Mike wrote on Jan 24, 2007 2:34 AM:What has W. done for me..Not a thing not a single thing has this president done for me. In this speech he talks in circles full of fluff then talks if Iraq. I don't care about Iraq. I care about the United States of america. If he care so much of Iraq I feel that he should go there and be their president for he sure isn't mine!

gimmeabreak wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:22 AM:Note to Shillbray: Sign up your own kids, if you like the President's escalation plan so much. At best, we were misled into Iraq, as those wanting it ignored intel that didn't support their plan and hyped intel that did. At worst, the word "Lie" should not be used sparingly. Either scenario does little for the credibility of someone now wanting to "temporarily" boost troop strength for the fifth time in Iraq.

John wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:38 AM:21000 troops wont do the trick,What we need is some Democrat for president in office to really increase the problem and make it last 20 or so years. Sound familiar?Good ole Lindon Banes Johnson." I wont send our boys to fight a war that ther boys ought to be fighting" LOL. The whole thing is beginning to look familiar.200 thousand might do the trick.

El Guero wrote on Jan 24, 2007 6:36 AM:Great speech. Too bad he didn't mean any of it. Except the part about wanting to kill more U.S. soldiers by sending them to Iraq. That part he meant.

John wrote on Jan 24, 2007 7:32 AM:Yeah they're polarized alright. He's no uniter - that's fo sho! But... ALL Dems are united in their opposition to Bush's policies, and plenty of Republicans are disillusioned and demoralized and jumping the sinking ship.

Comprehensive Baloney wrote on Jan 24, 2007 8:06 AM:Our President said that since he has done such a great job of securing the border, it's finally time for comprehensive immigration reform. The modest increase in border patrol agents and national guard is not enough to secure the border unless a fence is also built. Although a bill to build a fence was passed, it was never funded, and we all know Congress never will fund it. A guest worker program will only reduce illegal immigration by the number of people enrolled in the program. Those who don't qualify will continue to cross the border illegally because we will allow it. We don't have enough border agents to catch the ones who cross illegally, enough prosecutors to charge them, or enough prison space to hold the ones convicted. Poor, unskilled Mexican mothers will continue their stampede into this country to give birth at taxpayers' expense and raise their children at taxpayers' expense, knowing they will never be deported. Nothing will reform this.

Mike get a job! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 9:45 AM:Remember the words of the great President JFK. "Ask not what this country can do for you! Ask what you can do for this country!" Mike seems to think that everything is about a handout! George Bush kept this country safe! But he is only a politician! We are in America! The Great American Spirit is what will take you the promise land! Stop looking for giovernment to hold you hand. The is not a partisan issue! You sound French!

Wah! Wah! Wah! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 9:51 AM:Mike you sound like so many Americans, who have turned socialist! Get to work and make your own happiness! Stop looking to the government to solve all your problems! Of course you don't care about Iraq! They aren't the right skin color for you right! All politicians talk like he does! Your statement that you care about America! Go volunteer! Go study government and get in the game. Instead you sit on the sidelines abnd whine! We live in a democracy! If you like government to take care of your sorry problems, them go to France or some other socialist country yourself! I live in America! Where there is endless opportunity for those who want to do it themsleves. Land of the free! Home of the Brave! Step up and take care of your own problems! What a baby!

To: Gimme a break! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 9:54 AM:My son did join! I didn't sign him up! He joined himself. He is a man and not a scared child like you and the children you appear to be raising! We are a country of brave and giving. Better to die for a worthy cause then sit around and hide! Where are the real men! We live in a country where men are more like women! Women are more like men!

