Sotto Voce
April 18th, 2006Carl Bernstein, half of the reporting duo who broke the story about the Watergate break-in and ultimate conspiracy (with help from a super high up major anonymous source in the FBI) calls for bi-partisan Senate investigation of the Bush administration. It’s in this Vanity Fair piece. Rational, compelling and non-partisan.
I’m sure the fundies on the right will find some kind of bullshit to rant about in the piece, it seems unavoidable that their talking points machine will feed them the lines they can parrot. But they are the minority. Half the country would support impeachment if the President lied.
The difference now (as opposed to 1998) is that there isn’t a Tom Delay figure on the Democratic side. o
April 18th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Well, I’m far from being part of the “fundies on the right,” as I’m not on the right at all. Nor am I on the left … I’m part of that very small group (sadly) that sits in the middle and tends to think pragmatically about issues instead of the party lines.
Look, it is clear that Bush didn’t delibertly lie to go to war. He went to war because he thought it was the “right thing to do.” Period. I think we can all see that he was quite wrong in that decision, along with countless others. So why can’t we just call it the way it is? He’s been a shitty president. He hasn’t broken the law, he’s just been bad at this incredibly important job.
If we continue to drum up these illogical leaps to try to make him seem more evil and corrupt, then the thumpers on the right are going to elect another ‘christian solider’ like Bush.
It is time that we stop trying to paint the right as these sinister old men in backrooms doing dastardly things. Sometimes they are just incompetent and fuck up while trying to do the hardest job in the world.
Let’s stick to the facts: Bush is a horrible leader.
Now, let’s all come to our senses and go elect a grown up in 2008.
April 18th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Jon,
How’s your anxiety level lately? I ask because I know that when I involve myself too much in political discussions my anxiety level seems to go up. I enjoy life less. And all for nothing. We’re stuck with Bush. And the only people who really can do anything about it are other elected officials. Yeah, we like to be all patriotic and say the average citizen can get a voice and do something, and that’s true in one sort of way (if you’re willing to camp outside the President’s Ranch and be arrested mulitple times, etc), but mostly we’re at the mercy of those we elect.
Let the elected non-Republicans call the Republicans to task. And vice-versa. Go outside and take beautiful photos with Leta, or even all alone. Your anxiety will quickly disappear.
- Donny -
April 18th, 2006 at 11:09 am
Yes, and have you seen this???????
http://tinyurl.com/gog28
There’s no low too low for this administration and its wife.
April 18th, 2006 at 11:10 am
Ignorance is bliss, but it’s also irresponsible. It’s dangerous to assume that you can trust anyone when you turn your back on them. (I have four kids, I know that from experience!) That’s why, even when I feel on the verge of ulcers or aneurysms, I keep looking. If I had stopped looking after September 11th had become too much, I’d still think Bush is a great president and everything is O.K.! If I stopped after the Iraq war was declared a “Mission Accomplished!” I wouldn’t know that it’s not even close to that.
And knowing all this means I would never vote for Jeb, or Neil (ha!) or any one else Bush might prop up as the next great whatever…. I won’t have to play catch-up come election time and wonder whose campaign ads to believe.
April 18th, 2006 at 11:12 am
Jon,
How do you keep going every day with all the politics? I’m not asking in a smart-arse way, either. I used to be so engrossed in the daily political goings on across the country, but after the election I was so depressed that I had to remove myself from the situation.
With all the research you do, I just have to wonder if it ever wears you down to the point of feeling hopeless. And if it does, how do you get your spirits back up so that you can go back to read more about the cesspool that is our current administration?
Stephanie
April 18th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Donny, you must be joking. It is the voice of the people that guide our elected officials. If everyone took your advice, another right wing lackey will be taking Bush’s place on the throne in ‘08. If everybody’s blog was about mowing the lawn and taking their kid to the grocery store for gummie bears, there would be multitudes of uninformed morons wandering the country. It is places like this that not only can people be privy to tech tips and kid-rearing experiences, but also pick up a few eye-opening facts about our sitting theocracy that get ignored in a land dominated by the right wing media.
