Tea Party Reality Check

In this post, we look back at President George W. Bush's State of the Union address in 2007 in light of recent Tea Party absorption by the Republican party.

From the Real Effect (Bush's words indented)-

"First, we must balance the federal budget." "What we need to do is impose spending discipline in Washington, D.C."

Is this why Bush pushed for what is going to be the biggest program in the history of the Federal Government, prescription drugs for seniors? For the sake of "spending discipline"?

"Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are commitments of conscience, so it is our duty to keep them permanently sound. "

This is a ridiculous statement. Just whose conscience are we talking about hear? The middle class that will be stripped to the poor house paying for these legal pay-for-votes in lost pay raises, increased property taxes, and income taxes? This also reveals that most politicians have no inclination what-so-ever to stop taking your money."

"you and I can fix Medicare and Medicaid – and save Social Security."

Isn't "fixing" Medicare a Democratic talking point? And would it really be so bad if Social Security died?

"We must increase funds for students who struggle"

I thought these student need help, not "funds". And what happened to "What we need to do is impose spending discipline in Washington, D.C."

"A future of hope and opportunity requires that all our citizens have affordable and available health care. When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled, and poor children."

So you and I do not have an obligation to care for the underclass, it's the government that bares the load. Now if only they funded themselves...

"I propose a standard tax deduction for health insurance that will be like the standard tax deduction for dependents. "

Ah, the start of Universal Health Care coverage.

"this reform will level the playing field for those who do not get health insurance through their job."

Sounds like socialistic talk to me.

"I have asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with Congress to take existing federal funds and use them to create “Affordable Choices” grants."

This would be the next step in Universal Health Care.

The Real Effect
Now, I propose a question to all tea party folk out there - What is the difference between Bush's stated positions and Obama's? Iran, healthcare and "responsible" spending? Sounds the same to me don't you think?

Where were the Gadsden flags? Where was the outrage? Come to think of it, what is the solution? Oh, that's right, the Republican party. I'm sure they've learned their lesson while they've been in the doghouse. I'm sure they won't turn out to be a bunch of back stabbers.

What? The great Massachusetts hope, Scott Brown?

Oh...