Bush Set To Break 96 month Reagan Vacation Record, After 55 months Options

[tazvil04]

We all know why he takes the vacations.

He needs to decompress.

He can take only so much bad news and then he needs to get out of dodge.

Why does he need to decompress? --- because he is an insecure little child who can not take the stress and strain of the position to which he has been elected. He needs recess so he can forget about the bad decisions he has made.

However, this is another example of his poor leadership.

We are at war. He can change the name --- but we are at war.

At war with terrorists -- Islamic extremists around the world and at war with insurgents in Iraq.

On top of that we have national security concerns pending with North Korea...

Rather than Bush dealing with the problems he has to run away from them...

On top of that we have troops in harms way --- and our president needs another vacation?

Pahleez....

Why doesn't Bush get to the bottom of the Karl Rove incident?

Why doesn't Bush rework his Iraq strategy?

Why doesn't Bush revise our strategy for fighting terrorism worldwide?

Why doesn't Bush host a summit with Arab nations to fight the global extremism?

A leader would engage in such things and not rest...

A real leader would roll up his sleeves and deserve the sacrifice our men and women in combat have thrust on them.

He has broken this record --- with most of his vacation coming after 9/11 --- after we began our war on terror...

The Democrats if they had any backbone would attack Bush for this --- his longest vacation yet...

If Bush wants to know why his poll numbers are plummeting he only needs look in the mirror.

He was never the man for the job.

Great leaders rise to the occassion of the circumstances presented to them as FDR did --- as Wilson did --- as Lincoln did --- as Kennedy did --- and then some slump in the chair listening to other read about pet goats...looking lost....

Respectfully, Mr. President --- when given the opportunity to serve your country in combat --- you chose to remain stateside. Now you have ordered our troops into combat and almost 2,000 have died. Where is your sacrifice, sir?

For Bush, another retreat in time of war
Friday, August 05, 2005

http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/farmer/in...6530.xml&coll=1

It was said of George W. Bush during his college days that he really knew how to party. It might be said of him today that what he really knows how to do as president is vacation.

With his current scheduled five- week sojourn at the ranch in Crawford, Texas, which began Tuesday, Bush will break the record for presidential vacations held by Ronald Reagan, no slouch himself when it came to putting his feet up in friendlier climes. In his eight years as president, Reagan accumulated 335 days at his Santa Barbara, Calif., hacienda. Bush, with 319 vacation days already under his belt, will surpass Reagan as vacationer- in-chief in just 4 1/2 years by the time he returns to Washington after Labor Day.

According to a Washington Post account, this latest trip home will be the 49th Bush has made to Crawford since taking office. It will be Bush's longest stay away from the Oval Office to date and the longest presidential escape from Washington in 36 years.

The guy's a serial vacationer.

No one begrudges Bush or any president some reasonable vacation, especially in ordinary times. As was ever the case with presidents who can't wait to escape Washington, Bush minions make the argument that, with modern communications, he's never really out of touch with Washington. But that's not as true as it might seem. And this, surely, is no ordinary time.

The president needn't be on hand in Washington for mundane matters, such as routine bill signings. But should a crisis develop -- when access to his Cabinet, State Department and CIA intelligence analysts, foreign policy specialists and even Washington-based foreign diplomats would be vital -- Bush would have to be rushed back to the White House. Managing a crisis from Texas, especially a wartime crisis, is just not possible. Recall how quickly Bush was rushed back to Washington after 9/11.

But beyond that, the argument for a lengthy vacation more than one thousand miles from the capital overlooks the awful signal it sends when the country is at war with an implacable enemy, as Bush reminds us almost daily. It sets a lousy example.

It's typical, however. This is a president who refuses to ask any sacrifice of the people and institutions that form his political base. There are tax cuts for Bush's wealthy supporters, federal subsidies for the politically important farm states, trade deals and tax subsidies for Republican-friendly U.S. corporations in the global economy and a relaxation of environmental standards to benefit timber and mining interests. Tax credits have even been handed to an oil and gas industry whose profits have been swollen by $60-a-barrel petroleum. (Have they no shame?)

The Republican-run Congress has added to the spending spree by parceling out the pork in unprecedented amounts. And Bush has yet to veto even one bill in his four-plus years in the White House.

In Iraq, American soldiers and Marines are asked to make the ultimate sacrifice in a murderous guerrilla war that increasingly seems out of control. But here at home, with Bush providing the example, it's "let the good times roll."

What does all this vacation time say about Bush's working habits? No one outside his immediate circle can say for sure. But his reputation is not exactly that of a workaholic.

