http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/6213Bush's Politics of Betrayal
by Bob Burnett | Mar 20 2007
What do the conviction of Scooter Libby, the revelation that wounded Iraq veterans are receiving poor treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the firing of eight US attorneys have in common? They're further proof the Bush Administration has betrayed America.
Betrayal is a strong word that has several meanings: One is "to be unfaithful in guarding, maintaining, or fulfilling." Closely related is "to deceive, misguide, or corrupt." Most of us who oppose the Administration blend these two notions of betrayal: unfaithfulness and deception. Believe George Bush betrayed the oath he swore to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Used the specter of 9/11 to promote his "wartime" power as commander-in-chief, operate as if Congress and the courts did not matter.
These strong feelings originate In August of 2000, when Bush accepted the Republican presidential nomination. He pledged to "to lead this nation to a responsibility era... when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected." Indicated he would govern by a higher standard: "to uphold the honor and dignity" of the presidency. "If you give me your trust, I will honor it."
Looking back on this speech, we see that it wasn't just Bush's words that convinced many Americans he was the best candidate for President. It was the carefully manufactured tone of his campaign that portrayed him as a unique individual with a good education, successful career as a businessman, and family history of service to the nation. We were assured Bush was humble, down-home, and a man of the people. What knit these positive qualities together was his faith: George W. Bush was a true Christian. In a word, Bush was trustworthy.
Looking back on six years of the Bush Administration, it's obvious George Bush is not remotely the person he claimed to be. He deceived the electorate: Instead of ushering in a "responsibility era" he oversaw a period of unparalleled venality. Instead of upholding the laws of the land he ran roughshod over them. Instead of governing from a higher standard he brought dishonor and indignity to the presidency. Instead of proving worthy of America's trust, his conduct led many Americans to disbelieve every word he says. George W. Bush has not merely been a bad President. He has been a treacherous President.
more...
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
