January 16, 2004

There is a growing split between the "Traditional Republicans" who say they are steadfast in their principles of smaller government and the "Bush Republicans" who change their principles depending on what election is looming.

Here are some differences between the two:

Traditional: Try to create a smaller government by cutting educational and social programs.

Bush: Say you are for small government but add programs which cost a lot of money

Traditional: Spend now and raise taxes later.

Bush: Spend, spend, spend, spend and forget about taxes, at least for this term of office.

Traditional: Home, hearth and family.

Bush: Abuse drugs and alcohol and get annoyed when this is pointed out.

Traditional: Tax cuts for the rich and small ones for everyone else.

Bush: Only tax cuts for the rich. Heck with everyone else.

Traditional: Support big business but do it discretely.

Bush: Openly and unabashedly support big business, giving them tax cuts and contracts saying it is for our future economic prosperity.

Traditional: Read up on salient points of an argument, to understand the other side's position so you can intelligently respond to issues in a debate.

Bush: Don't read anything, rely on your political handlers for information and try to memorize the responses they write for you.

Traditional: Do not support illegal activity, unless it is done by a zealous supporter like Rush Limbaugh.

Bush: Forget about Limbaugh and support millions of illegal Mexicans so they can work in the U.S. and vote for you in the next election.

Traditional: Parents need to set an example for their children.

Bush: Set an example so your daughters can party, and drink heavily just like daddy. Daddy says, "Just don't get caught like me."

Traditional: Wage a war based on popular truth.

Bush: Wage war based on lies and never admit you lied even in the face of the truth.

Traditional: Fight for the Bill of Rights except when Bush asks you to vote for the Patriot Acts in the name of security.

Bush: Propose laws like the Patriot Acts to remove Constitutional protections and then accuse those in opposition to this as being un-American and wanting the terrorists to win.

Traditional: Take credit for budget surpluses you did not generate through your support or policies.

Bush: Spend all surpluses as soon as possible. Thank God they were!

Traditional: Avoid budget deficits except during a political emergency such as a re-election..

Bush: Deficits are good and bigger the better. It shows corporations you care, after all the tax cuts for them caused the deficits.

Traditional: Say you believe in Jesus because it gets you votes.

Bush: You believe Jesus is an evangelical Bush Republican who would give more bread to shopkeepers than the average citizen just like Bush.

Traditional: An image of honesty is important, especially if it is true. If not, keep polishing the image.

Bush: Get real....Image is more important than honesty. Is there any honesty in politics?  So why claim it if it isn't true?