Bush, who's described as almost rabid about physical fitness, is said to put in one to two hours working out, usually in the middle of the day. Night or weekend work is not his norm; wouldn't want to overdo it. Many weekends are spent at his Camp David retreat in the nearby Maryland mountains. And he's been known to slip off to his parents' vacation spot in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Presidential vacations are almost always given the oxymoronic label "working vacations." In Bush's case the "work" shapes up more as tending to party politics than to government policy. Bush plans to visit seven states on day trips, according to his press secretary, "to meet with folks out in the heartland and hear what's on their minds." It's in keeping with a presidency that's in constant campaign mode.

Being president is, as they say, a dirty job but somebody's got to do it. The way Bush does it, however, makes it seem like a trip to Club Med.

John Farmer is The Star-Ledger's national political correspondent. He may be reached at jfarmer@starled ger.com.

This post has been edited by tazvil04: Aug 5 2005, 07:38 AM

[graham4anything]

the average american working gets 13 days a year

of course, the average American these days is out of work thanks to Bush's policies, so maybe Bush thinks those un-employed get more time off and he wants to catch up.
Three plus years or less and he will have a rest of his life vacation. Have a feeling once out, we shall never hear from him again.
Jimmy Carter he ain't.

[shah269]

'WHAT WHAT ME WORRY! WHAT THE HECK IS THE MATTER WITH YOU PICO COMMY'S CAN'T YOU TAKE A VACATION! ITS NOT LIKE THERE IS SOME KIND OF WAR OR SOME THING GOING ON"


"WHAT ME WORRY! come on now! you democrats can sure make me laugh, what are you going to do? i say jump and FUX news asks me how high, i say shoot and the NRA loads up and say fight and all those on the far right go nuts on sunday. come on now let me be on my vacation, i mean it isn't like your fat slug spinless leaders are going to do any thing!"

[tazvil04]

the average american working gets 13 days a year

of course, the average American these days is out of work thanks to Bush's policies, so maybe Bush thinks those un-employed get more time off and he wants to catch up.
Three plus years or less and he will have a rest of his life vacation. Have a feeling once out, we shall never hear from him again.
Jimmy Carter he ain't.

What former Republican president has done anything but fill his pockets?

Do not get me wrong....they are entitled to make a living and enjoy the fruits of their labors....

However, Clinton is determined to stamp out AIDS --- this is one of the missions he has taken on since leaving his presidency.

Before the tsunami relief effort we never heard from GHW Bush --- he was busy making money with the Carlisle group...selling our secrets Saudi Arabia --- and using them to turn a profit...

What did Reagan do?

What did Ford do?

What did Nixon do?

We have had three Democratic presidents in the last 40 years...

Johnson;s health was failing him when he left office...you might suggest that Reagan's was --- but Nixon's was not...Bush I's was not...he could still parachute out of planes...why couldn't he engage in promoting world peace or some other public service effort...

We have Carter and Clinton who are attempting to use their celebrity for more than making money....

[shah269]

Johnson;s health was failing him when he left office...you might suggest that Reagan's was --- but Nixon's was not...Bush I's was not...he could still parachute out of planes...why couldn't he engage in promoting world peace or some other public service effort...

We have Carter and Clinton who are attempting to use their celebrity for more than making money....

like paracites they need war to live
to get fat on
world peace death to the republican party,
they need conflict they thrive on blood and missery.
why?
who knows, ask Karl i bet he knows

[tomhye]

What former Republican president has done anything but fill his pockets?

Do not get me wrong....they are entitled to make a living and enjoy the fruits of their labors....

However, Clinton is determined to stamp out AIDS --- this is one of the missions he has taken on since leaving his presidency.

Before the tsunami relief effort we never heard from GHW Bush --- he was busy making money with the Carlisle group...selling our secrets Saudi Arabia --- and using them to turn a profit...

What did Reagan do?

What did Ford do?

What did Nixon do?

We have had three Democratic presidents in the last 40 years...

Johnson;s health was failing him when he left office...you might suggest that Reagan's was --- but Nixon's was not...Bush I's was not...he could still parachute out of planes...why couldn't he engage in promoting world peace or some other public service effort...

We have Carter and Clinton who are attempting to use their celebrity for more than making money....

Ford has worked closely with Carter on more than a few occasions, has been somewhat active as an advocate od drug rehab and has done some work for the fight against cancer. His health has been fairly poor for some time, yet he still made a difference. He's not an example of a do nothing ex president or a money grubber.

[tazvil04]

like paracites they need war to live
to get fat on
world peace death to the republican party,
they need conflict they thrive on blood and missery.
why?
who knows, ask Karl i bet he knows

I will tell you why actually...

I believe that Michael Moore for all his bluster hit the nail on the head with his Bowling for Columbine.

The Republican Party preys on fear.

The Democratic party takes the higher road and tries to make for eloquent arguments.

Fear sells.

Fear motivates.

Whether the fear is generated from the racism of the "red man" or the "negroes" or the "Communists" or the "terrorists" -- the Republican party has been running on fear and packaging it since day one.

