Bush's Ranch Dressing

So it's official: George W. Bush is not a cowboy. We pretty much suspected he wasn't when we learned that, for all his bow-legged strutting, the man's afraid of horses. But last week, Bush let the other Lucchese boot drop: He and Laura bought a $2 million, fancy-pants house in Dallas's toniest neighborhood and will soon be high-tailin' it out of that eight-year-old stage set of a "ranch" in Crawford. Any uncleared brush can go clear itself.

Oh, the couple will undoubtedly drop by the old chuckwagon, do some weekends maybe (and it could well become the safe-house George retreats to when, and if, the long pent-up Furies finally claim his mind). But the move to Dallas is a 180 from what Laura told USA Today during a ranch tour in April, 2001, that she and George "want to grow old here."

Instead, the Bushes' old growth will take place primarily at a refurbished 1959 home in the upscale neighborhood of Preston Hollows, just blocks from other powerfuls, like Ross Perot, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban, and Texas Rangers' owner Tom Hicks, who bought the business from previous owner George, making him even wealthier. A Dallas realtor described the exclusive area (literally: until 2000, a neighborhood covenant deemed it for whites only, making an exception for servants) as one where many "older homes are being torn down and big new ones, mega-mansions, are being put up in their place."

Bush's Western White House was a bit like that too: a 1,583-acre McRanch, a former pig farm actually, bought in 1999 to de-Kennebunkport George during his initial run for the presidency. The brand new, one-story ranch house--with geothermal heating and other eco features that were good enough for him and his but not the country--was supposed to be finished by Election Day 2000. It's not clear whether it was plumbing or stolen-election problems that caused the delay, but the home wasn't ready until after the Inaugural.

Bush imagineers Karl Rove and Karen Hughes didn't exactly broadcast the spanking newness of the place, because the idea was to make it seem more like a homestead, handed down not by the Bush family (as Yale and Skull'n'Bones were), but as something distinctly W's, his true home, as if the switchgrass itself had curled its tendrils up through New England and around George's belt loops to pull him back to the east Texas soil where he rightly belonged.

A ranch, a place where bulls theoretically roam, seems to dial up the manliness of any commander-in-chief: Reagan had a ranch, so did fellow Texan Lyndon Johnson, in contrast to Jimmy Carter who, as the GOP never tires of noting, had a "peanut farm." With a ranch, Bush could pre-empt any mortifying Newsweek covers, like the "Fighting the Wimp Factor" one his father suffered in 1987.

If he couldn't ride a horse, and wouldn't even pose on one, 43 could clear some mean brush. As former Texas agriculture commissioner Jim Hightower, who dubbed the Crawford digs a "ranchette," said in 2004, "Bush is always inviting the media out to take pictures of him clearing brush. In my experience real ranchers spend virtually no time clearing brush. They're usually tending cattle....the cattle you see as part of the photo op aren't even his. They're somebody else's that he rents the land to."

But as we all know, it made a smashing backdrop, and most media are backdrop fools, much as they were for Bush's Mission Accomplished aircraft carrier backdrop. Long after Bush had come to be seen around the world as all hat and no cattle in every embarrassing way, his rough-hewn cowboy image lived on in the media. To this day Europeans knock his "cowboy diplomacy," perhaps not realizing how cool that sounds to the chickenhawks who, like Dick Cheney, scratch in the dirt of American exceptionalism.

If portraying George as a cherished Western archetype made the media's story-telling job easier, it also made any reporting that pierced the hype just seem off, if not also wrong and school-marmish. Geomythologies can work anywhere. The awful reality of Sarah Palin was, and still is, buffered by the very snow of kute'n'kooky Alaska. Which is one reason the media slathered over Sarah: A gal who can skin and dress a moose is the true heir of Bush's faux frontier spirit.

As for creating a post-presidency image, Rove, Hughes, and gang are hard at work on the "Bush legacy project," setting up mealy "exit interviews" on network TV and issuing talking points for officials to mouth when they discuss Bush in public. Most laughably, they claim he has upheld "the honor and the dignity of his office," code among the morally shortsighted for not having sex in the Oval Office--as if there is no dishonor in lying a country into war, nor any indignity in torturing helpless captives.

Some of those exit interviews, however, do reveal the new, probably unintentional Bush persona that is shaping up: not cowboy but cowed boy. He's the pleasantly henpecked, suburban house-husband, bumpin' around the kitchen, getting underfoot, submitting to Laura's will, as she drags him by the spurs from the ranch back to civilization.

"She's got this great, idyllic vision of me kind of with a little apron on that says 'Barney's Dad' on it, flipping burgers," Bush told NBC news. At times he looks ashen, as if she was holding him together, almost as if she realizes that he's a fragile husk. The buzz is that she could sell her memoir for millions, but he might not even be able to "replenish the old coffers" with speaking fees, once upon a time his idea of a gold-plated presidential 401k.

The move from the ranch, which Laura never much liked anyway, and George's creeping dependency on her, have been underway at least since July. That's when, at a private Houston fundraiser, a cellphone camera caught the reformed alcoholic president explaining the economic crash by saying, "Wall Street got drunk...and now it's got a hangover." Bush had to shout over the rising laughter as went on to say that the "housing issue"--a reference to the toxic mortgage securities that were destroying the global financial system--wasn't a problem in Houston, whose loyal Republican wealthy were toasting him at the fundraiser, "and evidently not in Dallas, 'cause Laura's over there trying to buy a house today." Horselaughs rip through the room as someone yells out, "What about Crawford?"

"I like Crawford. Unfortunately, after eight years of asking her to sacrifice, I am no longer the decision maker," he said, adding, "I did tell her, 'We've been on government pay now for 14 years, so go slow.'"

On the big wide screen of stereotypes, if a ranch masculates, house-husbandry emasculates. But such weakness could provide Bush with just the patina of innocence, even infantilization, that someone who refuses to ever accept responsiblity needs. It's like his recent admission that he was "unprepared for war"--who can blame him for failures he could not foresee? Those of us who have reviled his administration and longed for the day when justice would take its eye for an eye are supposed to stay our hand now, like Mel Gibson does at the end of "Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome." After Mel finally knocks the orc-metal helmet off the evil MasterBlaster, he's shocked to find it hid an innocent, baby-faced mongoloid.

Do you want to take revenge on Barney's Dad?

Comments (47)

1. "If a ranch masculates, house-husbandry emasculates."

   I'm sure the 3 million men that take care of their pre-school age children while their wives work are going to love your insightful commentary.

   Posted by srjenkins at 12/10/2008 @ 5:10pm

2. srjenkins: Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't mean it literally. See change above.

   Posted by leslie_savan at 12/10/2008 @ 5:30pm

3. Happy-You managed to hate even with Bush as POTUS and now you get to hate even more now with the black guy in charge.You'll really be able to jump out of bed now.

   Posted by i'm nobody at 12/10/2008 @ 5:37pm

4. the will ferrell vid was a gas...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 12/10/2008 @ 5:48pm

5. So maybe lets say in another 8 years the curious, no one left behind, mass American public will get the joke that was the hsuB/cHeney admin.

   One enormous smelly bad joke, but never the less...

   Posted by hsuBfools at 12/10/2008 @ 7:00pm

6. Char-grilled Chimp with Urban Ranch Sauce.

   mmmm. Deee-lish!

   Another "A Senator makes shit" comment from a spoiled rich kid..."..been on government pay...". He was paid $3,200,000 for his reign of error, plus free healthcare, free housing, free gym, $100,000 tax free travel account and $50,000 expense account each year plus a full pension of $193,000 a year.

   Grade "A" asshole comment.

   Posted by crabwalk at 12/10/2008 @ 7:53pm

7. The whole Ranch-thingy has always been a front for the Publicans. Reagan started with one in Topanga Canyon and then went to Santa Barbara. Maybe in Topanga he started to see the shinning city on the hill after his water tank was spiked.

   Bush just adopted the phony cover and the public ate it up. Neither Reagan nor Bush ever raised anything but taxes on the poor and middle-class.

   This should be the last time Americans swallow this rotten baloney, but it won't be. Americans are doomed to know History but repeat it anyway. Reagan and Bush are the two biggest frauds we have ever had to put up with but after Bush some have waxed nostalgic for the older phony. He at least had an acting career which was successful, even if he was always no. 2 or 3, even to a chimp!

