Comments on: A DECLARATION OF (SEMI-AUTONOMOUS) INDEPENDENCE (SORT OF)

By: Rick Moran

Rick Moran — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:13:47 +0000

Nick:

Thanks for the reminder (LOL). Here’s the link to the piece you reference:

http://rightwingnuthouse.com/archives/2006/03/09/the-myth-of-incompetence

I haven’t read the piece in a while but the point I was trying to make was that Bush was being judged by a different criteria than other presidents had been.

Also, it might be helpful to point out that Iraq is in a helluva lot worse shape today than it was back then.

And Bush’s incompetence is not universal as far as his presidency goes. He has managed some things well, some things very well. In that respect, while the article doesn’t stand the test of time too well, I still stand by many of my conclusions.

By: Nick D.

Nick D. — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:04:58 +0000

“Bush has certainly demonstrated incompetence on Iraq and has failed miserably in other areas of Presidential leadership. For that, history will not remember him well.”

Rick,

You might be right. Time will tell…

I remain an admirer of your honesty and not a little envious of your highly thoughtful writings and, in my view, very serious critiques of Left and Right sides here on your website.

I am, however, having some sincere difficulty reconciling the above with your previous post entitled “The Myth of Incompetence” in which you conclude:

“In the end, Bush will be judged by the totality of his Presidency not by the Six Sigma analyses that pass for serious critiques by the Presidents detractors. In fact, they are not serious at all. They represent a political tactic that seeks to undermine rather than improve. And for that, they should be ashamed of themselves.”

Your guidance here will be highly appreciated.

Keep up the good work!

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:58:42 +0000

Rick, I was drawn here by your ‘24′ commentaries, and although I am very liberal socialially and libertarian economically, I’ve found your main blog’s commentaries to be the only right wing voice I could even tolerate reading. You have always seemed fair in your treatment of the Republican party and the President, and thus I’ve made you the alternative voice I listen to, even though I disagree with most, if not all, of your views. This post simply confirms that belief, and you will definitely not lose me as a reader.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 06:16:49 +0000

Rick,
If you pulled any punches in the past, I missed it. At times I’ve thought your criticisms were too harsh but I read anyway. I pulled some punches of my own, mainly relating to the Congressional Republicans. No more. They screwed the pooch far more than anything Bush did or didn’t do, in my opinion. Keep on. I feel liberated as well. Conservatives need strong voices and yours is one of the best.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:41:49 +0000

Rick, you are totally correct about Bush’s communication skills. I’ve been alarmed since the State of the Union in January of 2004 when he didn’t even get the bump that most Presidents get. People stopped listening to him. And how did they allow Cheney to be totally discredited and no use to the President politically.

I became concerned in the spring of 2005 when Bush was absolutely not communicaing the war issues and the media was doing their “lowest approval ratings ever” and he never fought back.

He owed that to the troops and he failed.

By: Rick Moran

Rick Moran — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:49:40 +0000

I’m sorry you can’t read Melanie. I;m especailly sorry you can’t read what I write on this site.

Anyone who would accuse me of “whoring myself intellectually” obviously has never read a word I’ve written.

BTW - what exactly does that mean? Sounds like a 12 year old little girl trying to sound all grown up. The fact that most 12 year olds know how to read gives them a leg up on you.

By: Johnny Tremaine

Johnny Tremaine — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:32:55 +0000

Interesting post, Rick. Hey, if anything one of the reasons I visit your blog is for your cool ‘24′ updates. Hey, how about doing updates on ‘Heroes’, ‘Lost’ or ‘BSG’?

By: Melanie

Melanie — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:32:30 +0000

So if the Republicans had won you’d still be whoring yourself intellectually?

By: Sweetie

Sweetie — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 22:55:29 +0000

“How much abuse can our soldiers take from the incompetent political class before they just say no?”

And yet soldiers keep re-enlisting and civilians keep signing up. I’d wonder why except I can look to my own career and I can’t seem to remember much about being at the docks of San Diego, Pearl or Subic Bay. But I remember vividly the days on Al Masirah island and supporting our carrier group.

It’s the sense of purpose that a corporate job just can’t match.

By: Sweetie

Sweetie — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 22:47:16 +0000

“Bushâ€™s first term was dynamic, but after the 04 election it was as if he was trying to prove that he was as idiotic as the far lefties claimed he was”

Partially privatizing social security was idiotic? I missed that memo. Of course, what do I know about financial matters compared to a Barbara Stresiand, a Bill Maher or a John Kerry? It’s not like I have an MBA and graduate level economic courses in my background? Or worked in gov’t and private sector finance for 20 years?

I agree with much of what you’ve written, Rick, but some is a little unfair (we elected a guy that was not a great orator - was that really a surprise to anyone? or were we to expect a man in his 50s was going to sprout new talents?). Though I wouldn’t go as far as Sirius, who makes substantive points, but really that just means a list of excuses. Failed with a reason is worse than just failing. Not only are you a failure but you are also an excuse maker.