What has become of the "compassionate conservatism" which Howdy had as a plank in his campaign platform?

"Yes, this holiday season--even as Bush prepares the nation for war--selfishness is back in style for those at the top of the economic pyramid. Sacrifice and "compassionate conservatism" are out.

It almost calls for resurrecting the phrase "ruling class," a notion once popular in left-wing circles that claims that the primary function of the highest levels of government is to protect the interests of the very rich. According to this view, big business and the ultra rich influence government at various levels through campaign contributions, personal relationships and ideological affinity. Policy-making becomes not a "mediation" of competing interests but a not so subtle capturing of policy-making institutions by the rich and powerful.

While the Bush Administration is doing all it can to focus our attention on the threat of Iraq and Al Qaeda to the "American way of life," a close look at the current Republican domestic agenda makes you wonder whether this crude radical theory warrants a closer look. Ironically, while the GOP and much of the media apply the term "class warfare" any time the Democrats and their allies in the labor and environmental movements push for even the most timid reform, it is the Bush Administration that perfected the most blatant version of ruling-class politics.

During its first two years in office--from its $1.35 trillion tax cut (including elimination of the inheritance tax), which primarily benefits the wealthiest 2 percent of the population, to its repeal of Clinton-era "ergonomics" standards, affecting more than 100 million workers, that would have forced companies to alter their work stations, redesign their facilities or change their tools and equipment if employees suffered serious work-related injuries from repetitive motions--the Bushies have acted without shame to serve the interests of their friends in corporate board rooms and the very rich." - Kelly Candaele & Peter Dreier, The Nation, 12/23/2002

In the first two years of Howdy's occupation of the White House, his legacy has been one of fattening the purses of his campaign contributors, gutting environmental regulations, tossing aside worker safety rules, and generally screwing the average American.

For the complet text, go to: http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20030106&s=dreier

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; It's time to put aside the rhetoric of war and move beyond the politics of the current administration. Bush and his merry band must be called to task, and if they will not act responsibly either vote them out of office or dig up the evidence they have tried so hard to bury and offer them a simple choice: Resign or be impeached. Either solution is acceptable, so long as the power in this country is given back to we, the people.

In all fairness though, it is "We, the people..." who bear much of the blame for bring the nation to its current state of affairs. By failing to accept the responsibilies that living in a rfree an democratic society impose upon us, namely casting a considered and informed vote, as well as failing to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, we have America as it has come to be. We have an America whose domestic and foreign policy directed more by the goals of a few monied interests rather than the goals and interests of all of its citizens. It is time for Americans to awaken and once more take up our responsibilites to help secure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. The dream of our forefathers is fading, and will soo be nothing more than a vague memory if we fail to do so.