The biennial veto

Every other year on average, W. Bush uses one of his most powerful presidential powers: the veto. He has thus far used this power at about 10% the rate of most modern presidents. Twice he used it to stop stem cell research. What is his hot-button issue this time? Childrens' health. He would have none of it. The excuse: to control spending. But what of the numerous bills that resulted in $4 trillion in net spending during his term? Why would a government chose to leave children without health care as the best way to meet the budget? To any rational leader, the most logical place to save money would be to trim down on the cost of war.