Clark on Open Government

[kiahzero]

Not sure if this has been posted here or not (I stumbled across it on http://altercation.msnbc.com">Altercation):

http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2004/01/clark011604.html

"I'm here this morning to talk about the importance of open and honest government - and about how the persistent pattern of secrecy in the Bush White House undermines it. For three years, George W. Bush has stonewalled America. For three years, he's put the special interests above the national interests. He's sealed records, cut short investigations, invoked executive privilege, and shut the American people out of the government - creating one of the most secretive presidencies in our nation's history. The record speaks for itself. "

<snip>

"Most recently, President Bush has refused to turn over all relevant White House, State Department, CIA, and National Security Council records to the September 11th Investigative Commission - keeping the Commission and the American people from getting to the truth about what happened that day. Yet, within 24 hours after former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill criticized the President's leadership, the Bush Administration was calling for an investigation. The bottom line: if you're not of the special interests or for the special interests, don't bother ringing the doorbell at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - because no one's going to answer the door. Mr. Bush, it's time you let America in, because the White House doesn't belong to you - it belongs to the American people."

<snip>

"We're the party of accessibility and accountability. They're the party of secrecy and special interests. This is just another way to draw the line between us.

George W. Bush has created a government of the special interests, for the special interests, and by the special interests. I'm going to create a government for the people, of the people, and by the people - and show the American people what a higher standard of leadership is all about."

<snip>

I think it's a good statement, and he plans to live up to it. He's releasing:

* Military records from the Army, including performance reports.

* Financial records, including tax returns, financial disclosure form submitted to the FEC; this will detail all the boards he's sat on, his investments, and information on the other businesses he's been involved with.

* A file of all his paid speaking engagements since he left the military

* Records from the company he was "registered to represent before the federal government" (I believe that is referring to Axciom)

* Transcripts of Congressional testimony

I'm impressed, but then again, I'm biased. What do you guys think?

On edit: http://clark04.com/readingroom/">Wes Clark\'s Reading Room... just found the link. Perusing now.

[For PaisAn]

1. I'm impressed

Would be nice if all candidates followed suit.

[Gato Moteado]

2. he's the next president of the USA is what i think!

in a perfect world dennis kucinich would be pres, but i'll take general wesley clark any day of the week.

[MrSlayer]

3. More people should really check out his message.

Instead of harping on someone he voted for 30 years ago. I've watched everyone speak and I've read all the websites and Clark is clearly the best guy for the job. I've actually gotten my neo-con, Republican loving father to check out his message and he says he would actually vote for Clark over Bush. That's saying something, my dad is hard core Republican.

[Jerseycoa]

4. I'm impressed

Every single day of this campaign. :)

[kiahzero]

5. I think this puts to rest some of the fears

Wasn't there one board that some of the anti-Clark people kept saying he was on, even though it was a Computer Science position?

He's not on that board.

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. I'm biased

and impressed. :)

[kiahzero]

7. Narcissistic Kick (n/t)

[magatte]

8. admirative kick .... :)

:kick:

[Qutzupalotl]

9. People, this is why we like the man.

Leading by example. Let's see Bush follow suit!

:kick: