# Ok, I agree...Bush is a frigging moron (Bush Signs Schiavo Bill) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 21, 2005, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591 "2005-03-21T17:30:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/1 "2005-03-21T17:30:14Z")
My first pit thread here, and I know this issue has been beaten to death already both here and in GD but I saw [this article](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,150958,00.html) and…well, just wanted to vent some. What the hell is wrong with these people?? A special emergency session? Bush rushing back from the ranch to sign it? Here is the part that set me off: > [@](#): > > The president cut short a visit to his ranch in Crawford, Texas and returned to the White House for a chance to sign the measure, which he did at 1:11 a.m. EST. > > “In cases like this one, where there are **serious questions and substantial doubts** , our society, our laws and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life,” Bush said in a statement after signing the bill. WHAT fucking serious questions or substantial doubts?? Ok, I always knew Congress was packed with morons that had more time on their hands than brains and not enough real work to do…but christ, the president is an idiot too. Its times like this when I think the republic is doomed…and might not be worth saving. ☹ Anyway, feel free to vent all you like. Its mostly out of my system now. I’m just stunned I guess that people really are stupider than even I, cynic that I am, thought possible. -XT ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/2 "2005-03-21T17:44:42Z")
Just wait. If this one fails, what do you think will happen? How far do you think politicians will go know that they’ve put themselves into it? How far can they go? ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/3 "2005-03-21T17:51:30Z")
> [@Harborwolf](#): > > Just wait. If this one fails, what do you think will happen? How far do you think politicians will go know that they’ve put themselves into it? How far can they go? So it can still “fail”? That sounds promising - could someone explain what has to happn for the bill to “fail”? (Or direct me to the appropriate thread - there must be more Schiavo threads now than there were 9/11 threads on, um, 9/11.) ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/4 "2005-03-21T17:51:48Z")
Well hell, if **xtisme** can pit Bush, I guess I can defend him. Gulp. Here goes… I don’t think that what the President did was right or wise, but from the standpoint of practical politics, I don’t think he had much choice in the matter. His brother Jeb has already committed himself so deeply to this issue as Governor of Florida that I don’t see any way Bush could have let this go without seeming to undercut his brother and his supporters. (Of course, you know what I think of both Bush brothers for deliberately pandering to such supporters on such issues and ending up in this position, but I’ll let somebody else handle that part.) ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/5 "2005-03-21T17:53:50Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > So it can still “fail”? That sounds promising - could someone explain what has to happn for the bill to “fail”? (Or direct me to the appropriate thread - there must be more Schiavo threads now than there were 9/11 threads on, um, 9/11.) I didn’t mean the bill would fail, but the attempt in federal court. In other words, what happens if the federal judge agrees with every other bloody judge before him and orders the feeding tube removed…again? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/6 "2005-03-21T17:58:04Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Well hell, if **xtisme** can pit Bush, I guess I can defend him. Gulp. Here goes… > > I don’t think that what the President did was right or wise, but from the standpoint of practical politics, I don’t think he had much choice in the matter. His brother Jeb has already committed himself so deeply to this issue as Governor of Florida that I don’t see any way Bush could have let this go without seeming to undercut his brother and his supporters. > > (Of course, you know what I think of both Bush brothers for deliberately pandering to such supporters on such issues and ending up in this position, but I’ll let somebody else handle that part.) And there it is. When faced with any given dilemma, well, by golly, do what’s advantageous politically, regardless of the legality, constitutionality or humanity. These self-serving fuckers all need to be thrown to the lions. ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/7 "2005-03-21T18:05:05Z")
Wait, you think this is really about saving Schiavo’s life? HAHAHA Seriously. Just another example of the Bush administration using something for political gain. At the same time Scott McClellan is insisting to reporters that this is not about politics, but about saving the sanctity of life, or some such horseshit, Republican Senators are being given talking points on how to address the issue for political gain. Both sides of the mouth indeed. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/8 "2005-03-21T18:06:28Z")
