[Peace-discuss] [Fwd: Why did you vote for GWB? Some answers]

[Alfred Kagan]

 From Nicky.

>Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2004 14:42:37 -0500 (EST)
>Subject: [Fwd: Why did you vote for GWB? Some answers]
>From: nidyal at vassar.edu
>To: akagan at uiuc.edu, c.dyal at uconn.edu
>X-SQMAIL-RCVD: from 143.229.41.195
>         (SquirrelMail authenticated user nidyal);
>         by webmail.vassar.edu with HTTP;
>         Thu, 4 Nov 2004 14:42:37 -0500 (EST)
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>
>Hi,
>I thought you might  be interested in this.  It is always good to know how
>other people are thinking (those who voted for bush, and us students here
>at vassar).  Maybe everybody at AWARE would like to see this, too.  I hope
>that things are going well and safely for you both.
>love,
>nicky
>
>---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
>Subject: Why did you vote for GWB? Some answers
>From:    "NineDeadlyVenoms" <kerry at vassar.edu>
>Date:    Thu, November 4, 2004 1:54 pm
>To:      adbeitman at vassar.edu
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Vassar,
>
>We are expecting alot of people tonight at the post-election gathering.
>This article is a collection of reasons why people voted for GWB. The
>opinions expressed here are both highly relevent to our discussion and our
>future planning. Whether or not we are happy or sad about this election,
>it will be invaluable to reflect on the rationalities being employed here
>and their implicit sources.
>
>The student body gathering tonight is in the Villard room at 8pm
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Why did you vote for Bush?
>George W Bush was re-elected as President of the United States with a
>majority of Americans choosing him over Democrat John Kerry.
>Mr Bush won both the popular and electoral college votes and has
>strengthened his control of Congress.
>
>His second term in office does not officially begin until January, but he
>has already pledged "to reach out" to a divided nation.
>
>
>What convinced you to re-elect Bush? What are your hopes for his second
>term? Send us your comments using the postform.
>
>
>Your comments:
>
>I made my choice for GW Bush based upon his strong "I won't back down"
>resolve to fight terrorism. I voted against John Kerry because of his
>betrayal of his fellow servicemen who were in combat in Vietnam while he
>was publicly trashing them to the world here in the States.
>Lynda Roberts, Ruckersville, Virginia, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because I am ProLife and against gay marriage. Bush
>stands more for these issues than does the Democratic Party.
>David Schultz, Fenton, Iowa, USA
>
>
>
>  Americans have never liked being told what we should do, or how we should
>do it
>Arthur Xanthos, New York City
>
>I voted for George Bush (to the disapproving consternation of my European
>cousins) because an election is a choice, and the two candidates offered
>two different approaches to leadership. Ever since an attempt was made in
>the 1770s to tax our favourite breakfast beverage, Americans have never
>liked being told what we should do, or how we should do it.
>
>From what I have read, I expect the majority of the European populace,
>most of whom I assume were born post-war, not to approve of the American
>people's decision. For insight, however, I suggest that holidays or other
>visits to the US not be limited to Boston, New York and Los Angeles.
>Arthur Xanthos, New York City, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because he stands for many things I like. With regard to
>the things about Bush that I don't like, John Kerry did not present a
>clear and viable alternative policy. What else could I do?
>Nathaniel, Houston, TX
>
>
>
>  He sets a good example for my children
>Carrie, Pittsburgh, PA
>
>I voted for President Bush most importantly because he holds strong moral
>convictions that do not waver. I believe America is in the middle of a
>culture war, perpetuated by Hollywood, the media, and elitists who are
>tearing down the traditional values that are so important to me and my
>family. Secondly, I voted for him because he has not turned a blind eye to
>the problem of Islamic terrorists who are determined to kill us. He is a
>good man with clarity in his beliefs, and he sets a good example for my
>children. God Bless President Bush.
>Carrie, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because his political policies are most like my own. I
>voted for Bush in rejection of the corruption of the elite media. I voted
>for Bush in rejection of the vast corruption in the UN. I voted for Bush
>in rejection of fashionable politics with no substance. I voted for Bush
>because there is a time for diplomacy and he understands when that is.
