The American Spectator

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Holiday Moderation

12.23.04 @ 12:01AM

ARNOLD'S EXPENSES
Re: George Neumayr's Another Losing Liberalism:

George Neumayr is right on about Schwarzenegger. We in California had the ability to get McClintock and ended up choosing Schwarzenegger instead. My only quibble with Mr. Neumayr is on the cost of Prop 71. The $3 billion in bonds must be paid back with interest over the next 20 years. So the real cost to California will be around $6 billion. What an evil use of taxpayer money!
-- Brooks Friend
Huntington Beach, California

This development may be signaling the direction of American politics in the future as the kooky Democrats fade away (as major American parties have done in history) and the Republicans split left and right with Arnold, Specter, et al. in one group and the conservatives in the other.

When I moved to Texas in the early 1960s the most important elections here were the primaries to select the "couldn't lose" Democrat candidates. And now I see again the primaries becoming important as majority Republicans deal with RINOs and their out of step positions on social and taxation issues. The good news is that this alignment might mean that foreign policy will once again end at the water's edge.
-- Charles Romer
Tomball, Texas

Great article on Arnold's boneheaded comment and the state of things in the State of cluelessness, California. Prop. 71 is the latest of many bad laws and initiatives that have been foisted upon us. I would like to point out that the final cost is $6 billion, not the $3 billion you mentioned in your article, after interest on the bonds is factored in.
-- Chris Huskins

Republicans tried liberalism, it failed. Liberals have tried liberalism. That failed too! George H.W. Bush's tax increase is the most recent lesson. It in turn, Bush was vilified by both liberals and conservatives for the obvious reasons. Why some Republicans after crushing leftism (again!!!!!!) in most states want to "reach out" to our enemies is truly insane. The media template being what it is, suggested that Republicans "reach out" after the defeat of '92, and again suggested we "reach out" after gaining the legislative majority in '94, and in 2000. Our attempts to befriend, and posit the "new tone" was met only with derision and scorn not only by the left, but by the template media as well.

Arnold said it himself: "Why should we listen to a bunch of losers?" Well Mr. Schwarzenegger, why should we?
-- P. Aaron
Huntington Woods, Michigan

Without fail, each time conservative Republicans make major gains in elections, "moderate" Republicans wake up from their dusty sleep and hear the mystical calls of duty. "OK, we're ready to lead!! Now you follow!!!"

That the "moderates" did practically zilch to get Bush elected and often give aid and comfort to our political opposition poses no moment of reflection. They are more than sure Bush owes them big time and they expect to collect.

What is baffling is the number of Republicans who feel obligated to kiss these people's tushes. Why media favorites such as Lugar and Specter aren't assigned seats on the postage stamp committee to languish there in the dark is beyond me. Democrats know how to command loyalty -- that's why "moderate" Democrats like Evan Bayh will carry their water for them every time the chips are down and most times when the chips are pretty good.

And to think some people want to change the Constitution for Arnold.
-- Mike Dooley
Indianapolis, Indiana

A VERY MUPPET CHRISTMAS
Re: Patrick O'Hannigan's Caroling With Kermit:

Couldn't agree more -- I thought no one else but me loved that John Denver and the Muppets' Christmas album. Thanks for a nice review of a hidden holiday gem! It also has a personal touch with "A Baby Just Like You" -- I grew up listening to John Denver singing "Merry Christmas, little Zachary."
-- Zach Cochran

Miss Jim Henson too. He was a great showman. I'm sorry my kids don't have him around.

Last week I was complaining about that "circus clown" issue to my kids too. They explained to me that it is really just another verse and not another typical bowdlerization. How 'bout that?
-- Unsigned

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