’’I’m Just a Bug Man’’ is a story about the rift between House Majority Leader DeLay and Pres. Bush as reported in Time Magazine. Under heat for not including the low income folk in his latest tax cut, Bush wanted help. The Senate passed a tax cut bill to do just that. Then Bush
told the House to write the same bill.
DeLay objected. Instead, the House approved a bill with much more in tax cuts, making sure there were more breaks
for the rich, as well as covering the low income gap. Bush
complained. DeLay would not back down and told Press
Secy Fleisher this.
Bush has tried to play off arch Conservative DeLay to appease the more moderate House members and public. DeLay
has been shown up more than a few times. DeLay is a staunch Republican. He is also in a position as Majority
Leader where Bush should not be trying to manipulate his
actions. For, DeLay has votes in the House and along with Speaker Hastert runs the show.
This latest incident shows how Bush tries to bully everyone from his bully pulpit. Fortunately, he can’t coerce the Senate all the time. Even Republican Senators
have insisted they have their own say on many issues. But,
the House has been taken for granted because of the strong GOP membership majority. The House usually gives Bush all he wants and more. But, Bush’s assuming this means he controls the House is wrong. DeLay makes not bones
about this.
The Constitution created a triumvarate of power in the Federal government system with checks and balances. Each
branch is to work independently as well as cooperatively.
Bush’s monarchistic style means he tries to negate this
balance system. This is wrong. While riding his post
Iraq-war win popularity, no one is invincible.
DeLay is a bug man. But, in stinging, he is letting Bush know that almighty control does not exist, at least in the
taken-for-granted House. While not agreeing with many of
his positions, I admire DeLay’s forthrightness. His refusal to be a puppet helps maintain the checks and balances that Bush wants to negate. I anticipate more
fights as Bush’s popularity wanes. While DeLay and Hastert have refused to call for a House investigation of the missing Weapons of Mass Destruction, eventually they will
have to do so. Humpty Bush may have a great fall.
control