>Shante' Fosket, Chesapeake, VA
>
>Because he doesn't believe that our foreign policy needs a global test.
>Europe needs to get on board with us or get left behind!
>Ben Rice, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
>
>I voted for George W Bush because he has a moral compass and a strong
>faith in the living God and these things are evident by his words, actions
>and deeds and they resonate with my heart. It does not matter how
>intelligent you are if you're wise in your own eyes and it doesn't matter
>how well you are able to speak if your words are clanging cymbals but it
>does matter who you worship and serve. You are unable to lead and serve
>others if you do not serve God first.
>Penny, USA
>
>1. Strong on defence
>2. Strong on moral values
>3. Staunch supporter of economic freedom for all Americans and freedom for
>all nations
>4. Decisive and unambiguous
>5. Will take care of North Korea's and Iran's nuclear arms ambitions 6.
>Will never sign the Kyoto insane Protocol
>I have flown six thousand miles (from Poland) just to re-elect him. I
>shall do the same for Condi Rice!
>Miek Kondracki, American in Poland
>
>
>
>  I knew I liked this guy right after 9/11
>John, St Paul, US
>
>I knew I liked this guy right after 9/11 when he stood among Americans on
>a pile of rubble and stated "I can hear you, the world can hear you and
>soon the terrorists that knocked these buildings down will hear all of us
>soon". Whether the Democrats want to admit it or not had there been a
>Democrat president in office at the time the most he would have done is
>throw a few harsh words at Osama and then would have forgot the whole
>thing happened.
>John, St Paul, US
>
>I voted for George because:
>1. He is intelligent. He graduated from Harvard Business School. They
>don't give out free passes there.
>2. He has character. I grew up in backwoods Texas where bank loans were
>granted upon a handshake. Your word was your bond.
>3. We face a threat that does not respond to human kindness. He is
>resolute and unrelenting in the face of this threat.
>4. He can love more than just his family.
>God Bless America.
>Warren, Salisbury, NC, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because I will not have Bruce Springsteen, Gerhard
>Schroeder, Osama Bin Laden and Michael Moore telling me who to vote for.
>The world will respect Americans more because they have elected a strong
>leader and did not succumb to our enemies' demands for electing Kerry who
>would be more likely to appease terrorists and America haters then Bush.
>Peter Sosniak, New York
>
>My decision can be summed up in most of these posts. The point I want to
>share is that these reasons cannot be understood by many who do not
>understand the philosophy of most Americans. The US was founded on
>Judeo-Christian values and a majority of Americans still hold close to
>these. Some may want to deny this, some may be deceived by what they see
>on the television, and some actually may not know this. This is hard to
>comprehend for a lot Europeans who have discarded these values and
>embraced secularism. But until you take the time to understand what we
>fundamentally believe in, Judeo-Christian values, you will never
>understand why we do what we do. Here's a hint to get you started, look at
>the election map and see who elected Bush and there you will find the
>heart and soul of America.
>Michael, Texas
>
>
>
>  Presidents come and go but basic principals are here to stay
>David Belland, USA
>
>The liberal Democrats just don't get it. Jesus Christ, the American flag,
>the Ten Commandments, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness are as
>sacred as the Bill of Rights. Only President Bush and the Republicans have
>consistently stood up for these ideals. Presidents come and go but basic
>principals are here to stay.
>David Belland, USA
>
>During a war a change in leadership may bring comfort to the enemy. Never
>bring your enemy comfort. While I am a Democrat domestically I would never
>want to bring comfort to our enemies. Also democrats are not as strong on
>moral issues as we should be. Maybe this will wake some of the leadership
>in our party.
>Dewey Simpson, Erlanger, KY, USA
>
>My vote for Bush was a vote against Kerry. I do not like how Bush allows
>his religious beliefs to run his domestic policies. I had planned on
>voting for Ralph Nader instead. About a month ago I read the 8,000 word
>article in the Sunday New York Times magazine that discussed John Kerry's
>views on terrorism and how he feels it should be handled. Frankly it
>scared me. It scared me that he wanted to handle it in the same manner as
>it has been handled in the 30 years prior to 9/11.
