This Date in Bush History 12/30: Ignoring Ben Franklin's Example

[BlueButGlad2]

On This Date in Bush History 12/30: Ignoring Ben's Example

"I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit. In this piece it was my design to have endeavored to convince young persons that no qualities were so likely to make a poor man's fortune as those of probity and integrity." Benjamin Franklin, 1741

2003: United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Patrick Fitzgerald, is appointed as Special Counsel to investigate the betrayal of the identity of a CIA employee, reportedly by senior officials within the Bush administration. Valerie Plame's employment at the CIA was leaked to the press.

2005: Congress had earlier passed a law providing that scientific information "prepared by government researchers and scientists shall be transmitted uncensored and without delay". Perhaps thinking that he was a King instead of a president, President Bush signs a statement on this date indicating that he could withhold such information for a variety of reasons. For example, the information might be withheld if the disclosure to Congress would interfere with the workings of the administration (from the Boston Globe, as reported by Charlie Savage).

"The greatest monarch on the proudest throne, is oblig'd to sit upon his own arse." Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac, 1737

Excerpted from the FAREWELL TOUR of the 2008 Bush Calendar: http://www.PoorGeorgesAlmanac.com/onThisDate.htm (These posts end TUESDAY)

[ladjf]

1. If Ben is correct, Bush is in deep trouble. (nt)