my RW history prof. friend is turning against Bush

[grasswire]

I have a friend in New England who is a retired professor of American history. He's supported Bush since the selection because he didn't think he could do too much damage to the country. He supported the war against Iraq because of Hussein's history of ill deeds. But look at what he wrote to me today:

"I'm ashamed and embarrassed for my country - no WMDs and no serious attempt to get Iraq going on its own and get out. As it is it appears to be perhaps the most baldfaced case of Imperialism since Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Anyone with an ounce of historical knowledge about the European Age of Imperialism ought to know the longer you stay, the worse it gets for everyone. The US in Iraq is like a Diplomat's Amateur Night."

Interestingly enough, he has spent the past 20 days in England. Perhaps it was the Brit press that brought him 'round.

[caledesi]

1. Thanks for sharing. good story. eom

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. I have seen this happening more and more

People are increasingly feeling betrayed by this misadministration, and the lack of WMDs... which is picking up steam


Yes there will be a base that will defend bush until the cows come marching home... just like Nixon...but more and more people are turning.

[Lorien]

3. I love conversion stories

maybe, just maybe, the veil will lift from enough eyes that they won't be able to use the "close election" excuse to steal it the next time around.

[bpilgrim]

4. reality is crashing in all around

getting harder to excuse or ignore...

tell him we'll save him a seat in the camps :scared:

:hi:

peace

[JackSwift]

5. Ask him what he thinks of President Sulla

Voting for someone because the won't do much damage is pretty f****** pathetic. He got the government he deserves.

[acmavm]

6. I totally, absolutely agree with you. What a sick, lame, lazy, pathetic

reason to support someone for President of the United States. Couldn't do too much damage? Shows you how smart this guy is.

[grasswire]

7. he didn't vote for Bush

He voted for Harry Browne. (Notice that I said he supported Bush since the selection. I should have said "after" probably.)

[w13rd0]

8. One of the biggest dangers...

...of the Bush administration, for the GOP, is that it will actually turn public sentiment AGAINST the GOP platform. They've tied themselves so tightly to this albatross, with his dismal record of non-accomplishment, that as goes his regime, so goes their future. I just spent several days in Branson Missouri. HEAVILY GOP. But it's remarkable that outspoken criticism of chimpy didn't end in violence, and many I ran across agreed on a great deal. And Bush does SO MUCH wrong, that you can find a focus point with which to turn almost anyone against him.

In one conversation, with several pro-military types, emphasizing his willingness to put troops in danger for his own political gain. In another, reminding them of how the religious right turned against his father, and illustrating that whether he turns to the right, or tries a "centrist" gambit, he'll still lose a good portion of his "base". His giveaways only go so far. And the hype is just that, hype, a mile wide and an inch deep, and evaporating with the noon day sun.

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. That is my observation

In fact I expect the GOP to have similar problems to the Party of Adamns... for history buffs, it took 30 years but they went away... to be replaced by the Whigs and later the GOP... I expect a similar fate... as the GOP is being identified with extremist policies.

[neuvocat]

9. Things have gotten quiet

over at my work where a co-worker and myself are the only ones to speak out against a number of right-wingers. They haven't had much to say at all lately and we've been noticing.

[LiberalLibra]

16. Just keep hammering away at them and they will eventually.....

....want to know the best Dem candidate to beat Bush with. The downfall of Bush & Co is steadily building.

[RainDog]

11. do a search for Gloria's link to an article

I tried to find it but didn't.

anyway, search for the article from guys at The Cato Institute.

that's a right wing think tank which has opposed Bush's war policies even before the invasion.

just to let him know he's not the only right winger who doesn't agree with the Bushistas.

[DrBB]

12. Cato is actually libertarian

...Though these days that may be a distinction without a difference. They have been big supporters of the GOP, since the GOP has moved in a libertarian direction on a lot of things. But they aren't exacly "right wing."

[RainDog]

21. right wing does not mean only neo-con, does it?

libertarians where I live don't want a minimum wage, only want govt for a military, and never seem to side with anyone but the republicans in elections.

guess that qualifies as "right wing" for me.

ymmv.

[The Backlash Cometh]

13. The Brit press.

A Republican brit I use to know said that people like Rush Limbaugh would never get the popularity they get here in the U.S. The Brits have a lot of history with dolts like him and the brit press will write critical reviews, for balance, that we fear to do here.

[lins the liberal]

14. freeper neighbors turning on Bush

My freeper, Rush-listening neighbors are turning on Bush! Two reasons they are upset with him. His "bring 'em on" remark and his trying to do away with overtime pay.

Believe me things are changing if these people are turning on Bush!

[LiberalLibra]

15. I am seeing more and more of this, long time no cons are.....

....turning on Bush left and right. Each time any of them mentions just Bush I ALWAYS remind them that Bush would be nothing without his behind the scene crew, especially Rove, Rumsfeld, Cheney, Asscroft, Delay, Frisk, and the like. That our objective has to be to get rid of them all.

I had one guy tell me that he voted for Bush because of all the "Social Programs" that Democrats want that allow people "to set on their asses". I fixed him but good by asking which he'd rather have higher taxes for "Social Programs" or all the taxes the govern collects from him going to the top 1% of this country?? I went on to say, "The way Bush is going things you may well need those Social Programs you spoke of for yourself and your family and thanks to Bush & Co they won't be there." I was in a check out lane when I said this and got some agreements with the people behind this particular guy.

Been asked this question before so let me clarify something. YES, I PURPOSELY strike up conversations with people while waiting in check out lanes. Not only does it pass the time faster, but much more importantly, I might just be able to turn one more person from the dark side. Oh, and many a time I have passed on the DU web site to people in check out lanes. I happen to know at least two have joined after me talking to them in check out lanes.

[tibbiit]

17. I do check out lines too

And the Beauty shop where i get my hair done every 5 weeks... everytime im there I talk loud enough with my hair dresser (from so. vietnam, got out on the last plane in 1975, used to like the chimp) kind of an invite to others to chime in... it works!

I feel that is a small way for me to do my part of spreading truth about chimpco.
tib

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[blm]

19. You may have nailed the difference in your post, grasswire.

"spent the past 20 days in England."

Of course, it's the media. If we had a real media, Gore would be president.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

20. You know.,,

to paraphrase Stephen Stills, "there's something happening here". I have an acquaintance who is really a red neck right winger, when we talk politics.
The other day, out of the blue, he says " did you hear the latest thing our stupid president said?
I replied "which one?"
He says "Bush"
I say, "no, which stupid thing?"
"About the bring 'em on thing, that was stupid!"
I said, "Jerrry , for once we agree on something about Mr. Bush"

This is significant because this guy is typical of the conservative right. He talks about the "death tax", "the liberal agenda " and so on.

* is pissing away the job he was given by his handlers.
Motto for 2004? Anybody but Bush!