>
>Kerry scared me. I felt that the US and the world would be far less secure
>with Kerry in office. Sure we may have felt safe, like we had for the past
>30 years. After all, those dying would be elsewhere... while terrorist
>organizations built themselves up for the next big attack as diplomats and
>attorneys worried about the legal and political ramifications of actually
>doing something.
>Tom, Hudson, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because I a run a larger corporation that needs him in
>office. Without the Bush administration's alterations of previously
>existing law, my company would not be able to make such large profits. The
>administration has provided the necessary loop holes in environmental and
>fair competition laws. They have allowed us to exploit the intent of the
>law without fear of prosecution.
>J Black, Atlanta, GA
>
>I voted for Mr Bush as he an honest God fearing man who will see us
>through these dark days of terror.
>Tammy E Smith, Memphis, Tennessee
>
>
>
>  Some cold water cities are out of touch with the majority; this does not
>represent a divided nation
>Jim, Duluth, GA
>
>First, the US is not divided. Eighty-one percent of all US counties voted
>for Bush. Some cold water cities are out of touch with the majority; this
>does not represent a divided nation. The president received more votes
>than any other president did and a higher percentage of all votes cast in
>any presidential election after 1988. The president lives everyday the
>moral values that are important to my family, my country and me. I may
>agree with some policies and disagree with others but without the moral
>authority to lead it is all for nothing.
>Jim, Duluth, GA, USA
>
>President Bush makes strong, principled, and often difficult choices. A
>person like that is always going to be divisive because he can't be all
>things to all people. I respect him for that.
>L Cardwell, Tampa, FL, USA
>
>
>
>  He will stand up to those terrorists who want to harm our country
>Katherine Pacha, Iowa City
>
>I voted for Bush because he in my view is a lot stronger on many moral and
>ethical values that I hold dear. He will stand up to those terrorists who
>want to harm our country. Unlike Mr Kerry, Bush will be able to help our
>country in the long run.
>Katherine Pacha, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
>
>There is a lot of Biblical teaching on how God judges nations. The story
>of Lot is one example on how corrupt societies corrupt good people and
>bring down a community. Gay marriage and abortion are a threat to our
>culture and security. I voted to preserve the morale values of this
>country.
>Howard, Chicago, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush mainly so he would be the one appointing a
>Supreme Court justice this term. Secondly for his moral stand. I hope and
>pray that President Bush will give serious and prolonged thought into
>bringing within his goals and/or policies some of the points and concerns
>that Senator Kerry has for our country.
>Paul Young, Ivey, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because he is an excellent commander-in-chief, has a long
>range understanding of US strategic problems and brings personal stature
>to the White House.
>Donal D Kavanagh, Atlantic Beach, FL
>
>
>
>  We need him to appoint judges who will finally allow some reasonable
>limits on abortion
>John, Boston, Mass, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because we need him to appoint judges who will finally
>allow some reasonable limits on abortion in this country. The system of no
>limits abortion that liberal judges imposed in the 1970s is one of the
>great evils that our generation must redress. Bush has also proven that he
>has the spine to fight another great evil of our time - terrorism. And
>Bush has shown the heart to bring democracy to two of the worst places on
>earth - Afghanistan and Iraq.
>John, Boston, Mass, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush because I refuse to be associated with a
>candidate or party that openly welcomes Michael Moore. I was actually
>leaning toward Kerry until Fahrenheit 911 was released. That heinous, hate
>filled movie and the fact that many in the Democratic Party and the
>Hollywood elite actually promoted it as the truth turned me. As a 911
>survivor, it insulted my intelligence and the memory of all my friends,
>neighbours, and colleagues who perished at the hands of criminals. Rob,
>Madison, NJ, USA
>
>I voted for Mr Bush because he stands for the values as defined by the
>word of God.
