published in the DALLAS morning news ... close to home:
BACK AND FORTH WITH BUSH BACK AND FORTH WITH BUSH
Here are some examples of how President Bush has shifted his stance on a variety of issues:
Homeland Security
The president initially rebuffed calls to coordinate security efforts and create a Cabinet-level department. But as the pressure increased, Bush reversed course and supported establishing a Homeland Security department. "We have a responsibility to protect the American people against threats from any source," Bush said.
9-11 commission
Bush opposed the formation of an independent task force to investigate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and later asked for limitations on the panel's subpoena authority. After calls from the victims' families intensified, he supported the creation of the 9/11 commission. "It is important that we uncover every detail and learn every lesson of Sept. 11," the president said in a statement.
Citing executive privilege, Bush was adamant that National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice would not testify under oath before the commission. But then he changed his mind, and she testified. "I've ordered this level of cooperation because I consider it necessary to gaining a complete picture of the months and years that preceded the murder of our fellow citizens on Sept. 11, 2001," the president said.
When the 9/11 commission recommended creating a national intelligence director, Bush did not immediately embrace the idea. Now, the president is urging Congress to heed the recommendation. "We believe that there ought to be a national intelligence director who has full budgetary authority," he said this week.
Osama bin Laden
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush identified Osama bin Laden as his No. 1 priority, saying he wanted the al-Qaida leader "dead or alive." Over time, mentions of bin Laden became infrequent. More recently, the president has acknowledged that he does not know where bin Laden is, saying that terror is bigger than one person and that he's not overly concerned with the al-Qaida leader.
Nation building
As a candidate four years ago, Bush repeatedly criticized peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans, adding that he opposed turning U.S. troops into a "nation-building corps." "Our military is meant to fight and win war; that's what it's meant to do." Now, he faces criticism for his administration's long-term commitment to rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan. During his speech at the Republican convention, Bush said, "Our mission in Afghanistan and Iraq is clear: We will help new leaders to train their armies, and move toward elections, and get on the path of stability and democracy as quickly as possible."
Gay marriage
Bush said during a 2000 Republican debate that he opposed gay marriage but that it was a state's issue. "The state can do what they want to do," he said then. This year, he called for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. "Decisive and democratic action is needed because attempts to redefine marriage in a single state or city have serious consequences throughout the country," he said in February.
Steel tariffs
In 2002, the president imposed tariffs on most imported steel. The move prompted threats of retaliatory tariffs from the European Union. In 2003, Bush rescinded the tariffs. He said the temporary protection allowed the steel industry to adjust to a surge in foreign imports, while union leaders said the president caved in to economic terrorism.
The Dallas Morning News
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily...4/b01pe593.htm
Kerry is no longer the Flip-Flop king....
