President Bush's Approval Ratings

The media frequently cites President Bush's low approval ratings without explaining the cause. Or more accurately incorrectly attributes his low approval ratings to the prosecution of the war on terrorism or another administration policy of which the media disapproves. The problem with that theory is the people who would disapprove of winning the war were not going to approve of President Bush no matter what. I think we can safely say that after the closely decided 2000 election there was a sizable percentage who would not approve of President Bush even if he found a cure for cancer. Where President Bush has seen his approval ratings tumble has been among his base. How has he lost the base? By trying to please the far left, which was never going to win him approval anyways. By being everybody in congress' buddy and refusing to veto any spending measure regardless of how egregiously wasteful. Basically by not being true to conservative principles. His approval ratings are about to go lower. He is losing folks like me who have begrudgingly continued to support him. How did he lose my approval? Here's how:

President George W. Bush today announced recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awarded by the President "to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." President Bush will honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., has worked throughout his career to improve the lives of those suffering from neurological disorders. His groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his inspiring efforts to help America's youth fulfill their potential have strengthened our Nation.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., has dedicated his life to expanding the horizons of human knowledge. His efforts to advance our understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS have brought hope and healing to millions around the world.

Tom Lantos was a champion of human rights. The only Holocaust survivor to serve in the Congress, he devoted himself to securing liberty for oppressed people around the world and became a powerful witness for the importance of freedom.

General Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), is one of our Nation's most accomplished and respected military officers. His selfless service and visionary leadership have helped keep our Nation safe.

Donna Edna Shalala is one of our Nation's most distinguished educators and public officials. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans can enjoy lives of hope, promise, and dignity.

Laurence H. Silberman has devoted his life to promoting, enforcing, and defending the rule of law. He has been a stalwart guardian of the Constitution, and his work to strengthen our national security institutions has made Americans safer.

What would motivate President Bush to award the nations highest civil honor to a person (Shalala) who has worked so hard against some of the things Bush purports to believe in? I'll still argue that Bush was preferable to the other choice in 2000 or 2004, but he has finally lost my support.