Bush says he intends to spend political capital

The newly re-elected president says he'll reach out to "everyone who shares our goals."

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Brilliant ideas

Two paragraphs in this article really struck me:

1) "Bush said spreading freedom around the world will be a central part of his foreign policy"

Being from Holland, I really hope that Mr. Bush will also be able to spread some freedom to our country. We're in urgent need.

2) "Bush has given few details of his tax plan, saying he will appoint a task force to study possible changes"

It seems a really good idea to change the tax system and give more benefits to the wealthiest 1 % of America. They're in urgent need as well.

For those of you who've missed the undertone, I'm not trying to be cynical at all.

Bart Muskens

[PolarUpgrade]

But Bush has only a slim victory

Bush's victory as I understand it was less than a few percent better than the Democratic vote.

In Parliamentary countries like Canada, where I live, this is not considered a mandate; rather it is squeaking by on a wing and prayer. Or should we say a bomber wing and battle prayer, considering the Iraqinam debacle. Not to mention Afghaninam.

Mr. Bush furthermore has NO international capital. I have long been an enthusiastic supporter of the United States, but here in Canada and in Europe one cannot say a good word about Bush--and there are some good things one can say--without being jumped on by people who are enraged with the U.S.A. on foreign policy issues. In all my life I have not seen so much anger in Canada directed to the U.S.A. It is sad indeed. Oyr nationally owned TV network, CBC, reported yesterday that 80% of Candians DO NOT want better relations or closer ties to the United States.

Yesterday 115,000 U.S. citizens visited our governemnt web site seeking info in moving up to Canada. Normally about 20,000 site visits are made by Americans.

Bush wants to dismantle what little is left of the New Deal, a factor which all Canadians, myself included, look down upon entirely. We wonder how U.S. citizens would want to go through life without a guaranteed pension provided by the government. I cannot belive that the 55 million plus U.S. voters who said Nay to Mr. Bush believe differently from we in Canada. In the U.S.A. you do guys have a thingy against government. Weoird indeed. But do you realize that we Canadians not only have universal pensions but a guaranteed annual income for all people over 65? Yes! We do. And we balance our budget as well. It can work, religious right propaganda to the contrary.

There is no mandate here, unless succeeding by a thing margin is a mandate to be smug and intellectually insular, especially with respect to foreign policy neglect by Mr. Bush.

[philnye]

Keith, I think you miss one of the points.

Keith, I don't know if Bush will be able to help our (USA) social security system or not. However, the current system has far outgrown the "new deal" plan that created it. I hope you realize that in the US, there are currently more people drawing on social security than there are paying into it at the moment. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if that rate continues, there will be nothing left for my in 25-35 years when I am of retirement age. Bush doesn't want to do away with social security, just change the current system to something that may help the situation. Right now, I don't even want to wast my money by contributing to social security because I don't believe it will even be available when I need it so I rely on my 401k and other retirement plans for my future. These plans are based on investments similar to what Bush has proposed for young people anyway.

Just my $0.02 from the USA
Phil