By R. James Towe

I’m saddened by this: President Bush might be accused of irresponsible budgetary behavior.

This year’s proposal provides Americans a budget of $3 trillion dollars, with a deficit of around $400 billion.* The President proposes cutting off your right leg, and maybe an arm, if Congress allows him.

All the old favorites, like Medicare and Medicaid programs for the elderly would be cut (growth slowed). But, oh thankfully, $2 billion dollars would be set aside to help China and India with technology for cleaner energy use. We Americans currently borrow from China to keep our happy lifestyles humming along, including the stimulus plan everyone is so fond of. Yet at the expense of the American taxpayer, we’re helping an unfriendly state with clean air technology. All this so China can one day come back and challenge our regional supremacy? What an idea.

This President looks sincere when he shows tears on stage and, I believe, expressed sincere concern for families following 9/11. But taking actions that hurt our national interest: promoting an irresponsible, maverick state like China, is the height poor judgment. Is Bush in control, or is someone else actually pulling the strings? Dick Cheney? I thought he was a patriot too. Maybe I was wrong on that one, as I’ve been thrown for a loop with the Administration, not once, but many times.

I supported G.W. whole-heartedly in his battle against the insane Al Gore, are the elitist opportunist John Kerry. But since those days, no longer do I defend many of the President’s suppositions. I can’t defend him, on grounds of poor management if nothing else. I still think the Iraq War was a noble proposition, but as many things Bush, handled poorly. The President embraced the crooked Ahmed Chalabi and defended the oil ministry, while looters raided Baghdad museums of treasure dating thousands of years. Looks like the same brilliance has shone its light on the budget.

Indeed, West Texas intellect is in control of national affairs.

*Figures from Fox Business