Well, basically, Bush signed it because he couldn’t afford politically not to. Now, if SCOTUS throws this out (which it will) he can throw his hands up and say, “I tried,” much like Jeb did with Terri’s Law, which was thrown out by Florida SCOTUS. I wonder how many congressmen went along with this because they actually believe the Schindler’s delusions, and how many went along so no political enemy can point to them and say, “S/He wanted to starve a disabled woman to death!!!” Frankly, I think Michael Schiavo needs to do more interviews. The Schindlers have made all sorts of accusations, and he’s tried to keep this private. Maybe if the public can actually _see_ Terri, and not some heavily edited tape, it may go a long way toward convincing people who are acting out of emotions and not facts. ---
**Author:** ![yanceylebeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yanceylebeef/32/12290_2.png) [@yanceylebeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yanceylebeef)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/9 "2005-03-21T18:08:16Z")
Well, I guess we now know what it takes to get Bush off Vacation. Osama determined to attack in US? No worries, he’s got brush to clear Start a war? His job was done, time to head to Camp David. Tsunami stikes, killes hundereds of thousands? More brush to clear. Political grandstanding to shore up your base? What time do you need him there? One thirty in the morning? No problem, anything I can do to help, regardless of the fact that in 1999 the then Governor signed a bill that allows Texas hospital to pull the plug on patients if they can’t pay. Called the [Texas Futile Care Law](http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/HS/content/htm/hs.002.00.000166.00.htm) , [the result this week](http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2005_03_20_digbysblog_archive.html#111134934659869241) was a baby revoved from lilfe support against his mothers wishes. Fucking Hypocrites. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/10 "2005-03-21T18:13:47Z")
Did anyone see the film clip of him arriving back in DC? Man, did he look absolutely pissed!! This is pure politics, plain and simple. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/11 "2005-03-21T18:14:20Z")
> [@Harborwolf](#): > > I didn’t mean the bill would fail, but the attempt in federal court. In other words, what happens if the federal judge agrees with every other bloody judge before him and orders the feeding tube removed…again? I meant “fail” in the sense that it fails to restore the feeding tube. Do I understand correctly that the federal court will now hear the case, and may or may not decide to restore the feeding tube? How long is this process going to take? ---
**Author:** ![Orbifold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/779978/32.png) [@Orbifold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orbifold)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/12 "2005-03-21T18:25:54Z")
Fuck Tom DeLay for having the gall to use his position of authority to assassinate the character of Michael Schiavo, a private citizen who’s committed no crime and who has more of Terri Schiavo’s interests at heart than DeLay ever will. Fuck Bill Frist for selling his professional integrity as a medical doctor for political gain like a three-dollar whore. Fuck George W. Bush for being hypocritical, pandering scum. And just for kicks, fuck the 47 congressional Democrats who voted for this pathetical power-grab. Malicious scum, whores, and panderers: the current U.S. Government. ---
**Author:** ![Harborwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Harborwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harborwolf)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/13 "2005-03-21T18:33:44Z")
> [@Orbifold](#): > > And just for kicks, fuck the 47 congressional Democrats who voted for this pathetical power-grab. Don’t forget the dems that didn’t even bother to show up for the vote. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/14 "2005-03-21T18:39:10Z")
From [here:](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7254897/?GT1=6305) > [@](#): > > Bush promised to “stand on the side of those defending life for all Americans, including those with disabilities.” Now someone tell me again; how many people did W. execute as the govenor of Texas? How many of them were disabled? Is that still considered “defending life”? How are prisoners any less god’s children (or whatever their excuse du jour is) than Terry Schiavo? ---
**Author:** ![zetafunction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/57b2e6/32.png) [@zetafunction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zetafunction)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/15 "2005-03-21T18:41:53Z")
He had a retarded man killed, but _this_ case raises substantial doubts? SHE HAS NO GODDAMNED CEREBRAL CORTEX. I hereby present zetafunction’s Step-by-Step Manual to Slimeball Politics for Republicans: Step 1: First, muddy the waters a bit by making the case sound “complex” when, in fact, it is not. Step 2: Invoke 9/11, Jesus, and/or the Pope. Shamelessly quote Thomas Jefferson for the purpose of destroying states’ rights. Step 3: Just make shit up! The idiots of this country won’t really figure it out or care, because hey, family values jesus culture of life. Step 4: Slander your opponents. After these four steps, you should have successfully deceived the public. ---
