The Resurrection of Tricky Dick
And so the dance of truth begins between the imperial White House and investigators seeking answers to questions few want to give. 31 years ago this same time of year marked the crescendo to another corrupt administration; that of Richard M. Nixon. Both Republicans and Democrats alike were fed up with his criminal acts and a gallant bipartisan group of politicans marched to the White House to feel him out. Nixon rebuffed their overtures, but eventually chose to resign in lieu of formal impeachment proceedings in the Senate. He was later pardoned by followup President Gerry Ford which was viewed by many as an error or prearranged condition for Ford being vice-president. It allowed Nixon time to rehabilitate his image to that of the senior statesman, but he could never fully accomplish the image change due to documents being released from the National Archives which left a permanent blemish on his credibility.
President Bush is experiencing the same dilemma. He just can't seem to get his facts straight prior to emphatic statements and ends up being regarded as either falsifying or addled, whichever is worse is up to the listener. Recently he still clung to the idea, on the Tim Russert Show, that Sadaam had ordered the WMD inspectors out in 2003 when in reality, it was him, the President of the United States, that had accomplished this. Russert was a bit taken back, but had managed to massage Bush all evening since the President's next stop was the Neil Cavuto Show, another brilliant stage production of puppy love to the far right. Regardless, the President does not appear commanding and looks more like the stress of too many shenanigans is starting to get to him.
Another recent revelation emanating from Downing Street has caused the White House spinmasters to work overtime. This particular document included a sticky legal problem Downing Street had to deal with since "America is set upon a war." The problem was how to enter the war in lieu of signed treaties and obligations. Obviously, Bush had already been regarded as disposed to war in lieu of diplomatic overtures, but England was having reservations since her position is not quite as flippant as Bush's. The main portion, however, dealt with the United States have no viable post-war Iraq plan and that equally concerned the British policymakers. Winning the war is one thing, but the second war is reconstruction commensurate with soliciting the hearts and minds of Iraqis, in this case. No studies had been committed nor special units organized to consider the various possibilites and dilemmas. This by itself is enough to give a General gray hair and elevate the blood pressures, but the President wanted his war regardless of the consequences.
It would appear George W. Bush Jr. has been expecting a comeuppance for quite awhile. He has been visibly more nervous, more agitated and has been making a tour of the friendly Fox Network folks who literally schmooze over him. Major bills touted by him are running into difficulty at the same time influential Republicans are backing away from Iraq. Social Security reform has bit the dust and the President has to be considering what his next move with be since the Terry Schiavo backlash will be intensifying after the release of her autopsy results today indicating persistent vegitative state, blindness, half of a normal brain and no abuse found. A grave strategic error by Bush compounded by the House voting today to limit the Patriot Act substantially. The President is finally realizing a comeuppance is near since he never fully explains any of his policy nor allows substantial questioning to occur. There are too many questions lately that Bush refuses to field and he often has to be bailed out when doing so, ala Prime Minster Blair saving him on the Iraq question during their joint press conference.
The time for this administration to come honest, if possible, is overdue. Millions have been wasted on corporate handouts during this war with many contractors being somewhat dishonest in accounting. Halliburton was awarded two bonuses worth $9 million and $12 million for a job well done while auditors are still poring over their mistake ridden books and investigators are seeking anwers to suitcases given to contractors full of green back dollars. There's something rotten in D.C. and it isn't the vegetables decomposing in the alley. Its time to call many in front of a select committe and have both Bush and Cheney testify under oath separately instead of the Bobbsey Twin routine accomplished prior at the 911 commission.
American dead now count up to 1705 and there will be more unless the truth to this matter comes out. There will be more Americans suffering from budget cutbacks with that saved money going god knows where or to whom for what. Shades of Nixon return again.
Its true, Nixon is tan, rested and ready for action. He is alive and well counseling in the White House to drones who obey every command. Now, don't mention that word constitution since it sends shivers down their collective weak spines. It is sadly and slowly coming to an end, but not soon enough for those who have died. For that alone, President Bush should be forced to walk Arlington National Cemetery four times daily and talk with families of those lost.