   Our new leader is an accomplished man of letters and service. He's backed down on some issues but I'll wait to judge him.

   Not Bush. I knew he was lying sphincter from the start but could only watch it play out like a bad dream. It's almost over, but there's still more coming down the pipe! Count the days...

   Posted by squidboy6 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:08pm

8. This should be the last time Americans swallow this rotten baloney, but it won't be.

   Posted by squidboy6 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:08pm

   Your right it won't, ya'll traded one stink for another!!

   God!! Somebody please open the windows!!!

   Posted by ACook at 12/10/2008 @ 8:27pm

9. What a bunch of waste of space we have on this one. I know this is an obviously slanted magazine that conveys itself as pragmatic enlightener of the public but your weak attempt to belittle W's manhood by attacking his ranch forces one to ask the question posed before by another poster--what will you do now that Bush is gone?

   I know he made mistakes; I voted for him twice; but the outright arrogance that you and some of your public that you pander to is really bordering on childish! "Maybe he drives a standard vehicle but I hear he can't find reverse....HEHEHEHEHE!" Grow up.

   We have problems that both parties have to fess up to and instead of "ass-kissing" journalists trying to rub elbows with politicians so they can be "in-the-know" and then evolve into media-whores; try giving us the facts without your cute comments and pissy dialogue.

   Let me tell you what babe (slang for woman down here on the ranch); if you rely on Jim Hightower to be your voice of reason then apparently you don't get out of the city much.

   Write an article about me--I drink beer & whiskey, work hard everyday to provide my family, love football, hate "second guessers", and understand the frailty of man and seem to be able to forgive people more than others.

   I thought you deep thinkers were supposed to forgiving souls--a man on death needs forgiveness and shouldn't be put to death but W will never live anything down.

   I dislike extremes on both sides but if we can't be civil in our discussions then I will make sure I will align myself with those values closer to my own. Mrs. Savan's rant is cute but it is a weak attempt to be funny and lacks a productive narrative that we need more than ever.

   Move over Ms. Huffington we have your stunt double here.

   Posted by Hypocrisy at 12/10/2008 @ 8:37pm

10. Some people post attacks on others due to a disagreement over opinions. Bush has condoned, and still does condone and assist, torture, murder, lying under oath of office, theft. He has been responsible for the destruction of many of his own followers who believed the "War on Terror" garbage and chose to join the military which only furthered his plans to rob Americans of their wealth and were repaid for their sacrifice by having their legs and arms blown off, and their psyches damaged, and then made to suffer under a crooked and inept military code which denied them care. The new appointment of Eric Shinseki will help to change that.

    This America so people can have their opinions (in a few more days, that is, when the neocons are gone) but I won't defend the attacks nor the perpetrators for their rancid opinions. We are going to kick some ass in the next few years so pucker your lips and get ready to smell the fresh air! Eight years of lies and back-stabbing real American heroes has made enemies and some will be taking revenge. If you need an example, then just consider the relatives of those who went to Iraq and came back with their brains scrambled because a neocon didn't want to want to send enough troops nor enough armour. Then there's the families of people killed when a hijackers took planes to use as weapons. Bush had been warned of this.

    The difference between us and the likes of petty, sour-faced mud slingers is that we will do it with our rights intact and openly. Not behind the facade of phony patriotism and thugs. Bi-partisanship may mean that we'll let you watch. Maybe. You'll have to behave, though. You can always go home and vent or kick your dog, or wife. Depending upon your tastes of course.

    Posted by squidboy6 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:55pm

11. Posted by Hypocrisy at 12/10/2008 @ 8:37pm

    So you're saying there's no basis for a little wonder (and amusement) at this manufactured macho that Bush has been selling for 8 years?

    I personally find it VERY strange, and more importantly, find it discouraging that Americans are willing to buy such phony nonsense.

    Things like his ranch and cowboy persona always strike me as some sign of a weird brand of latent homoeroticism. Sort of a "Gotta make up for my shortcomings as a man and questions about my sexuality by proving what a tough guy I am" homoeroticism.