Hey John! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 9:56 AM:You bring up a good point! When are the Iraq men going to stand up and fight?

quinnie wrote on Jan 24, 2007 10:14 AM:if that doesn't work i'm sure there's a good supply of troops in the IDF that can be spared

GFN wrote on Jan 24, 2007 10:30 AM:I just got the feeling that GWB just quit. He's overwhelmed and really doesn't know what to do. I was stunned that he regurgitated the same empty promises. The only real step was the 20% reduction in oil usage, but I don't believe he will follow up on it. He has us in a terrible bind in the Middle East and he doesn't have the management skills to lead any sector of the government. Honestly, Mr. Bush should just leave; resign now and give the US a chance to begin to dig out of the morass we are in. This whole mess is sad to watch.

re To: Gimme a break wrote on Jan 24, 2007 10:58 AM:Why do you insult people to make the arguement that you son is some kind of genius, unique from the rest of his generation. Maybe your son is the ignorant one? The keyword is "worthy" cause. iraq is not a worthy cause

Ron wrote on Jan 24, 2007 11:17 AM:Seems to me that Bush is the only one that knows what he is doing in Washington. Today, we have a "fake" resolution coming out of Foreign Affairs committee telling the President he is on the wrong course in Iraq. So what?! The Dem's have been telling Bush he's been on the wrong course since the invasion, what's new? Oh, that's right, they now have the power to de-fund the war. Are they de-funding the war? NO!!!! Their making more speeches. I told you, it's all slick marketing and packaging, they told you all that stuff, and you ate it up. Believing by faith they (the Dem's) are the Messiah's, they would actually do what they said. The joke is on you.

El Guero wrote on Jan 24, 2007 11:26 AM:To 'To Gimme a break!: Please define a 'worthy cause.' Give examples if possible.

OSIDE wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:05 PM:GW is soooo full of hot air. Looks like a couple of people here still believe in his meaningless lies. The guy telling people to go to France needs to go to North Korea where they'll shoot you for criticizing the government because last I remembered criticizing the government IS part of the AMERICAN WAY. You would love it there because NOBODY WHINES as you put it- just how your self righteous types likes things to be. Don't complain about the government and don't complain about me- or else! ...Get over it. My favorite part of the speech- When GW proclaimed he will pass a balanced budget. Oh boy did I have a good laugh. After 6 years of blow out budgets he's all of a sudden going to balance it on the backside of his lame duck term. Enough hot air to power a balloon regatta.

Concerned wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:09 PM:It will be interesting to see how it all works out. I for one would welcome real solutions and not just rhetoric. Will the Dems have any? Or will it just get worse? I hate to be pessimistic, but given what the feds have done for us lately, we average Americans are pretty much screwed.

Mike wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:16 PM:I am not French..I have a 60k a year job. I pay my taxes and see less and less in return... I am not looking for a handout. I am looking to the government to spend my money wisely. What has W. done for this country. Do I feel safer knowing we have a person like W. for a president? No I do not. If you think that this war is defending this country you must be as smart as W. Remember he lost the election by half a million votes!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:45 PM:Lord help us should the Democrats win the presidential election in 2008. Democrats continue to expect the government “do things for them” rather than doing it for themselves. I worry that Democrats (and their supporters) will build big government with the social programs that will be the burden of the hard-working middle class taxpayers. I also worry about our national security, since the Clinton administration did such a lousy job. I have supported our President on the war on terrorism and will continue to do so, even if I must leave my civilian occupation and return to the Middle East for a third tour with the military. We’re not in Kansas anymore, and there are a lot of very bad people out there wanting to do us harm, and it’s not just because President Bush is in office and he invaded Iraq. I’m really concerned that so many Americans are ignorant and don’t see that our quality of life is, and will continue to be threatened, no matter who’s in office. And I’m worried that once Iran builds its nuclear weapons what are the Democrats going to do, blame the Republicans when Iran threatens the world. Instead of looking at the positives, Democrats continue to spew negativity. Our unemployment is at an all-time low, interest rates are low, and many of us have enjoyed improvements in our quality of life since President Bush took office. Those who haven’t will continue to blame the government and the president.

to Ron and the rest wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:47 PM:Ron you know a lot about slick marketing. Your marketing is the slickest, slimiest, greasiest out there. We have people telling American's to stop their whining about wanting our government taking care of its citizens before the citizens of another country? What's happened to the people in this country? We used to care about our own citizens. The Iraq war is not a football game guys, and just because our President used to carry pom poms and dance like a clown doesn't mean you have to.