>Mike McF, Frisco, Texas, USA
>
>He's a hard worker who has the guts to do what has to be done. He is
>working towards freedom for all even though he has met resistance. The
>world needs a man like him who is not afraid to be unpopular... and the
>irony is he won the highest popular vote since Kennedy. He's doing what is
>right even though it's difficult. This is a tough world, but his heart is
>in the right place. We need the world to work with us now and world peace
>will be closer than ever.
>Ann Cipriani, PA, USA
>
>
>
>  I was not about to vote for Kerry since that's what Europe wanted me to do
>John, Stockholm, Sweden
>
>I moved to Europe nearly a year ago, and while I have tended to vote
>Republican most of my life, I was not particularly warm to President Bush.
>After being in Europe for a few months, however, my support for Bush was
>galvanized by seeing the completely unfair treatment he gets in the media
>here and hearing the constant criticism and contempt displayed for him by
>most Europeans.
>
>A few Americans I know conclude that this must mean he is bad, but most
>react like me, defensively, and rally around our leader. I think I would
>have voted for Bush anyway, but I was not about to vote for Kerry since
>that's what Europe wanted me to do. Bush is our president, we elected him,
>we care about religion, and Europe better get used to it because we're not
>about to let you vote!
>John, Stockholm, Sweden
>
>I voted for President Bush because he provided relief to all taxpayers.
>Most importantly, however, Bush has liberated 50 million people in
>Afghanistan and Iraq, 75 percent of Bin Laden's henchmen have been
>captured or killed, while the remaining terrorists are running for their
>lives. Thank God for President Bush and America's greatest ally, Prime
>Minister Blair.
>Thomas Cunningham, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
>
>His faith and dependency on the almighty God have won my respect. He is
>not ashamed to publicly declare his faith. I hope his second term will
>bring peace and democracy to the troubled regions of the world and
>domestically bring greater prosperity not only to America but also to the
>Third world.
>Ben, New York
>
>I vote for politicians who come closest to my views:
>1. A strong national defence,
>2. Smaller government,
>3. More power and responsibility devolved to state and local governments,
>and 4. An end to carte blanche abortion.
>While George Bush failed on smaller government, John Kerry fails on all of
>them.
>Glenn Meyer, Bridgeton, USA
>
>
>
>  We do not separate our personal, religious convictions from the
>expectations we have of our leaders
>Leah, Richmond, VA
>
>I voted for President Bush because I feel he is a decisive leader, who
>does not waiver in his convictions. The majority of Americans have a solid
>belief system based on their moral and religious beliefs. Contrary to most
>of the opinions I have seen expressed by most Europeans, we do not
>separate our personal, religious convictions from the expectations we have
>of our leaders. The issues of abortion and stem cell research played a
>significant role in our decision making process.
>
>In addition, post 9/11, our country desires a leader whom we feel will
>never kowtow to the demands, threats and terrorist acts of any group,
>whether inside or outside of American borders. To the rest of the world,
>whose comments have been nothing but disparaging: You simply do not
>understand Americans! You never have, and I doubt that you will ever fully
>understand our thought process, which is intricately intertwined with our
>religious convictions, whether Democrat or Republican.
>Leah, Richmond, VA
>
>I think that it isn't enough that Kerry wasn't Bush. He had no solid plans
>except to make a better America. OK. How? He couldn't answer that. The
>more people heard him speak the more they realized that he had no clear
>plan. That is something that would be detrimental to both the US and the
>world. I am glad that Bush has four more years, he has been a better
>president than Kerry ever could be.
>Alex, Boston, MA
>
>Reason: He gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to get out; that's what we
>expected from Mr Carter a few years ago in getting our hostages back from
>Iran. In short, many Americans have waited all our lives to finally see an
>American president deliver an ultimatum and then back it up. Hopes: build
>trade with Europe, not just alliances against terror. Our trade policy now
>is merely a money pipeline to China.
