By Justin D. Norris
Contributor
The recent visit of President Bush on September 22 was a stomach-twirling, sensational surprise for all. People from both parties were pumped to see the President as he focused his attention on flood-ravaged western Pennsylvania. With introductions by pro-golfer Arnold Palmer and Pittsburgh Steeler, Lynn Swann, the President found himself at home with a cheering crowd of nearly ten thousand people.
Bush’s easing poise on the podium made the crowd comfortable as he moved from one issue to another, giving a four year strategy plan with his partner, Dick Cheney. “Washington [is supposed] to solve problems not pass them on to future presidents and future generations,” said the president. He reaffirmed his commitment to the nation with his own personal integrity saying, “where I stand, what I believe, and who I am is going to lead this nation for the next four years.”
The President began with Medicare promising to create preventative measures for patients and allow prescription coverage in the program by 2006. Bush state that patients should not have to pay $100,000 for heart surgery and then not have the ability to cover the medications to prevent the condition.
President Bush moved on to economy to declare that it had been going south along with the stock market in a recession in the first three-quarters of his presidency. He alluded to the ENRON scandal as he commented that CEO’s were not being truthful or responsible citizens, and he gave the crowd hope in the economy as he commented on falling national unemployment rates. “The national unemployment rate is at 5.4%, lower than the average in 1970, 1980, and 1990,” said Bush. He spoke about falling prices, mortgage rates, and how the economy was growing.
Amid all the money talk, Bush moved on to his foreign policy when he said, “If America chose uncertainty and weakness in this decade, [it] would drift toward tragedy. This will not happen on my watch.” His clear and positive plan would reflect his compassionate conservative philosophy that would include a government that was designed to help people, not run people’s lives.
Education struck a cord with much of the affirming crowd as he stated, “I believe every child can learn. I went to Washington to challenge a bigotry of low expectations.” His implemented challenge was the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,” that raised standards for children. He marked Pennsylvania as sixth in the nation where 81% of children are meeting higher standards.
If you would like to get more information on President Bush’s platform or any other candidate you can visit OnTheIssues [http://www.ontheissues.org], an organization that provides, “non-partisan information for voters in the Presidential election, so that votes can be based on issues rather than on personalities and popularity.”