Ron wrote on Jan 24, 2007 12:54 PM:I'd like to add, last year when the "Surge" was presented by the Democrats, you lefties ate it up. Now that the President has commited to a Democratic idea, it's a bad idea? Make up your mind! First I was for it, now I'm against it, then I was for a surge, now I'm against it. Are these same people raising children? Clean your room, no, don't clean your room. The only thing that's clear, is they still don't have a plan. They said they did before the election, and now, they don't. Jim Webb said they would show the president the way. Today, they passed a fake resolution. That's showing em...

GWB wrote on Jan 24, 2007 1:07 PM:Is the best!

Mike wrote on Jan 24, 2007 1:08 PM:You make 60K right????

I agree! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 1:09 PM:Mike seems to take all of this way too personal! Carrying on about the war. Did he ever serve? I bet not!

My boy enlisted as well! wrote on Jan 24, 2007 1:12 PM:Mike you gotta problem with the military? How come you don't step up and do something! I served and my kid serves now! Where is your loyalty! Sitting on the sidelines with all the answers. If that were so, how come your not in the white house? The President was elected bythe people. If anyone has a problem with that, you only have yoursleves to blame! Stop the petty bickering and become part of the solution! War is hell!

Jay wrote on Jan 24, 2007 2:12 PM:One thing that this article didn't mention is that Bush supposedly wrote his own speech. Come on! This guy couldn't fill out a grocery list!

To the 28% of believers wrote on Jan 24, 2007 2:13 PM: Its a government of the people by the people and FOR THE PEOPLE. What has the Bush form of government done for the people? I am not talking hand outs here. Did he mention the American people as much as he talked about Iraq? No he did not. We don't want a hand out we want government that is for the American people. A government that makes decisions in all of our best interests. This war was a very poor decision on his part. Bush just doesn't get it. For all of you haters that make thses forums a public wiz fest must be in the 28% that still approve of this fine mess this president has gotten US into.

Hey ...GIMME A BREAK... wrote on Jan 24, 2007 2:22 PM:Where is the worthy cause? The US hasn't fought for a worthy cause in over 50 years...Give me a break!

Mike wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:22 PM:63k last year to be exact....I do not have a problem with the military. I have a problem with what our president is doing with our military. This president was not elected by the people. You all have a short memory. He lost the election by half a million votes. He won only by electorial college. The one and only president to ever do so.

Bush said he wants BP to chase Drug Smugglers? wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:26 PM:Last night, in his speech, President BUSH said he wanted to create a working visa so that would relive pressure at the borders and free up Border Agents to chase Drug Smugglers, Criminals and Terrorist! Huh! If tha were true, THEN WHY DID HE HAVE TWO BP AGENTS PUT IN JAIL FOR DOING JUST THAT????? THIS IS BIZZARO WORLD! PLEASE CALL THE WHITE HOUSE AND TELL THE PRESIDENT TO PARDON TWO UNJUSTLY IMPRISONED AGENTS! They were doing their job and shot a drug smuggler with hundreds of pounds of dope in a van. Then this same president, just pardoned 16 criminals. Several that were drug smugglers! Free Ramos & Compean! Stand up for America!!!!!

o2cool1 wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:28 PM:May 1,2003 George W. Bush announces an end to the military phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. May 23,2003 Paul Bremer disbands the Iraqi Army and police force resulting in the birth of the insurgency. January 24,2004 chief arms inspector David Kay resigns amid growing evidence Iraq had no WMD's since 1991. November 8,2004 U.S. forces begin assault on Fallujah destroying much of the city but violence spreads elsewhere.May 31,2006 Iraq declares state of emergency in Basra after worst month of violence since 2003, a sign British control had unraveled. George W. Bush tells the American people in SOTU in 2004 as Iraqis stand up we will stand down. Now three years later not only have we not been able to stand down we are now sending in more troops. In summation when it comes to Iraq the Bush administration has been WRONG,WRONG,WRONG so why should we believe now they've got it right.

Go to the KFI 640 WEBSITE wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:29 PM:The John And Ken show have information that contridicts what the president said about the border patrol and chasing drug smugglers! Why isn't this a top story in this newspaper??????????????????????????????

