I'm simply astounded...too astounded to think of a better, eye-catching title for this diary. The Bryan/College Station Eagle, the newspaper for Bryan/College Station, Texas, home of Texas A&M University and the George Bush Presidential Library gives
no endorsement.
This is just amazing. You've no idea how Bush-friendly this area is. There's a children's center named after Barbara Bush. One of the main streets in town is George Bush Drive.
http://www.theeagle.com/opinions/editorials/101704president.php
Selected quotes below the fold.
Seven times since 1980 The Eagle has recommended George Bush, father or son, for high government office. We did so because each time we felt that particular Bush was the better candidate.
George W. Bush is on the ballot again this year and, although we recommended him for president four years ago, we cannot do so again this year.
Nor can we recommend John Kerry.
on Iraq
Arguing whether we should have invaded Iraq at this point are moot. We cannot simply undo what we did. There can be no question that Iraq is a better place without Saddam Hussein in control, although how much better won't be clear for some time. Before attacking, though, President Bush should have had a workable, believable exit strategy, he should have committed enough troops to ensure the viability of that strategy, and he should have ensured that the Americans fighting for their nation had all the equipment necessary to make that fight as safe as possible. He did none of that and Americans continue to die every day in what can only be described as a spiraling descent into hell.
on domestic policy
President Bush continues to push tax cuts that do little to help the middle class, the Americans who need help the most. Rather than help the economy, the tax cuts have driven this year's federal deficit to almost $450 billion and the national debt to almost $7.5 trillion -- $25,225.97 for every American man, woman and child. That debt has been increasing, on average, $1.71 billion per day since Sept. 30, 2003. It costs this country $327 billion a year -- $895 million a day -- in interest payments on that debt alone -- $1,111 for every American, young or old. No wonder there isn't enough money for everything else.
That debt is a heavy burden on a struggling economy, one that will be borne by our children and grandchildren long after we are gone.
on education
Education continues to be a concern of parents across the country. President Bush wants to be known as the education president, but the education our children are getting is all too often sub-par. American students continue to lag far behind their counterparts in many parts of the world. The president pledged to leave no child behind, yet too many students are in fact slipping farther and farther behind. Vouchers will not solve the problem. Throwing money at the problem hasn't made much of a difference. College education is becoming increasingly expensive, even at publicly supported schools like Texas A&M. The cost simply is prohibitive for too many parents.
other quotes
These and many other issues need to be addressed and platitudes and promises won't do the trick. We don't care what a young John Kerry or a young George W. Bush did 40 years ago during the national madness that was Vietnam. We want to know with some detail what their plans are to solve the great problems facing this country today and in the days to come.
This country deserves better. The Eagle cannot recommend either President Bush or John Kerry for president.