This is not to say that the Democrats have had clean hands...with their fear of social security --- etc. because what happened with the American indian was a Euro-induced effort which had nothing to do with partisanship...

But America has been beholden to fear for a long time and the Republican party has marketed it much better than the Dems.

This explains many of the health problems I believe in this nation...we have a much higher level of anxiety here than elsewhere in the world.

[tazvil04]

Ford has worked closely with Carter on more than a few occasions, has been somewhat active as an advocate od drug rehab and has done some work for the fight against cancer. His health has been fairly poor for some time, yet he still made a difference. He's not an example of a do nothing ex president or a money grubber.

I stand corrected.

You are right.

His wife and her courage and strength helped to shape his commitment to fighting cancer.

I had forgotten about that.

[Mac2]

We all know why he takes the vacations.

.............................
..................................

Who did President Bush meet with yesterday?

[graham4anything]

What former Republican president has done anything but fill his pockets?

Do not get me wrong....they are entitled to make a living and enjoy the fruits of their labors....

However, Clinton is determined to stamp out AIDS --- this is one of the missions he has taken on since leaving his presidency.

Before the tsunami relief effort we never heard from GHW Bush --- he was busy making money with the Carlisle group...selling our secrets Saudi Arabia --- and using them to turn a profit...

What did Reagan do?

What did Ford do?

What did Nixon do?

We have had three Democratic presidents in the last 40 years...

Johnson;s health was failing him when he left office...you might suggest that Reagan's was --- but Nixon's was not...Bush I's was not...he could still parachute out of planes...why couldn't he engage in promoting world peace or some other public service effort...

We have Carter and Clinton who are attempting to use their celebrity for more than making money....

Republicans basically do nothing.

Bush41 has always had something else
You might say the Carlysle group is also on his mind when out (even the tsunami, some say he went there to meet with others in the near vicinity to shore up future big money deals and other "intrique" plus hone the relationship with BC.)

Add to the list Bob Dole-making a fortune off of Viagra ads. sheesh. Jimmy Carter gets NOTHING to make Public Service Announcements for Pancreatic Cancer.
(which has killed every other member of his family, and he is by far the oldest male to remain alive due to that fact).

Reagan-NOTHING
FORD-his wife did numerous things. Gerald basically played golf (where he was paid mostly big money to show up, and did numerous private deals playing in foursomes, where the other three anted up biggggg money to be in that group and play a round of golf...that money went straight to his own pocket.)

Ford,Reagan,41 all took BIGGGGG money in engagement fees

Nixon of course,with his reputation gone, was not really looked at as someone
to be a good name to promote anything

W will disappear, probably to local bars (bet they sell Crawford the second he is out of the public eye. Rancher my arse.)
Once out, just make sure to keep hiim off the streets while drunk-so he doesn't kill innocent people having drunk driving accidents.

...

[graham4anything]

I stand corrected.

You are right.

His wife and her courage and strength helped to shape his commitment to fighting cancer.

I had forgotten about that.

again though, it's his wife's cause (as was her center for substance abuse), not his cause.
She is the major fundraiser and appeared at most events without him.

[tomhye]

I will tell you why actually...

I believe that Michael Moore for all his bluster hit the nail on the head with his Bowling for Columbine.

The Republican Party preys on fear.

The Democratic party takes the higher road and tries to make for eloquent arguments.

Fear sells.

Fear motivates.

Whether the fear is generated from the racism of the "red man" or the "negroes" or the "Communists" or the "terrorists" -- the Republican party has been running on fear and packaging it since day one.

This is not to say that the Democrats have had clean hands...with their fear of social security --- etc. because what happened with the American indian was a Euro-induced effort which had nothing to do with partisanship...

But America has been beholden to fear for a long time and the Republican party has marketed it much better than the Dems.

This explains many of the health problems I believe in this nation...we have a much higher level of anxiety here than elsewhere in the world.

I largely agree but tend to frame it differently, the Republicans sell fears that have great photo ops (and are suited for lots of news coverage) and the Democrats sell fears that don't have good photo ops or "sexiness" for the news business. The Republicans ARE more inclined to use fears as a distraction, but I think that's a function of being a hawk rather than political affiliation.

I think news being so ratings oriented has done far more to raise the anxiety level than both parties combined, but I agree that this long term heightened anxiety level is the primary cause of many of our nations health problems.

[Sunshine]

If our troops in Iraq can't be rotated home for a vacation, why should Bush be allowed to take one?

Some Dem leader needs to demand Bush to stop vacationing and spending time in local elections (like Ohio) and instead spend every day working to stabilize Iraq.

[tomhye]

Who did President Bush meet with yesterday?

I give up, who did he meet with?

[tazvil04]

Who did President Bush meet with yesterday?

