Bush doesn't have all-out mandate

President Bush thinks he has a mandate to push forward his conservative agenda. Does he realize yet that the majority of Americans disagree with this agenda? Build a democracy in Iraq? Most Americans are unhappy with the reasons, the results, the cost in human lives and money. Most wonder if this is possible and why we are neglecting Afghanistan.

Taking credit for homeland security? Most Americans feel more vulnerable than ever. Beginning the privatization of social security? Most Americans oppose, seeing the risk, the cost, and the fact that social security is viable far into the future if the "borrowed" funds are repaid with the interest owed. Continue to roll back environmental laws for the short-term gains of big business? 74% of Americans support environmental protection, including higher fuel economy standards. Threaten other countries to "end tyranny" and promote freedom and democracy? 4% of the world's population demanding democracy at the barrel of a gun? We know this is the wrong approach and impossible. We cannot secure even Iraq, while decimating our Reserves and National Guard. Cut domestic spending even more to pay for adventures abroad? We, the people, don't think so. The real crises are funding for schools, health care, social services, and infrastructure and we know that. The President's teflon coating, paid for by big business, is thin and toxic for the large majority. His victory was 51% to 48%, with 39.3% of eligible voters not voting. 30.8% of eligible voters actually voted for Bush/Cheney. Teflon? Mandate?

Fred Curow
Anacortes

Letters to the Editor - Skagit Valley Herald