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I'm reading "COBRA II...The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq" by Michael R. Gordon (chief military correspondent for the NYT since 1985) and Gen. Bernard E. Trainor (retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen.).
On page 120 I read "At a December 18, 2002 gathering...Saddam had approved a new plan to concentrate on the defense of the Iraqi capitol, Baghdad. The scheme reflected Saddam's desire to protect his REGIME, at all costs. An impenetrable Red Zone would be established around the capitol and Saddam's loyal Republican Guard would defend it to the death."
He was not concerned with protecting his nation nor it's citizens. Just his hold on power. And right then it hit me how like Saddam's Republican Guard our current Republican administration, congress, and corporate media have become. Politics trumps everything. They must remain in power at all costs.
Every issue, every situation, every crisis, is viewed through the lens of politics and maintaining their hold on power. Which issues can be exploited to strengthen that hold. Which ones should be covered up and swept under the rug. They never make mistakes and the loyal Republican Guard would never even suggest that they do. This would show weakness. They reward the corporations and the wealthy who keep them in power with tax breaks, "corporate welfare", and relaxation or non-enforcement of regulations that might hinder that continued accumulation of wealth. Thus ensuring that the coffers of the Republican Party continue to be fed, and thus ensuring that they stay in power.
So, congratulations, Mr. Bush, on your Republican Guard. Loyal to a fault. And may God have mercy on the rest of us.
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