    Bordering on creepy.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 12/10/2008 @ 9:25pm

12. Or maybe it's just the fact I was raised to believe the measure of a man is that of his integrity, and honor. Not the size of his pick-up truck, or that he wears cowboy boots.

    One of those "UnAmerican" values, I know.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 12/10/2008 @ 9:27pm

13. "If a ranch masculates, house-husbandry emasculates."

    I'm sure the 3 million men that take care of their pre-school age children while their wives work are going to love your insightful commentary.

    Posted by srjenkins at 12/10/2008 @ 5:10pm

    hear! hear!

    now, time to wash the dishes......

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/10/2008 @ 10:01pm

14. I pity you Ms Savan. You seem a very petty, small minded individual.

    Projected by lvliberty1 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:02pm

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/10/2008 @ 10:03pm

15. I pity you Ms Savan. You seem a very petty, small minded individual.

    Posted by lvliberty1 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:02pm

    It's always an endless source of amusement to me how repugs always tranpose their own weaknesses onto others. Keep it up Larry..

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/10/2008 @ 11:02pm

16. Bush really need not worry so much about horses terrorizing him on the "Ranch" as much as he needs to worry about "Bubba" getting a firm hold on him in the shower at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville.

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/10/2008 @ 11:07pm

17. Posted by HAPPYLonghorn at 12/10/2008 @ 11:04pm

    Happ you are as usual a lost cause. Just because global warming does not manifest itself on the roof of your truck, it does not mean that the polar icecaps are not melting. Sorry pal. Your point is dull.

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/10/2008 @ 11:11pm

18. TexasFlood said it very well. This country can stand criticism, even when the President, Cronies & Co. cannot. The phony Ranch is a cover and you fell for it. Next time one comes along, see if she really can field dress a moose, or tell Congress "no thanks to the bridge to nowhere".

    But constant criticism, to the point of repetition, is the tool of fascism and intolerance, and is what got us into the mess we are in today.

    Taking statements out of context and twisting the meaning is also what fascism has done. It's all talk and no action (elephant talk, a songster once said).

    I don't think we should expel them, nor tell them they should love it unconditionally or leave it. We were a great nation once and will be again.

    However, it was just a few days ago that Bush said he'll be back in Crawford soon. And the "unready for war" statement is red herring. It's been a calculated lie from the beginning and that is the heart of fascism. We came very close to losing all of our liberties to the fascists, and it's not over yet.

    If you want to hate because I deride Bush, then go ahead. Your heydays are over and in a little while the Limbaughs and his ilk will turn on you. The US has always had you and always will but the your days of being power are over, for your lifetime at least. Palin is just another "Rancher" who is willing to ride the wave of unthinking mobs of white, religious, selfish people who are afraid of the rest of us, no matter what our color is, or our creed. You're scared, frightened little animals.

    Why do you keep falling for Republican actors who bail out Wall Street, or Savings and Loans, or the wealthy and stick you with the bill? If you were wealthy you wouldn't be here trying to insult others, would you?

    Posted by squidboy6 at 12/10/2008 @ 11:15pm

19. Posted by squidboy6 at 12/10/2008 @ 11:15pm

    Good points. But they will fall on deaf ears to all but the choir. We should not think that fascism has been defeated in this country. Not for a minute. It is a contant threat, and it is in some ways non-partisan. Just because Democrats may hold the mantle, it does not mean an end to fascism.

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/10/2008 @ 11:27pm

20. How can the Right posters be so indignant over this piece? It was their own party that put the phony ranch in the spotlight. Especaially in 2004, there were several references of how Kerry lives in a Mass. Mansion and W. lives on a Ranch in Tex.

    I believe one NASCAR driver (I can't remember the name but I remember the quote) said "Kerry lives in a mansion in Massachusettes while George Bush lives on a farm in Crawford." If this isn't stretching the limits of modern day bullshit....

    Posted by koroviev at 12/10/2008 @ 11:32pm

21. Posted by lvliberty1 at 12/11/2008 @ 12:00am |

    Look up the definition of Fascism and how it applies to this country then go ahead and try to say we have not become a fascist country.

    Any vigilant American is always on watch for Fascism. It is the greatest danger we face. And it is fascists that always say it has never existed in this country.

    So that makes you a fascist. The enemy of Democracy. And any Patriot should seek you out and destroy you with all and any legally available means.

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/11/2008 @ 02:25am

22. LVL you are scum and about to piss me off. Not good for you.

    Posted by chaoszen at 12/11/2008 @ 02:32am

23. Lot's of indignation from the neo-cons, but not one comment about how their boy is an elitist snob.

    google "Kerry elitist", you may get 486,000 hits.

    I love the comment about how no real rancher spends his time clearing brush. HAPPY took pride in being just like his hero, the Fake Rancher from the burbs of Houston and Kennebunkport. Now he takes pride in displaying his complete ignorance of Global CLimate Change. A coward and a proud ignoramus.

    Posted by crabwalk at 12/11/2008 @ 07:01am

24. I pity you Ms Savan. You seem a very petty, small minded individual. Posted by lvliberty1 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:02pm |

    Well, that puts her in the company of your Dear Leader. Except that the author probably did not fair as well on her private industry salary as poor, poor George did on his paltry government salary of $400,oo0/year. Poor Chimpy, how can he possibly live on that? Just think of the even poorer guy that signs up for Chimpies wars and gets paid much, much less to go fight in place of Chimpy, HAPPY, LUVVY, CHIP and ACOOK. Where is he/she going to buy their home on their gubment cheese?

    "The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates about 2,000 war on terrorism veterans have become homeless upon returning to the United States. It's still a small number, when compared to the staggering numbers of homeless Vietnam War-era veterans, but one that could balloon in the coming months.

    At the Palo Alto VA, the inpatient programs for PTSD and TBI are crowded with war on terrorism veterans - an indication that a large number are at risk for homelessness, according to director of homeless programs Keith Harris.

    "Before it gets to the point where someone is living on the street, what they are typically doing is struggling with a mental health disorder, burning their bridges with the people around them, family, employers, spouses," he said. " I don't believe there is a large chunk of returnees literally homeless without a roof over their heads, but I think a large chunk of them are at risk for it.

    The homeless shelter at the Palo Alto VA is full."

    Posted by crabwalk at 12/11/2008 @ 07:22am

25. My, I think someone else has some Furies: What an angry story

    Lose the Hatred and jealousy, Leslie, its unbecoming.

    And is that George Bush in the photo or Will Ferrell?

    Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 12/11/2008 @ 09:12am

26. Why do ANY Republicans, much less conservatives still support Dubya?

    Seriously....even if you support his handling of the wars, Gitmo, massive tax cuts in war-time, Katrina, Schiavo, etc., etc., etc.....what about self-interest?

    The man DESTROYED your Party. He took a GOP Congress held for 12 years, talk of a "permanent majority", and in 7 years (or less) put the Democrats EVEN OR BETTER on the issue of "national security" with Republicans....wiped out the GOP majority in BOTH Houses....and (by your ally Michael Steele's reckoning) likely insured Democratic dominance for 20 years.

    What's to support????

    Posted by Mask at 12/11/2008 @ 09:19am

27. What's to support????

    Posted by Mask at 12/11/2008 @ 09:19am | ignore this person | warn this person

    It's called hanging on for dear life. If you have spent the better part of your life believing in an ideology/political philosophy, you are going to have a difficult time swallowing that the current mess is a direct result of that ideology.

    For 7 years the Administration has followed the Neo Conservative playbook to the tee. Deregulate everything possible, Global Expansion of US power, cut taxes to the absolute bone, government used as an agent for industry instead of an agent of the people, Unitary Executive... Global military expansion, trickle down economics and the invisible hand of the free-market bitched slapped the entire country into the worst economic conditions in 60+ years and the Conservatives cannot believe that they had anything to do with it.

    Posted by BizarroRio at 12/11/2008 @ 09:39am

28. But last week, Bush let the other Luchesse boot drop:

    c'mon Leslie. you used to write about fashion, you should know that the boot company is Lucchese.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 09:43am

29. I am a very petty, small minded individual. Posted by lvliberty1 at 12/10/2008 @ 8:02pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 09:46am

30. Posted by HAPPYLonghorn at 12/10/2008 @ 11:04pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    you are an ignoramus. global warming unchecked will usher in an ice age. it has nothing to do with what the weather is now. you have heard of SCIENCE.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 09:50am

31. Bush was and is a phony. the ranch thing was an example. having a beer with that moron was another. worst person in the woild.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 09:51am

32. It took twenty years after Reagan left office for hearts and minds to change and for him to be deified. Remember the magazine cover, him with a (CGI)tear in his eye lamenting that his successors had lost their way?

