Rhetorical Outbursts

As a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative, I would like to make a quick comment on President Bush’s choice to replace outgoing Chief of Staff Andrew Card with current Office of Management and Budget Director Joshua Bolten: Is this a joke?

Joshua Bolten has overseen fiscal irresponsibility of the highest order during his three year tenure at OMB. When Bush sold us on deficit spending, his main selling point was that deficit spending was proper in a time of recession.

First, the good news: The recession is over! Whether it was the tax cuts, the deficit spending, or time itself, something cured the recession, and President Bush has taken to the streets to make sure that America knows the economy is good…

Now, the bad news: We are still in deficit spending! While the president and his staff are scratching their heads trying to figure out why the populace still thinks the economy is in the dumper, their fiscal policies send no other message. If deficit spending was sold as necessary because of recession, and if we are still in deficit spending mode, what other message do you expect to send?

I have my doubts on whether the Republicans will, or even deserve to, remain in power following the November elections. Appointments like this only serve to deepen my doubts. Joshua Bolten may be a fine individual, but his office has abdicated the throne of fiscal conservatism over the past few years.