Grading the GOP

In the last post (Democratic Marginalization) I explained that Democrats will splinter into centrists who are tough on defense and marginal leftists who want to join a socialist whole world government. The Dems have no chance at the presidency unless they kick out the lefties and embrace the America-first centrists. Write it down.

Some of my friends are worried about my prognostication.

Colonel Dave wrote "I hope and pray you are right, but after reading the article below (from today’s WSJ) and knowing that on Monday duke cunningham will be sentenced, I am not as confident as you. I’ve said it before: we are spending like drunken democrats and it sickens me. Don’t get me wrong: for national defense and similar worthwhile endeavors I’m all for spending everything we need to spend; it’s the pork that kills me."

How to Turn a Red State Blue, WSJ 2/23/06

If you think Republicans on Capitol Hill have troubles, take a look at Virginia, where GOP lawmakers are busy writing an instruction manual on how to become a minority party. Republicans in that ostensibly "red" Southern state got their clocks cleaned in November's elections after they refused to take a coherent stand on taxes, and Democrat Tim Kaine squeezed to their right on pocketbook issues. As GOP state senator Ken Cuccinelli explained, "We ran on a message of almost being for tax cuts, almost for smaller government, almost for protecting Second Amendment rights, and almost being pro-life. As a result, the voters almost came out and voted for us." Now the GOP is calling for tax increases despite a $2 billion biennial budget surplus spurred by the Bush investment tax cuts.

I agree with Dave and the WSJ. It is sad that Republicans are spending like Democrats. And we need to fight against it. But perspective is all important.

Let’s put spending aside for a moment and list the priorities for the Federal government. In order, my list is (1) the war; (2) national defense; (3) judicial appointments; (4) the economy; (5) taxes; (6) education; (7) entitlements; (8) spending. Federal spending makes my list but way down it. Allow me to explain my priorities and how I rate the Bush administration on each.

(1) The war is the highest priority for any Federal government. I give Bush an A grade for his vision, courage and persistence in the face of difficulty and Democratic opposition. The military gets an A+.

(2) National defense is right at the top with war fighting. Bush gets good grades for defense spending, modernizing the military, the Patriot Act, spying on the bad guys, but poor grades for the leaky borders and for allowing political correctness to prevent racial profiling at airports. Overall I think he gets a grade of B.

(3) Judicial appointments are critically important to the health of our society. Bush gets an A grade for Roberts, Alito and all of his court of appeals appointments. Let’s hope he has the chance to make one or two more Supreme Court appointments.

(4) Despite an economic downturn inherited from Clinton, the 9/11 attack, the cost of war and defense and the devastating hurricanes the economy is humming along, the envy of the world, with unemployment below 5%. Grade A.

(5) The Bush tax cuts are one of the primary causes of the roaring economy, and we all get to keep more of our money. Grade A.

(6) Generally I’d like the Federal government to keep out of education. However, public education in America is in such a mess that his effort to bring visibility and accountability to the system is to be lauded. The fact that most teachers hate “No Child Left Behind” tells me it is the right thing to do. Since the Feds spend too much money on colleges I’ll give a C grade.

(7) Unfunded entitlements are a huge problem for our children. Bush gets some credit for his brave attempt to reform Social Security in the face of Democratic opposition. He also promotes personal medical accounts. I’ll give Bush a C grade only in comparison to what the Democrats would do; remember Hillary-Care?

(8) Federal spending is a problem (see “Budget Blues” 2/10/06). I found $177 Billion that I’d cut in a flash. But, remember, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the entitlements. Also note that, as a percent of GDP, Federal spending in 2005 was 20%, in line with the average since the mid 1970s. Again, in comparison to the Drunken Democrats, I’ll give a C grade.

Overall I think Bush gets a B+, but on the things that matter most it is A-.

Gore, Kerry, Hillary,.. your favorite Democrat.....fugetaboutit.