>David Rittenhouse, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA
>
>I voted for George Bush because he is un-wavering with his course of
>actions and I believe has morals based in true faith of God. All through
>the election I saw John Kerry change his stance on almost every issue with
>no real plans to back up any of his promises. To have a candidate come out
>day in and day out and state what he could do with no explanation of how
>to do it got old really fast.
>Billy T, Marietta, Georgia, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush because I believe he is honest, consistent, and
>truly cares about people; not just Americans. He desires democratic
>freedom for everyone.
>Lynn, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush, because what others saw as stubbornness and
>arrogance... I saw as strength and perseverance. A strong nation needs a
>strong leader. Especially one who has beliefs and values which are based
>on compassion and a true desire for elevating the lives of others. Laura,
>USA
>
>I voted for Bush for the same reasons so many else did. With President
>Bush, you know exactly where he stands and his strength as a leader in
>these tough times is something that was not seen in Senator Kerry. Senator
>Kerry moved with the wind where as Bush walks through it. Clearly,
>President Bush is very misunderstood around the world due to his portrayal
>through the liberal media. Our friends across the great pond really need
>to dig past the media to understand President Bush. Ironically, it's the
>liberal media and those like Michael Moore which led to Bush's
>re-election. So, on behalf of Bush supporters - Hey, thanks!
>Fayne Moore, Crofton, Maryland, US
>
>I voted for Bush because I would never vote to put a Democrat in the White
>House when we are at war, their track record in that department being
>reprehensible. I voted for Bush because for the first time in my lifetime,
>we have a President who does what he says he is going to do, and in the
>end, I voted for Bush because I trust him.
>Warren Jorgensen, New York, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush because he wasn't interested in increasing the
>already heavy tax burden on the wealthiest classes. He made a point to
>outline his plans for America for the next four years, which Senator Kerry
>never did. At the end of the day, Kerry simply wasn't a strong enough
>candidate and Edwards couldn't even deliver his own state. This election
>was a testament to how out of touch the Democratic Party has become to the
>American people. They assumed that all it took was a few speeches and
>sparkling smiles to win the presidency, but America saw through it. Paul,
>New York, USA
>
>
>
>  The Republicans should thank Moore and give him a prominent table at the
>inauguration!
>Michael C, NY, USA
>
>I voted for Bush because I could not stand the elitist media and the
>pundits telling me that he was a fool. I was tired of people like Michael
>Moore trying to influence my decision by making movies that had only one
>purpose - tear down the president. I disagree with many of his policies
>and would not have voted for him except for the fact that I am sick and
>tired of these people telling me that I am not smart enough to figure out
>for myself what is right and what is wrong. The Republicans should thank
>Moore and give him a prominent table at the inauguration!
>Michael C, NY, USA
>
>It boiled down to Bush being Protestant. I agreed with many of Kerry's
>policies and liked him very much, but in decisions that would require
>going on faith, I felt less secure trusting Kerry. Also, John Edwards gave
>me bad vibes. He was like a car salesman during the debates.
>Jonathan, Washington, DC
>
>I voted for Bush for a number of reasons, but I have to confess one of
>them was because of all the lecturing and condescending opinions I read in
>the foreign press and heard from the "holier than thou" crowd in Europe.
>It just got on my nerves so much that people who only get a sliver of
>heavily bias coverage about America could hold such closed-minded opinions
>about our elections. Maybe four more years will give you a chance to open
>your minds to new ideas and consider that there are Americans who have a
>right to believe differently than you.
>Andrew, Washington, DC
>
>I had made my mind up many months ago about who I would vote for in the
>elections. I believe in our president and his vision for the future.
>Morality, domestic agenda, international affairs, and the war on terrorism
>were key for my decision to vote for our president. The next term will be
>more productive. We will see more attention to domestic issues and
>continued international involvement. Terrorists will continue to be
>brought to justice and Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to develop
>towards their independence. It is a big job and going to be very busy for
>our president. I am confident in his ability to succeed. Thanks!
>James, Lexington, KY, USA
>
>In general, President Bush makes decisions based on strong, unchanging
>convictions (with which I agree) instead of what is politically popular at
>the moment. My three important issues are: belief in moral absolutes;
>strong national defence protecting American interests abroad; and limited
>government.
