsidy.

One last-minute change Mr. Bush won?t be making: He apparently has decided not to shut down the prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba ? the most shameful symbol of his administration?s disdain for the rule of law.

Mr. Bush has said it should be closed, and his secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, and his secretary of defense, Robert Gates, pushed for it. Proposals were prepared, including a plan for sending the real bad guys to other countries for trial. But Mr. Cheney objected, and the president has refused even to review the memos. He will hand this mess off to his successor.

We suppose there is some good news in all of this. While Mr. Bush leaves office on Jan. 20, 2009, he has only until Nov. 20 to issue ?economically significant? rule changes and until Dec. 20 to issue other changes. Anything after that is merely a draft and can be easily withdrawn by the next president.

Unfortunately, the White House is well aware of those deadlines.

 

[Jhhnn]

I think few self-styled "conservatives" realize just how radical the bush agenda has been. It hasn't been conservative, at all, but rather reactionary. They attempted, by fiat, to undo many policies extant before most of the posters on this forum were even born. Which shouldn't really be surprising, considering that the groundwork had been laid by the thinktanks and foundations of the Right over the preceding 30 years... they'd been planning the assault for a very long time.

It's encouraging, almost stunning, to find out that the Obama team had the confidence and vision to begin working on this even before the election was won. The simple fact that they were willing to divert resources away from winning the election per se to governing afterwards reveals a very strong commitment to effective and pragmatic governance in the years ahead.

 

[bamacre]

I didn't see anything of real substance in the article. Ok, policy on stem cell research, fine. But I don't think these policies were what made the Bush administration a disaster.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Awesome! I don't see a single thing on that list that I disagree with.

:thumbsup:

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: bamacre
I didn't see anything of real substance in the article. Ok, policy on stem cell research, fine. But I don't think these policies were what made the Bush administration a disaster.

 

[XZeroII]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Awesome! I don't see a single thing on that list that I disagree with.

:thumbsup:

So you think that despite the fact that the US auto industry is circling the bankrupcy drain right now, they should have to increase the gas milage in their vehicles substantially in the next few years? Keep in mind that the gov't estimates that if GM goes down, over 2 million jobs will be lost in the US.

Just to be clear, you support adding additional VERY COSTLY regulations to an industry that is about to go bankrupt and over 2 millions jobs would be lost if that happens.