Man of Steel: George W. Bush

Here was the President-elect, George W. Bush, after having met with congressional leaders of both parties, appearing with them at a press conference and standing firm on his plan for a large tax cut.

It was startling in its simplicity and inspiring in its determination.

With the left and the media spinning their current mantra that because the election was so close and Congress is so evenly divided, it is imperative for the president-elect to abandon his platform and "move to the center."

Of course this really means move to the left and break your word, the precise strategy employed by Democrats to force then-President Bush to break his "no new taxes" pledge.

But George W. Bush stood his ground. He didn’t give an inch.

He reiterated his firmly held belief that a cut in marginal tax rates is sound fiscal policy.

When asked if this was, perhaps, merely a position adopted early in the campaign to undercut then-opponent Steve Forbes on the issue, he quietly and confidently replied that he doesn’t take positions on issues for political advantage.

He went on to say that he believed in the importance of tax cuts then and he believes in their importance now, especially with the economy possibly nearing a slow down.

(It should be well-noted that this would be the

In the face of so much pressure being exerted by the left, the president-elect demonstrated his character and backbone by reminding those assembled to remember that "after all, it’s the people’s money and they’re entitled to some of it back."

He added that it was important to eliminate tax barriers to entry into the middle class and suggested that "Republicans and Democrats, I believe, can agree on that."

He also demonstrated his legislative savvy by acknowledging the reality that it may be necessary to pass tax cuts in pieces, beginning with elimination of the marriage penalty and the death tax.

These two measures were passed earlier this year by large bipartisan majorities and both were vetoed by President Clinton.

By starting with these proposals and scoring some early, tangible victories on the tax issue, momentum can be created for action on a reduction in marginal rates.

With polls demonstrating great public support for tax cuts, this is not only a wise policy but a popular one as well.

So it is that we can, for the first time in eight years, look forward to having a president who actually stands for something he believes in.

How refreshing to witness the Man of Steel in action.

E-mail Dan:

Dan Frisa represented New York in the United States Congress and served four terms in the New York State Assembly.

Visit the

• Dec. 19, 11:00 a.m. – KIQ radio in Salt Lake City, Utah.