>GI Miller, Raleigh, NC, USA
>
>
>
>  I just prayed that God's will be done
>Marie Dockery, United States
>
>He is the best man for the job. He won't back down to terrorists. We know
>where he stands. He is a gracious and honourable man who is God fearing.
>As much as I wanted him to win, I never prayed that he would. I just
>prayed that God's will be done. I do believe it was. The bias liberal news
>media infuriates the American people for the way they treat Bush. I do
>believe this was a factor in Kerry losing. Just my thoughts.
>Marie Dockery, United States
>
>I voted for Bush, so that he can clean up all his mess during his second
>term. No-one else should be made responsible for all his folly and
>self-disillusioned war on terror. The only war that the world needs to
>fight is to eradicate poverty, diseases, genocide, atrocity and many
>unjust situations in many parts of the world. These are the real terrors
>that breeds human terrorists. Go to the roots of the cause. Don't try to
>be a fool to treat symptoms of these terrors.
>Jaime Stuart
>
>I voted for Bush for a number of reasons. I believe he is taking the
>correct approach on terrorism and that Iraq is an integral part of that
>war. I believe that abortion is murder and see his re-election as the best
>chance of reversing that barbarous activity. And on the few issues I
>disagree with him I respect the fact that I know where he stands, I could
>never make that claim of his opponent.
>Richard Lamb, Jacksonville, FL
>
>I voted for Mr Bush because Mr Kerry cannot be trusted. He has no moral
>values and I need a leader that stands by his actions and does not run
>when it gets tough. The world does not understand us here in America. I'm
>a highly educated, married person that owns guns, hunts, and is against
>gay marriage. I live and grew up in Massachusetts.
>Patrick Burke, Swampscott, MA, USA
>
>Bush is our war time President. It is would be a nation defeat if he
>should have lost. We want him to fight these Islamic terrorists till the
>end. He needs to win the heart of the world by fighting this war more
>broadly and involving every one with a freedom flag. We hail Bush. Saurabh
>K, Santa Cruz, CA
>
>Europeans don't seem to understand American politics or our values.
>Americans including myself, voted for Bush because he was not afraid to
>show his faith in God nor does he back down from his word. He's a strong
>leader that can defend the US interests no matter the peer pressure from
>the world. Kerry is too liberal in his values and too cosy with the
>French. Americans prefer someone who will stand up to the world for
>America's sake.
>Shawnay Faircloth, Glasgow, Scotland
>
>We live in difficult times. The world faces an enemy that most people do
>not want to recognize. But our President not only sees the threat, but is
>willing to take the battle to their door step. No longer can the terrorist
>attack and go hide to come out another day. If Weapons of Mass Destruction
>get into the hands of the enemy, then the whole world will pay.
>George Green, Tipp City, Ohio, USA
>
>I voted for President Bush because I see all the crisis level issues as
>originating from the leadership of the Democrat Party. President Johnson's
>opening of the SSI trust fund to borrow to fund his Camelot dream has
>ultimately threatened our economy by encouraging debt spending (no
>politician fails to spend what's available) and threatened the stability
>of the retirement system itself. Carter's decision to de-emphasize human
>intelligence and rely instead upon electronic intelligence has threatened
>our security.
>
>Clinton's decision to first take human rights out of China's MFN review
>process and then make the newly-renamed NTR status permanent for China
>lost high-paying manufacturing jobs to prison labour overseas. Every
>succeeding president has followed these policies, but the short-sighted
>polices themselves all have Democrat signatures putting them in place. We
>just can't afford another Democrat president and their feel-good record of
>implementing short-sighted, permanent national policy.
>Leo, Buffalo, USA


-- 


Al Kagan
African Studies Bibliographer and Professor of Library Administration
Africana Unit, Room 328
University of Illinois Library
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801, USA

tel. 217-333-6519
fax. 217-333-2214
e-mail. akagan at uiuc.edu