But hey, let’s all zip our lip, sit back and relax as we watch our freedoms and soldiers get slowly buried one by one. Shutting up never did any good for me. Got any success stories on your end?
April 18th, 2006 at 11:36 am
Donny, my anxiety is fine. I grew up on Watergate, so I’m fascinated by the machinations of this White House. I realize that it’s not everybody’s thing, but as a publisher, I want to add my voice of dissent. I don’t agree with what’s been done and I don’t agree with how the House and Senate have ignored their duty.
This site is one of the ways I can voice my dissatisfaction and encourage dialogue.
April 18th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Before you read further, I am going to admit that I do not agree with most of your postings on the current political state nor your criticism of George W. Bush. But my opinion versus yours is simply one for discussion.
I was reading a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman I’ve always had respect for despite being a Democrat
She was quoted as saying something I think corresponds directly with what our nation is going through right now. In particular, I would like to note that the quote was given after an explanation of how she was one of the only people speaking against the Holocaust in the U.S. when Hitler first rose to power. In fact, it said, “Long before her husband and most of his advisers, she publicly connected white supremacy in the United States with white supremacy in Hitler’s Europe.”
Her quote, though, is: “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?… [history] clearly shows that we arrive at catastrophe by failing to meet situations — by failing to act where we should act…. The opportunity passes and the next situation is always more difficult than the last one.”
An example? Gulf War in 1991 compared to 2003-2006.
I think offering democracy in an area where the individual is without many rights we take for granted is a pretty awesome gift. Is it wrong that we took the initiative to give others a chance at a better life?
I will agree that President Bush has explaining to do. But until Vietnam, there has never been such scrutiny of our public officials. While I think it is wise to examine the actions of those we elect, I think we as the public are often given so many skewed versions of events that we are not even remotely qualified to form an intelligent opinion. And our members of Congress, in my opinion, are taking full advantage of the misinformation by passing blame in every which direction instead of actually attending to their jobs as Congressmen. And unfortunately, we “the people” will continue to let them do it because so many of “us” refuse to vote or hold our elected officials accountable.
As a former journalist, I think the role of the media has become that of a jurist. Instead of simply offering information for citizens to use to make good decisions about their government through their elected officials, media passes judgment through content decisions and reliance on sources, many of whom have various personal motives for “offering” information to reporters. It is lamentable that the majority of the public no longer cares to vote and so often relies on the pundits for their information.
Why aren’t we calling our elected officials to get information that is often readily available by simply filling out a freedom of information request? And the information that is not publicly available is often available to members of Congress, another reason we should make them aware of our concerns.
Instead of constantly criticizing our President, perhaps critics should be doing some of their own legwork to find answers to the questions they pose.
April 18th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Kate, I agree that journalists need to look harder for answers. A free press is vital to democracy.
Stepha, I’m not depressed by the state of things. It’s the ebb and flow of politics.
April 18th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Jon. I used to disagree with you using your site to share your political views but in reality this is your space, you’re making money off of it, so be it, you should be able to voice your opinions like with anything else.
Here’s dialogue for you, as you so wish.. I think there are internal “machinations” in any political group, be it congress, executive branch, supreme court, that operate in certain secrecy for the sake of “national security”.
While I’m not a unabashed supporter of this administration, I think they are a study in secrecy and what happens when you get a group of all like minded individuals so much power - that they insulate themselves in a shroud of unreality - because in reality who are they answering to - no one!
The point that bush took after 9/11 was that never again will we be caught with our pants dropped like we did then - so the pendulum has swung 100% the other way. Patriot Act, rushing to war, using faulty intelligence and then never owning up to mistakes - all have cost the president.
