Meaning: The quote "We do not believe voters gave President Bush a mandate to turn back the clock decades on so many of our legal protections" by Ralph Neas reflects a sentiment of concern and opposition to the policies and actions of President George W. Bush. It suggests that the speaker, Ralph Neas, and likely those whom he represents, do not believe that the election of President Bush should be interpreted as a mandate to dismantle or weaken established legal protections that have been put in place over the years.

Ralph Neas is a well-known civil rights advocate and lobbyist who has been involved in a wide range of social justice issues, including civil rights, healthcare, and environmental protection. He has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration's policies, particularly in areas related to civil rights and legal protections.

The quote can be understood in the context of the political landscape during President Bush's time in office. The Bush administration was known for its conservative stance on many social and legal issues, and it pursued policies that were seen by some as rolling back certain legal protections and regulations that had been put in place in previous decades.

The mention of "turning back the clock decades on so many of our legal protections" suggests a concern that the progress made in establishing legal safeguards and protections for various groups and causes could be eroded or reversed under the leadership of President Bush. This could encompass a wide range of issues, including civil rights, environmental regulations, labor protections, and more.

The phrase "mandate to turn back the clock" implies that the speaker does not believe that the election of President Bush should be interpreted as a broad public endorsement of reversing or weakening existing legal protections. Instead, it suggests that the speaker sees the election as a call to continue progress and maintain the legal safeguards and protections that have been established over time.

This quote encapsulates the sentiment of many individuals and organizations who were concerned about the direction of the country under the Bush administration. It reflects a desire to uphold and defend the legal protections and rights that had been hard-won through years of advocacy and activism.

In summary, the quote by Ralph Neas conveys a strong message of resistance to the potential erosion of legal protections and a call to uphold the progress that has been made in establishing and safeguarding rights and regulations. It reflects a stance of opposition to the policies and actions of the Bush administration, particularly in relation to legal and civil rights protections.