Mac2---

President Uribe of columbia on terrorism. So.

What is your point?

This explains why he went to Texas on vacation for the longest vacation of his tenure as President?

Is it because he wanted Uribe to save money on gas?

Is it because the White House wasn't available to host the visit?

Our men and women in the military are dying --- and the president is set to take his longest vacation of his term...in the wake of the London bombings...heightened security threats in England...increased deaths of our soldiers in Iraq...is there anything that would stop a presidential vacation?

Obvsiously not...a Presidential Daily Briefing entitled "Bin Laden Determined To Attack The United States" did not.

Bottom line --- this sets a bad example. This shows poor leadership.

Mac2 --

You never answered some questions I had for you from the other thread.

Why is that?

Here they are if you want to take a stab at any of them---

I am genuinely interested in knowing your stance on these issues.

How do you feel about a president who sends a budget to Congress to cut benefits for soldiers as he is preparing to send them into combat in Iraq and while others are fighting and dying in Afghanistan?

How do you feel about a president that sends troops into war ignoring the recommendations for adequate troops numbers that his generals have urged -- not by 25% not by 50% but by 66%?

How do you feel about a president who sends our young men and women into battle with inaequate training, armored vests, ammunition, and armored vehicles?

How do you feel about a president who cuts funds to veterans -- those who have served our nation courageously as he did in his last budget, though he promised he would do no such thing during the campaign last year?

How do you feel about a president who in some polls 94% of the people believe he lied in making the argument for war?

How do you feel about a president who misleads a nation into war?

How do you feel about a president who ignores the need to devote money for homeland security and instead goes to fight a war in Iraq?

How do you feel about a president who's mantra of fighting them overseas rather than on our own shores was just proven false with the London bombings?

How do you feel about a president who avoid the biggest threat to our national security -- North Korea to go into Iraq (seeing the success we have had recently with North Korea imagine if we had advanced this approach in 2001 before North Korea by our inteligence estimates had nuclear weapons)?

Do you find that any of these actions --- un-American? imprudent?

What would you recommend to improve the situation in Iraq -- militarily -- politically --- culturally?

This post has been edited by tazvil04: Aug 5 2005, 08:43 AM

[Mac2]

Mac2---

President Uribe of columbia on terrorism. So. 

What is your point?

.................................
................................
................................

Would you say that the meeting with Uribe was work?

[xyzse]

Meh,
Most meetings such as those are social pleasantries that it would not constitute as work in some circles. I do not see the president as calculating or considerate enough to respect the minutae of etiquette in other countries to begin with, so I doubt that it places much stress.

Any how, they finally did have a Presidential check-up. Other than the bumps and bruises that he received from his fall, he seems to be healthier than last time. I need to find that article...

[graham4anything]

Would you say that the meeting with Uribe was work?

I would say they "Fooled around and fell in love" and had a photo op.

That is not work.

Can you get me the exact minutes of Bush's day. Let's see how many hours
was spent.
Was it even one?
(having lunch doesn't count).
Another photo op.
I don't think Bush himself ever does any work. He is always exercising or something to keep him occupied.

Not an actual eight hour, seven hour, five hour day.
Didn't Johnson work something like 17 hours a day or more?

[tazvil04]

Republicans basically do nothing.

Bush41 has always had something else
You might say the Carlysle group is also on his mind when out (even the tsunami, some say he went there to meet with others in the near vicinity to shore up future big money deals and other "intrique" plus hone the relationship with BC.)

Add to the list Bob Dole-making a fortune off of Viagra ads. sheesh. Jimmy Carter gets NOTHING to make Public Service Announcements for  Pancreatic Cancer.
(which has killed every other member of his family, and he is by far the oldest male to remain alive due to that fact).

Reagan-NOTHING
FORD-his wife did numerous things. Gerald basically played golf (where he was paid mostly big money to show up, and did numerous private deals playing in foursomes, where the other three anted up biggggg money to be in that group and play a round of golf...that money went straight to his own pocket.)

Ford,Reagan,41 all took BIGGGGG money in engagement fees

Nixon of course,with his reputation gone, was not really looked at as someone
to be a good name to promote anything

W will disappear, probably to local bars (bet they sell Crawford the second he is out of the public eye. Rancher my arse.)
Once out, just make sure to keep hiim off the streets while drunk-so he doesn't kill innocent people having drunk driving accidents.
...

Agree --- though I think Ford could have done more --- but all could do more...Ford at least did get behind one issue out of office.

I think W will stay in Texas because what he likes more than anything is positive strokes and I think he feels that he'll be loved there...and he needs to feel that love.

[Snuffysmith]

I couldn't resist posting this here, although its posted elsewhere. However, I can't shake this funny feeling I have that something is likely to happen in September- this reminds me of 2001, especially in light of Al Qaeda's recent pronouncements.