    How long will it be before the hagiographers get to work on W, the way they did with Truman (remember the steel mill seizures, the mess he made in Korea and the Pendergast hearings? No, I thought not).

    Posted by Mistral at 12/11/2008 @ 09:52am

33. What's to support????

    Posted by Mask at 12/11/2008 @ 09:19am

    Oh don't even try it!! We conservatives may be guilty of military expansions, heavy spending and allowing our President to go unilateral, but we sure in the hell ain't gonna take the rap for the economic mess. It was you libs, along with Slick Willy Clinton, were the ones who started this deregulation free fall ness in the first place.

    Posted by ACook at 12/11/2008 @ 10:06am

34. How long will it be before the hagiographers get to work on W

    they are doing it now. to little avail.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 11:34am

35. Posted by ACook at 12/11/2008 @ 10:06am

    Then why didn't Dubya and the GOP Congress.....fix it?

    Posted by Mask at 12/11/2008 @ 11:51am

36. God didn't tell me George Bush was an idiot. His followers did. Loud and clear. Yes, let's get him off the ranch before he tries his hand at animal husbandry. Wall street got drunk? You mean the 'Haves and the Have Mores?' Those people?

    And in regards to the rest....

    Benito Mussolini was going to call fascism 'corporatism', but he changed his mind.

    ALL of the politicians we've had share the blame for the current crisis. Let's not leave anyone out.

    George Bush is a criminal like any other and needs to be prosecuted, along with Cheney (Who, currently, has transferred all his wealth into foreign currency).

    Global warming is real even though it does not happen at the longhorn ranch. Reality is suspended there. Drudge waved his wand, and presto! Everyones IQ was lowered.

    People who voted for Bush now seem 'sorry'. Too late for being sorry. Just get out there and clear some brush.

    Posted by ficheye at 12/11/2008 @ 12:10pm

37. It was you libs, along with Slick Willy Clinton, were the ones who started this deregulation free fall ness in the first place.

    Posted by ACook at 12/11/2008 @ 10:06am

    You have GOT to be kidding me! Are you so totally uneducated and brain dead that you don't kow what Reagan did, beginning with the deregulation of the airlines??? The progressives and Democrats have ALWAYS been in favor of regulation, because we have been smart enough to know that business will do anything to make profit, including sacrificing the country's future for a few bucks in their pocket now. This whole debacle started in 1980, but obviously you have been listening to Pat Buchanan and the other architects of dergulation deny their involvement and try to pin it on someone else. You should at least make an attempt to pretend to understand history before making such absurd pronouncements. I agree that Clinton is not without fault here (thanks to Rubin), but really... your irrational statement of blame is exactly what I would expect from an uneducated neocon who is frantically trying to pretend that his heroes didn't scew up (again). Go home and watc reruns or "24", it will make you feel better for the next 20 years or so.

    Posted by oldintel at 12/11/2008 @ 12:26pm

38. JR, I get less original and more cantankerous with time. It seems old age is overtaking my mind. Posted by lvliberty1 at 12/11/2008 @ 12:25pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 12:28pm

39. Are you so totally uneducated and brain dead...

    you nailed it.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 12:29pm

40. Chum talk- there is no such thing as a partial birth abortion. It is a creation of the propaganda machine.

    Iraq and afghanistan are not successes, they are not even close to being finished. Starting a task, then leaving it a mess for others to clean up is only success if one is a Bush progeny.

    Posted by crabwalk at 12/11/2008 @ 12:47pm

41. idf Bush was so successful how come every repub candidate in the past elections ran away from him? try spinning that one Satanboy.

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 12:59pm

42. if....

    Posted by emile duBois at 12/11/2008 @ 1:02pm

43. "You have GOT to be kidding me! Are you so totally uneducated and brain dead that you don't kow what Reagan did, beginning with the deregulation of the airlines???"