Would things be different if you had a more charismatic, apologetic, photogenic, “sexier” president - HELL Yea.. You can’t pretty up a pig by putting lipstick on it, but someone like Clinton (male) would have arisen above the secrecy in an aww shucks manner - this president is gruff, insecure and elitist.. qualities that won’t endear you to mom/pop bloggers or anyone who owns an apple product.
what bush should have done and still can do is get rid of the two most evil forces in his cabinet - cheney and rummy.
question: would kerry have done any different?
aap
April 18th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
I am often disappointed when people complain about an administration. In order to change things we need to treat the problem. “The problem” happens to be those who elected GWB to begin with. Overwhelmingly, those people are the religious right. They even influence those who are not so religious.
If you really want to effect change start showing those people the reasons why their beliefs are so screwed up. Show them why, scientifically, most of what they believe is incorrect. The world is not flat. Some almighty being didn’t create us, nor is he looking down on us from above (I blogged about this today).
GWB is only doing what he thinks are the wishes of those who elected him.
Focus on the cause. Focus on the cause. Focus on the cause.
April 18th, 2006 at 6:46 pm
I guess what I’m saying is that complaining about this administration is like complaining about CANCER instead of the things that cause cancer.
April 18th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Donny,
Thanks for the analogy. Though, what’s wrong with the religious right? Yes, I voted for Bush. Yes, I am religious. What’s the problem?
Wow, you mean to tell me that the world isn’t flat? To think that I’ve been fooled all the while…
The truth of the matter, Donny, is that YOU can’t scientifically prove that GOD didn’t create us. YOU also can’t prove that GOD isn’t looking down on us.
YOU blame religion when in fact the majority of Earth’s 6.6 billion population is religious.
Try these statistics on for size:
U.S Population (current) - 298,444,215
Religions (2002 est.)
Protestant 52%
Roman Catholic 24%
Mormon 2%
Jewish 1%
Muslim 1%
other 10%
none 10%
Please, enlighten me, Donny.
April 18th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Well, at least one half of that esteemed team of journalists has maintained his ethical standards. Too bad the same isn’t true for Woodward, the Bush Administration’s Little Pet.
April 18th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
McDonie, I’d love to know the source of your “factual” information regarding religion in the U.S. You can cut the Protestant pop. by at least one, as I am on the rolls of my Methodist church back home for sentimental reasons, but am now agnostic and not religious. And if I were you, I wouldn’t brag about voting for Bush. That hasn’t worked out so well for us.
April 18th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
You always manage to piss me off, not that this a bad thing. I think we all need to be a little more pissed off.
Do you ever feel like it isn’t going to end and the “scary people” will keep controlling this country until there isn’t anything left of its original freedoms and beauty?
April 19th, 2006 at 7:10 am
Lisa,
My factual information comes from the CIA.
http://tinyurl.com/7ym3h
Again, I voted for BUSH.
April 19th, 2006 at 7:31 am
McDonie, would that be the same CIA that provided the “intelligence” leading us to believe there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? I rest my case.
April 19th, 2006 at 8:11 am
Lisa,
Again, you have no case.
See page 55
http://tinyurl.com/mnxjo
April 19th, 2006 at 9:48 am
“GWB is only doing what he thinks are the wishes of those who elected him.” - Donny
This is precisely why the president is a poor leader. He is the president of the Republicans in the United States - not the President of the United States. He makes no effort to lead the entire country - only those who agree with him.
Half of the country is left without a leader, and without a voice.
McDonie,
“Yes, I voted for Bush. Yes, I am religious. What’s the problem?”
For starters, you are too proud to admit you made a mistake in helping to elect Bush. He, and the Republican party, may be incredible politicians, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is incredibly bad at actually being the president. What has he done to deserve your support?
Second - There is no problem with being religious. One of the great things about the US, is the freedom to enjoy any religion, or lack of (supposedly). The problems arise when one group tries to impose laws based on their respective religious views.
If we have laws based on a single religious view, or any religious view - do we have the freedom of religion?
April 19th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Brian,
I made no mistake in voting for President Bush. For me, it’s a matter of shared principles and values, not pride.
You ask, “What has he done to deserve your support.”
