I also think that the problem of muslim extremism is much more difficult in Europe, where angry youth have not melded into the larger culture, and where even in England have joined in a movement to make Sharia the law of the land. Its very frightening, and would probably make me more of a conservative on that issue at least, although I still see Iraq as a waste of valuable resources for a fool’s errand. (3 guesses as to theidentity of the fool)

[Michael van der Galiën Says:
March 31st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
White Agent: your comment gave me a good, healthy laugh. You obviously know so little about conservatism that it is useless to engage in any kind of debate with you.]

Obviously Michael? Which conservatism Michael? Which country, yours or mine? They are different in each country you know. Maybe you think you know more about my country’s conservatism than I do? Really Michael, just think about your statement please. Do I come to Europe and criticize
politics as if I know more than the Europeans do about European issues? Can you spot the Offense in your statement? You don’t cast a vote here buddy and I don’t attempt to manipulate political opinion in Tulip land.

So lets read that definition of “objectivity” again please, because your high ground here is Objectivity and I don’t have to so objective. I am PARTISAN and proud of it. My opinion is my Vote, yours has considerable LESS meaning in my here so again, objectivity IS YOUR credibility, not mine.

What was rhetoric a year ago, is now FACT!

And I know that sometimes its tempting to call you the comment nanny, but I would never do that because that would be ad hominem:) Seriously, I am glad that this site doesn’t degenerate into partisan brawls like so many others on the net, so thanks.

LOL – no, I am sure you would never do such a thing.

LOL, something like that. I guess its nice that at least you are open-minded, not mouthing the same GOP talking points from Fox News that we get so much of. And I know that sometimes its tempting to call you the comment nanny, but I would never do that because that would be ad hominem:) Seriously, I am glad that this site doesn’t degenerate into partisan brawls like so many others on the net, so thanks.

And thanks for closing that bold flag.

As for some of the arguments.

The ability/right of presidents to make political appointments is not in question. The point the Post article makes is that to an unprecedented degree Bush’s appointments have been of admin insiders, loyal Bushies if you will, rather than the prosecuters with local interest and ties that have been the norm. The tendancy for this administration to choose it’s appointees according to loyalty is well known and well documented.

As another poster pointed out, the abandonment of such tradition is especially alarming from the GOP which likes to claim the conservative mantle.

One-party rule should be feared as much by Republicans as it is by independents and Democrats.

WA- Friendly warning-The comment policy at TMV is different from a lot of sites. Personal attacks can result in being banned. MvdG is a lot fairer than a lot of conservatives that come on here reflexively rubber-stamping GOP policies.

Am I something like a not-too-evil conservative?

Anyway, thanks Kim. And yes, our comment policy is different and we like to keep it like that.

MvG While Bush or the AG’s office has seemed to “up the stakes” so far we really don’t have enough info for me to be comfortable sating as a fact anything. It would not be surprising to me if it were so. Bush has always been and advocate of a strong executive and to regaining the authority invested in the office of POTUS. Most people don’t realize how much less authority the POTUS has then the office used to. Just think what a hit it took after Nixon. Before that a lot of things commonplace would of been unacceptable. I wont argue pro or con, but the idea that the roles between the branches are iron clad is absurd and so are the complaints about Bush destroying constitution, blah blah blah, ect. There is constant give and take as with Pelosi trying to involve herself with direct negotiations with Syria, maybe just a stunt but clearly the impression she wants and many people here are clearly happy about it. Not a recognized place for the legislative branch and the lawyering to try and show it’s ok is as twisted as anything the Bush Admin has come up with. Thats how it works

Excellent point, and one that we should be ready to guard against, in future administrations. I’m sure both parties will game the system, and with the precedent set, will be able to learn from this administration’s mistakes. If the appointees had been competent, few would have noticed any irregularities, enabling a stranglehold on political power by the GOP.

Debate the points one makes, don’t debate the character of the other person.

Debate civil or do not debate at all, at least not here at TMV. I hope I make myself clear.

Eric: studies / reports show that Bush is exaggerating it tremendously. It seems that the way Bush is politicizing this process is unprecedented. You have to be fair about this matter.

The temptations to abuse presidential power will be there for future residents of the WH

http://www.amazon.com/American-Sphinx-Character-Thomas-Jefferson/dp/0679764410

One possibility that occurs to me is that Bush et al. truly believed that their efforts would result in accomplishing their dream of a permanent Republican majority

Sure they did, and I think they still do.

The only question is, will Bush be swept into the dustbin of history because of his poor presidency, or will it be because his presidency help sweep America herself into that dustbin?

Emphatic Yes, and I hope not. Even before the DOJ scandal, there was abundant evidence of the administration’s failures, starting with Katrina, continuing with Abu Ghraib, failed effort in Iraq, poor and overly partisan personnel policies, inability to deal honestly and openly with dissent within and outside of its ranks, disrespect for constitutionally mandated checks and balances, racking up horrendous deficits to be paid by our grandchildren, dismal environmental record, Walter Reed, Abramoff, contracting scandals etc.

The temptations to abuse presidential power will be there for future residents of the WH, thanks to this moron. Congress needs to push back and expand its own role to keep this train wreck in check for the remaining 21 months of its term in office.