**Author:** ![Sample\_the\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8797f3/32.png) [@Sample\_the\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sample_the_Dog)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/16 "2005-03-21T18:46:40Z")
What struck me about the article was the blatantly pro-administration spin. The first paragraph describes the measure as “a bill designed to save the life of a severely brain-damaged woman”. Paragraph 2 starts out by calling it the “Palm Sunday Compromise”. Paragraph 3 notes that Bush “returned to the White House for a chance to sign the measure” (not simply “to sign the measure”) language which implies a relished opportunity. Paragraph 4 cites the Bush “questons and… doubts” quote. The next 3 paragraphs present the parents. Paragraph 8 quotes the sister, who sides with the parents. Paragraph 10 quotes a House Republican who remarks, “As millions of Americans observe the beginning of Holy Week this Palm Sunday we are reminded that every life has purpose and none is without meaning.” A separation-of-powers argument from a Democrat is briefly mentioned, but we have to get halfway down the column before we are informed that "Doctors say Schiavo, 41, is in a persistent vegetative state and will not fully recover from a heart attack she endured 15 years ago. " We then move on to Frist’s description of the bill, followed by 4 paragraphs of input from the parents’ lawyers. Then we get one paragraph of Democrat dissent, before launching back into 4 paragraphs of the pro-feeding-tube rhetoric. And so it goes. The 2004 FL Supreme Court ruling against Jeb is left for last. Why do people read this shit? ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/17 "2005-03-21T18:52:07Z")
1. get a judge to hear the case. Get one from the previous administration. Let him make a ruling as to the points of law in this case. Nod sorrowfully when the ruling to keep the feeding tube comes back. Smile secretly and rub hands with glee. 2. use him as an example of “activist judges” who want to send this country down a moral sewer. Demonize the judicial branch a bit more and Dems too, while you’re at it. 3. Walk away smugly, safe in the notion that now you have a rod with which to beat your political opponents–apparently, Dems are cowards on national defense, desire illicit and licentous lifestyles (see gay marriage) and now we kill helpless people. Personally, I am beginning to like being a demon–the parties are so much livelier! ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/18 "2005-03-21T18:56:17Z")
**Sample:** _What struck me about the article was the blatantly pro-administration spin._ In a Fox News article? I’m shocked. 😉 **Sample:** _Why do people read this shit?_ Because they don’t like bias in the “liberal media”. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/19 "2005-03-21T18:57:39Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > I’m just stunned I guess that people really are stupider than even I, cynic that I am, thought possible. > -XT **Welcome to the party.** Can’t trust any of 'em to do things like engage in actions “for our own good” ( ie the imprecise representations made to sell the invasion of Iraq). Have to treat them all like they’re lower than used snake oil salesmen (present company excluded of course). ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2005, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591/20 "2005-03-21T19:00:15Z")
Okay, who hacked **xtisme’s** account? 😉 In a related vein, [**AmericaBlog**](http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/03/bush-rushes-back-to-dc-ends-vacation.html) notes that Bush’s rush back to DC shows you where his priorities lie: > [@](#): > > Now let’s think about the many other times when Bush couldn’t be bothered to spend an hour or two on an issue and decide if any of them were more important. > > **1. The tsunami victims** – More than 100,000 people died in the worst natural disaster of our lifetime. Millions were left homeless. It happened just after Christmas and hit hard our staunch ally, Thailand. (Many, many Muslims were devastated by this disaster.) Bush couldn’t be bothered to step outside for FIVE minutes and offer his heartfelt sympathy to an event that had the rest of the world riveted and shocked. It took Bush DAYS to do anything, even after his aides had bungled our first offer of aid. > > **2. Investigating 9/11 with Congress** – Bush spent months hemming and hawing and avoiding having to meet with the bipartisan panel trying to look into the worst attack on US soil in history. He finally, grudgingly, spent a few hours but insisted he appear with Cheney by his side, cause they were busy and needed to get this over with. > > **3. Heck, 9/11 itself** … [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-i-agree-bush-is-a-frigging-moron-bush-signs-schiavo-bill/295591.md?page=2)