Why conservatives must not vote for Bush
Salon.com: Doug Bandow: A Reaganite argues that Bush is a dangerous, profligate, moralizing radical — and that his reelection would be catastrophic both for the right and for America. [→ READ ]
More conservative perspective in support of the assertion that conservatism is not well served by present Republican leadership:
George W. Bush presents conservatives with a fundamental challenge: Do they believe in anything other than power? …
Fareed Zakaria writes in Newsweek, “On almost every issue involving postwar Iraq — troop strength, international support, the credibility of exiles, de-Baathification, handling Ayatollah Ali Sistani — Washington’s assumptions and policies have been wrong. By now most have been reversed, often too late to have much effect. This strange combination of arrogance and incompetence has not only destroyed the hopes for a new Iraq. It has had the much broader effect of turning the United States into an international outlaw in the eyes of much of the world.” …
The final conservative redoubt is Bush’s admirable personal life. Alas, other characteristics of his seem less well suited to the presidency. By his own admission he doesn’t do nuance and doesn’t read. He doesn’t appear to reflect on his actions and seems unable to concede even the slightest mistake. Nor is he willing to hold anyone else responsible for anything. It is a damning combination. John Kerry may flip-flop, but at least he realizes that circumstances change and sometimes require changed policies. He doesn’t cowardly flee at the first mention of accountability. …
Bush’s biggest problem, in contrast [to Reagan], is not that he is a poor communicator. It is that he has nothing to communicate. Victory over terrorists, yes — but then what American really disagrees with that goal? Beyond that there is nothing. …
Serious conservatives must fear for the country if Bush is reelected. Is Kerry really likely to initiate more unnecessary wars, threaten more civil liberties and waste more tax dollars?
I expect Doug to be pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of a Kerry presidency (whereas now he seems to see it as simply a lesser evil). But he’s certainly on the mark IMO concerning Bush’s inability to represent true conservatives’ interests.
[via abbyv]
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