    "You should at least make an attempt to pretend to understand history before making such absurd pronouncements."

    Posted by oldintel at 12/11/2008 @ 12:26pm

    No dear, you're confused. The Airline Deregulation Act (or ADA) was signed into law on October 24, 1978 by Jimmy Carter. Perhaps you got confused with the PATCO strike back on August 3, 1981 involving the Air Traffic Controllers?

    Just thought I mention it, seeing that you have "old" intel.

    Posted by ACook at 12/11/2008 @ 2:12pm

44. Why do ANY Republicans, much less conservatives still support Dubya?

    Posted by Mask at 12/11/2008 @ 09:19am

    Simple. With his middle east wars he has us on a path to the rapture (hopefully in their lifetimes).

    Posted by BlackFrancis at 12/11/2008 @ 3:51pm

45. One night, George W. Bush is tossing restlessly in his White House bed. He awakens to see George Washington standing by him Bush asks him, "George, what''s the best thing I can do to help the country?"

    "Set an honest and honorable example, just as I did," Washington advises, and then fades away...

    The next night, Bush is astir again, and sees the ghost of Thomas Jefferson moving through the darkened bedroom. Bush calls out, "Tom, please! What is the best thing I can do to help the country?"

    "Respect the Constitution, as I did," Jefferson advises, and dims from sight...

    The third night sleep still does not come for Bush. He awakens to see the ghost of FDR hovering over his bed. Bush whispers, "Franklin, What is the best thing I can do to help the country?"

    "Help the less fortunate, just as I did," FDR replies and fades into the mist...

    Bush isn''t sleeping well the fourth night when he sees another figure moving in the shadows. It is the ghost of Abraham Lincoln. Bush pleads, "Abe, what is the best thing I can do right now to help the country?"

    Lincoln replies, "Go see a play."

    Posted by ficheye at 12/11/2008 @ 6:15pm

46. Hypocirsy wrote: "Write an article about me--I drink beer & whiskey, work hard everyday to provide my family, love football, hate "second guessers", and understand the frailty of man and seem to be able to forgive people more than others.

    I thought you deep thinkers were supposed to forgiving souls--a man on death needs forgiveness and shouldn't be put to death but W will never live anything down. "

    Hypocrisy, for the record, I drink beer, work hard to support my family, and love football. I also think I am a forgiving person. But Bush has not asked for anyone's forgiveness, indeed, he has quite consistently maintained that he doesn't need it. He stands by the decisions, the lies, the manipulations, performed by himself and his minions, no matter what the cost has been in lives and general misery inflicted upon the country. he now retreats to a wealthy suburb where he can completely insulate himself from the suffering of most of our nation's people. he will be wealthy for the rest of his life, as will his children and grandchildren, and will always receive the best healthcare available. will our returning veterans have the same? will their children? my child is on a state-run health plan, because my employer (the federal government, by the way) doesn't provide me with enough hours to qualify for health benefits. i'm lucky tho, because at least i still have my house, unlike 2 of my friends (mothers with children) who lost their homes this year in foreclosure even as bush was joking at a fundraiser about that pesky "housing issue" and purchasing his multimillion $$ estate. so "poor bush, let's forgive him?" is a stretch for me. when he steps up to the plate and takes some responsibility for the damege he's done, maybe i'll consider forgiveness. maybe.

    Posted by alohaspirit at 12/12/2008 @ 5:57pm

47. So now, according to the right wingers posting here, we are supposed to forgive and forget all the murder & mayhem created by one George Bush & his side kick Dick Cheney?

    Politely I say, When hell freezes over!

    Another poster has already made the point that Bush has not asked for forgiveness. HA! He will never ask for forgiveness as that boneheaded, incompetent fool doesn't think he has done anything wrong.

    Screw him and his phony ranch. That man is a quack who was never elected to office by the American people. He was installed against the wishes of the people by the SC and election fraud. Screw him. I hope he lives a life of total misery for the rest of his rotten, useless life but I doubt that will happen because this miserable excuse for a human being has no compassion for anyone or anything.

    Forgive him? A rat's chance in hell of that happening.

    Posted by Magginkat at 12/14/2008 @ 11:09am