Randy wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:30 PM: The state of the union ended up to be all about the war.Is that the state of the union.Iraq...Iraq...Iraq...Oil...oil...oil... BTW didn't GWB land on an aircraft carrier right here off of the coast of San Diego proclaiming "Mission accomplished". Yea right! Bow years later you stand before us a blubbering idiot who seemed to throw in the towel.

Tax Payer wrote on Jan 24, 2007 3:34 PM:All you Bush haters crack me up - the job of president is one which will never make everyone happy, and comes with more responsibilities than one person can handle. Mr. Bush asks for advice from his cabinet and military leaders, and then makes difficult decisions based on the information he has available. No one president will ever be perfect, and I say to all you whiners, "you try it," and stop second guessing all the shoulda coulda woulda crap. George Bush is doing the best job possible under circumstances he has been dealt, and although I certainly don't like everything which has happened during his presidency, I sure as hell feel much better knowing the alternative would have been way worse. Give the man the credit he deserves, and respectfully acknowledge the fact he cannot create a perfect world for all you losers who think the govt. should take care of you!

To Taxpayer wrote on Jan 24, 2007 4:01 PM:The circumstances that W. has to deal with are from his own decisions. No one dealt him these circumstances. He has made numerous poor choices. His cabinet is chosen by him to give him advice. He has had numerous cabinet members resign. W. refuses to takes anyones advice on issues, therefore the turnover in cabinet members. The arms inspectors reported there were no WMD's did he listen...Here's your sign.

Peter To My boy enlisted: wrote on Jan 24, 2007 4:08 PM:GWB was not elected by the people, he lost that vote, he was elected by the electoral college.

OSIDE wrote on Jan 24, 2007 4:22 PM:Tax Payer- don't be so naive. It's perfectly obvious this government has never been about taking care of the people. It has and always will be about taking care of the Bush family & friends INTERE$T$.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 24, 2007 4:37 PM:The President is empowered to do many things, first and foremost as the commander-in-chief to protect our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, which includes dealing with foreign entities and forces, which pose a threat to our way of living. Today's threats aren't like those of previous "conflicts." Our world has become more connected and sometimes our enemies are convoluted and complex and come in many shapes and forms. While unpopular to many Americans, President Bush’s intent is clear; to preserve our dominance as a world leader, not a nation of followers, cowering in fear. By this, he wants the US to control our own destiny and not be subjected to the whims of puritanical leaders and zealous religious fanatics and terrorist organizations. While the war on terrorism is wearing on the American public, history will prove that his was the appropriate course of action, rather than allowing the anti-capitalist, anti-democratic, jihadists to press their “will” and wage “warfare” on those they oppose. The constitution affords all of us the opportunity to voice opinion and it is healthy to do so. Conversely, as a nation, we should also have to foresight to see the bigger picture, something many Americans fail to do. Unfortunately, we have many “band-wagoners” whose viewpoint is swayed by popular beliefs, whether founded or unfounded.

to Tax Payer wrote on Jan 24, 2007 4:58 PM:Who exactly is whining to the government for a handout? I never hear anybody whining for a handout? You guys keep saying that as if by repeating it will come true. Give specifics, and while you're at it give specifics as to how and why the alternative to George Bush would have been "way worse". Otherwise you sound stoooopid. How's this sound, "We'd be way better if it weren't George Bush?"

quinnie wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:06 PM:hey GFN... it's not a 20% drop in oil usage. it's a drop in PROJECTED oil usage over the next 10 years. thats like making the size of the pie graph smaller, but it sounds good.

quinnie wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:27 PM:greg you need to update your calendar. Bush has preserved our dominance as world leader by allowing massive outsourcing. By forcing the people to cower in fear of terrorism his government has been stripping our civil rights. this is the president who office says basically "dissent for us is voice to the enemy" and signed a law enforcing that. We have no control over our destiny we will be forced into SPP servitude in the next few years. the war on terrorism has been disproven to be a war to stop the creation of a non-isreali controlled Mid-east economic union. most of the constitution was shelved in defense of the patriot act(s) and when the SPP comes that document will be a museum peace. the USA is pressing their will, as is Isreal on otherwise peaceful people. most don't see the bigger picture because that flag waving in your faces is blurring your vision. this is a great country. especially when we have a peaceful government that upholds the will of the people as is their JOB.

