Democratic Talking Points

National Guardless--Last week the Federal government began an 11-day training exercise to determine America's readiness for terrorist attacks and major disasters. So far the exercises have shown that the National Guard is short 62% of the necessary trucks; 73% of the necessary helicopters; and 54% of the necessary communications gear. Sounds like it's time to create a Department of Homeland Security.

The Great Decider?--Whose decision was it anyway to send Andrew Card and Alberto Gonzales to John Ashcroft's hospital bed? I thought it was an error in judgment on somebody's part, until I heard Card's explanation: "We were just there to wish him well."
That's what I call compassionate conservatism in action. No one is taking credit yet for dispatching these angels of mercy. Some suggest Karl Rove. But this was a BIG decision and all fingers point to the Decider in Chief.

The Big Picture--Medicare drug plan premiums have risen 13% since last year when the new Medicare prescription drug program went into effect. In addition, retail prices for the most prescribed brand-name medications have risen an average of 6.8% compared to just 3% for wholesale prices. According to the health insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies, we're not seeing the big picture. I guess we just have to look at the big picture through glasses with dollar bills for lenses in order to see what they see.

Who Wins Worst?--Jimmy Carter has stated that the current administration is “the worst in history” when it comes to international relations. Jimmy's expertise doesn't extend much beyond peanuts, but he is qualified to comment on who is the worst president in American history. In fact, he is without peer. Let's have a contest. Email us who you think is the worst President in American history--King George or Saint Jimmy.

Behind the Hateball--Last week's Gallup Poll shows 68% of all Americans favor the Gay Hate Crimes bill that President Bush is threatening to veto. Interestingly, 60% of all Republicans favor this legislation and 57% of all conservatives. If Karl Rove weren't so concerned about being indicted, he might have pointed out these little polling statistics to his boss.