Here are 10 of my favorites.
1. Removed Saddam Hussein from power.
2. Championed tax relief bill.
3. Increased our border security.
4. Strengthed our economy.
5. Cracked down on terrorism.
6. Initiated ports deal with the UAE (President Clinton supported).
7. Appointed John Roberts and Samuel Alito the the Supreme Court.
8. Supported faith based initiatives.
9. Beat Al Gore.
10. Beat John Kerry.
April 19th, 2006 at 1:44 pm
Jon:
On the off-chance that you have time to read this comment, I thought you might be interested to know that Mike Malloy (AirAmerica Radio) will be hosting an Impeachment Forum and Debate on April 29, 2006, at the Crest Theatre here in our fair city of Sacramento. I’ve already purchased my tickets. To use an oft-misused, but in this instance totally appropriate adjective, it promises to be “Awesome”! We SHALL overcome.
April 19th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
McDonie,
You said:
“The truth of the matter, Donny, is that YOU can’t scientifically prove that GOD didn’t create us. YOU also can’t prove that GOD isn’t looking down on us.”
You, on the other hand, can’t prove that he DID create us or prove that he IS looking down on us.
There are a lot of things that can’t be disproven. Santa Claus, for one. You can’t prove HE doesn’t exist either.
Let me copy and paste most of my latest blog entry for you:
Like many, there are times in my life where I feel like praying to God. It makes me feel better to think there is someone up there watching out for me. But even in those times I don’t actually believe there is some Almighty being up there. It makes no logical sense. If there was such a great and wonderful being he wouldn’t allow children to be kidnapped, molested, and cut up into pieces for eating. He wouldn’t let them be hung up in closets by their mother’s loser boyfriend. He wouldn’t allow 3 year old little boys to be sexually molested for a week by a Washington serial killer before being hung to die alone.
I’ve heard all the preachers give reasons why some of those things happen. They’re all bullshit to me. They make no rational sense.
But then again, the design of this world and this universe seems rather organized and intelligent, doesn’t it? I love that.
Christians will now jump in here and say something like, “See, you know God exists. You just admitted it!”. I hate when they do that.
To the Christians: “Your explanation of ‘intelligent design’ is not the ONLY explanation available!”
I’ve studied a bit of alternate belief systems and have come to my own conclusions. I allow myself to remain open and give myself the ability to change my thoughts a bit as time goes on and I learn more. But for now I’ll tell you where I am along the “path to enlightenment”, so to speak.
I believe there is more to our existence than some believe. I believe there is an energy that holds everything together. This includes plants and animals, insects and people, and everything else that exists in the “creation”. Physics proves that energy never “dies”, it just changes forms. In fact, to me, energy sounds a lot like what ancient religious men were truly describing when attempting to define God. Something that never dies. Something that is everywhere. Something that is “inside” all of us. Sounds like energy to me. That would even describe the “soul” we’re said to have, that leaves our body when we die and returns to the “creator”. Wouldn’t it? When we die, since energy itself doesn’t die, the life force in us leaves our body and returns to what we’ll call the energy field or “life force” that exists all around us. Our “soul” has returned to the “creator”.
In ways we don’t yet understand, I believe this energy has a form of intelligence to it. We’re all connected on a deeper level than we can comprehend. It’s a “collective intelligence” of sorts. As science and techology continue to move on we’ll understand this connection more and more. And as we understand it more, the religions of the past will become less relevent. The church used to believe the world was flat. Science proved otherwise. Science will continue to disprove the ridiculous aspects of religious belief systems.
Religion was written by men with limited education for those with none at all. It has succeeded in scaring people into carrying on odd traditions and passing along asinine “beliefs” for centuries. I have great “faith” that science will continue “save us” from religion.
April 19th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
God Schmod. The Senate and House need to ask the hard questions of the Bush administration. Until they do, it will be a downhill slide for the GOP.
Also, I’m closing comments.
Donny, a simple link to your post would suffice.