El Guero wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:30 PM:You Bush-lovers crack me up. You support a president who squandered our life savings, not to mention the lives of U.S. soldiers, on a reckless and unnecessary war, and has presided over the largest trade deficit and national debt in history and all you can do is complain about the 'circumstances he was dealt.' You're a funny lot. It's a pity you're (Ron would say 'your') so committed.

Ron wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:32 PM:All i can say is: The Democrats now have the ball.... but can they dribble?

quinnie wrote on Jan 24, 2007 5:37 PM:no ron the democrats may have the ball, but corporate america has the airpump

For the next 200 years wrote on Jan 24, 2007 6:01 PM:That is how long I predict that the USA will be paying for this Iraq war. Now this president wants to balance the budget. W...we had a balanced budget until you got your hands on it. Typical Bush, more talk less substance.

GFN wrote on Jan 24, 2007 6:23 PM:Thanks Quinne...Greg, you are boring, nothing new, fresh or inspiring. The same old garbage; let others fight and die for me so I can sit on my big fat couch and not be bothered. We have set the world on fire, Greg...we are all in this battle now.

morty wrote on Jan 24, 2007 7:13 PM:what does it matterwho is spending.would you whiners rather have kerry spending??show me ho is perfect an i willl vote for him.maybe ben laudin.

susan wrote on Jan 24, 2007 7:26 PM:To quote from "My Fair Lady"....."Words, words, words, I'm so sick of words......show me!" Why should anybody believe what our Commander in Thief has to say based on his previous utterances? And now suddenly he's the big environmentalist ? What a laugh. His administration has spent the last 6 years gutting every environmental law passed previously and vigorously opposing any new ones proposed. And now, to really sock it to the middle class, he wants to TAX my health care benefits which have been guaranteed to my by contract with my employer? This man has no shame. So pardon me now as I leave my computer to go throw up.

quinnie wrote on Jan 24, 2007 9:58 PM:one thing we all have to consider that a pullout will not end the war no more than adding more troops will. our troops are not really the ones doing anything but security and bullet catching for special forces and then the private security firms like blackhawk, erinys, aegis and others. these are the "private contractors" who are actually mercenary forces for kbr and haliburton not bound by international law. they get paid over 1000 dollars a day, will not be the ones sleeping in grape day park in ten years and are well protected by our own armed forces. Does everyone here realize that this war started 16 years ago this month? its just two different ground battles. we never stopped bombing that country. we never stopped killing their citizens nor their armies. we never stopped recon in planning this operation for these corporations to profit. The bases are built. google "anaconda" and go from there. they are *permanent*. the airfields are permanent. there will never be a withdrawal. we the people have to start thinking differently. put down the flags and start actually WORKING to stop this war. this happens with education, investigation and action. it is us against out political parties. the inaction and fence sitting on both sides is harmful to this nation. but worse than any terrorist, illegal alien, homeless person or insurgent is our ignorance and apathy.

esteban wrote on Jan 27, 2007 9:45 AM:I'm not a fan of the way Bush has been running this war...I would bomb Baghdad back into the stone age...but crime is down, interest rates are down, and unemployment is at an all time low. Plus he's trying to keep us secure. But if you want more 9/11's, open borders, and higher taxes to pay for all the social programs and gov't handouts...then vote democrat.

Rumblfish wrote on Jan 27, 2007 9:56 PM:I have yet to hear what the Democrats would have done after 9/11? I guess they would rather have just let the Taliban rule Afghanistan and provide a safe haven for the likes of Osama Bin Laden and let tinpot dictators like the late Saddam Hussein continue to allow state sponsored terrorism in the Middle East and play hide-and-seek headgames with the United Nations over chemical and nuclear weapons. I'm tired of hearing the Bush administration this and the Bush administration that out of the mouths of Starbucks-sipping Democrats who have no solution of their own. I suppose they will say Al Gore (who really won the election, doncha know) could have done a better job. Or, even more delusional, that 9/11 wouldn't have happened with the Dems in power. There are those conspiracy theory lefties who stoop even lower to say that 9/11 was an inside job. Bahahaha! And you thought Michael Moore was three bricks short of a load! Get a Grip people!