December 5, 1995: Open Lines

Art Bell opens the phone lines for wide-ranging discussions covering current events including the Bosnia deployment and President Clinton's budget battle with Congress. The show explores the escalating military commitment in Bosnia, with troop numbers already increasing beyond the promised 20,000 to potentially 40,000 personnel despite assurances of limited involvement. Callers discuss concerns about mission creep and the likelihood of extended American involvement in the Balkans conflict. The conversation covers President Clinton's veto of the Republican balanced budget plan and his surprisingly high approval ratings despite controversial decisions and ongoing investigations. Art reads historical documents including Clinton's 1969 letter to Colonel Eugene Holmes regarding his Vietnam War draft deferment, providing insight into the president's character and attitudes toward military service. Callers share perspectives on domestic politics, foreign policy challenges, and the ethics investigation into House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The discussion examines the political dynamics of the budget battle and the possibility of another government shutdown in mid-December. This open-lines format serves as a barometer of public opinion during a period of significant political tension and military deployment, revealing diverse viewpoints on American leadership and international commitments.