WP: In Minn., Bush Takes a Cue from Clinton (?)

[DeepModem Mom]

In Minn., Bush Takes a Cue From Clinton

Bite-Size Proposals on Internet Access, Fuel Cells and Medical Records Highlighted

By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 27, 2004; Page A05


MINNEAPOLIS, April 26 -- President Bush on Monday borrowed a technique popularized by predecessor Bill Clinton: the bite-size presidential initiative.

Bush has campaigned and governed, for the most part, by emphasizing big issues such as tax cuts and national security. His aides were critical of the Clinton administration's style of injecting the presidency into every manner of demonstration project and pilot program.

But with a federal budget deficit limiting his options and a campaign-year Congress unlikely to pass major initiatives, Bush is highlighting some of the same small-bore issues that enthralled his predecessor. Monday, he tackled three Clinton favorites: electronic medical records, hydrogen fuel cells and broadband Internet access. All three technology initiatives have the virtue of being high-concept but low-cost.

At a speech to the American Association of Community Colleges, Bush proposed an initiative to rid the nation of paper medical records by making sure all Americans have electronic health files within 10 years. He announced that recipients had been chosen for $350 million in grants to develop hydrogen fuel cells for cars. And he urged tax incentives to encourage the spread of broadband technology so all Americans can get high-speed Internet access....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44653-2004Apr26.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. The pResident is treading on thin ice, here.

"The 21st-century health care system is using a 19th-century paperwork system," Bush said, citing illegible prescriptions, lost X-rays and scattered records.

Bush, who will plug his idea for health care records again in a speech Tuesday, was welcomed by the community college group, though attendees said they were uncertain what their role would be in Bush's proposals. "I was pleased to hear he's supporting community colleges," said Robert L. McSpadden, president of Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Fla. As for hydrogen cells, McSpadden said, "that's beyond anything I can understand."
(snip)

How is _Bush going to keep anyone from asking him to explain things like "hydrogen cells," etc.?

Thomas R. Bailey, who runs the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, said Bush presented a "perfectly reasonable proposal." But, he added, "was this really the place to do it?"

As the association members pondered that question, Bush was off to raise $1 million for the Republican National Committee at a private home in Edina, Minn. About 110 people contributed $25,000 a couple to join Bush for lunch under a tent at the home of real estate developer David Frauenshuh. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that in preparation for Bush's visit to Edina, the streets were swept, potholes were filled and a statue of "Peanuts" character Lucy was erected in front of the Frauenshuh home.
(snip)

Thanks for the article, DeepModem Mom.


Grow up, W.