httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeYXnXpOwNA&eurl
With the flippancy of a teenage thug shrugging off his personal responsibility for the lies he told that got someone else killed, outgoing Vice President Dick Cheney proclaimed with the ease that the goals of Iraq have mostly been accomplished. The truth, as always with Bush-Cheney, is something quite different, as Rand Beers NSN outlines in full. It’s nothing short of a “national security legacy of failure.”
“…it’s been pretty well confirmed that (9/11 al-Qaeda hijacker Mohammed Atta) did go to Prague and he did meet with a senior official of the Iraqi intelligence service in Czechoslovakia last April, several months before the attack.” – V.P. Cheney, “Meet the Press,” 12.9.01
Every Democrat who voted to authorize Bush-Cheney’s preemptive nightmare into Iraq should take pause today, with president-elect Obama remembering what inspired so many to support him in the first place.
“But we know that Saddam has resumed his efforts to acquire nuclear weapons… Many of us are convinced that Saddam will acquire nuclear weapons fairly soon.” – Vice President Cheney, Speech to VWF’s 103rd National Convention, 8.26.2002
Politicians often forget how we got where we are today, where the dialogue from Dick Cheney can completely ignore that to get into Iraq he and the president had to not only stovepipe intelligence, but stack the deck, while the White House Iraq Group waged a publicity campaign that included traditional media outlets that sold their souls for access.
“…And as the President said on Tuesday night, it would take just one vial, one canister, one crate to bring a day of horror to our nation unlike any we have known.” – Vice President Dick Cheney, Remarks to the Conservative PAC, 1.30.03
“… we know he has, in fact, developed these kinds of capabilities, chemical and biological weapons… We know he’s reconstituted these programs since the Gulf War. We know he’s out trying once again to produce nuclear weapons and we know that he has a long-standing relationship with various terrorist groups, included the al-Qaeda organization.” – Vice President Dick Cheney, “Meet the Press,” 3.16.03
The American public’s lazy trust revealed a soft inner core allowing belief to replace facts and truth. Because remember, the majority of America was gung-ho for war, while people like myself (on radio at the time) railed against the congressional spinelessness that accepted an Administration’s word for proof.
“And we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons.” – Vice President Dick Cheney, “Meet the Press,” 3.16.03
The biggest lie of all the notion that Saddam Hussein could ever attack the U.S., using fantasy weaponry against the most powerful military on earth, never once thinking about the consequences. Proving how far U.S. foreign policy has gone astray that anyone would believe that Saddam was a clear and present danger to this country or our assets.
“Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction. There is no doubt he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies, and against us.” – Vice President Dick Cheney, August 26, 2002
A small group starting the lies, which grew into the case for preemptive war against a thug dictator that had plenty of company in a world of ruffians.
“Many of us are convinced that Saddam will acquire nuclear weapons fairly soon … “Deliverable weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a terror network, or a murderous dictator, or the two working together, constitute as grave a threat as can be imagined.” -Vice President Dick Cheney on 8.26.02
Mushroom cloud whoppers made complete by a hero general, Colin Powell, who convinced everyone, including himself, that fear was justified to wage war. Proving that cowardice now was the main thread weaving through the U.S. government. No one having the real stuff to stand up and demand answers before the magnificent self-destruction of shock and awe.
Dick Cheney on “Meet the Press,” 9.8.02: “We do know, with absolute certainty, that he is using his procurement system to acquire the equipment he needs in order to enrich uranium to build a nuclear weapon.” (This reference is to aluminum tubes that were disputed by many intelligence analysts.)
“And we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons.” – Vice President Dick Cheney, Meet the Press, 3.16.03
President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney can attempt to rewrite history, but at the foundation of their story lies the unvarnished truth that the case for war was concocted, so that any story about the alleged achievements accomplished after five years is accompanied by the stark reality that a war of choice was waged by mounting a fictional case against Saddam Hussein that was full of holes. The Bush-Cheney administration stands on this foundation. Taking the U.S. and the world to war against a dictator who had been reduced to a figurehead and nothing more.
Bush and Cheney took us from 9/11 to war to torture, all on the wings of lies over the “war on terror,” a term forever ingrained in our language that allows no path to peace.
Let’s hope President Obama and the incoming administration remember this lesson and how our new president became our nominee, then won, starting with his objection to the Iraq war, with the confidence to state his opposition to popular belief when few had the foresight to do so.
I think we have to get over Bush’s lie. I know I never bought the MASS WEAPONS meme.
But I watched as the entire country did buy it.
And they booted out good solid congresspeople who didn’t buy it.
The country was in a state of revenge.
We must own that.
We are not victims of our politics. We are actually responsible.
And WE said loudly to Congress: We want this revenge.
I have always felt that until WE accept our part in this, we will not change.
This false division between politicians and the voters is just that….false.
They reflect US.
um… It’s at this point that you need to grasp the handrails and enter into reality.
Bush-Cheney is trying to rewrite history, which if we allow, as you seem willing to do, will put us on the ramp to repeat history.
Past is prologue.
AnninCA | 01.05.2009 – 12:22 pm | #
you’re wrong. Bush lied over and over and over again about WMD… he concocted the entire road to war and some say he was determined to go into Iraq even BEFORE 9/11. (I can link you if you’d like)
You guys have read my posts. You know, I’m so not sophisticated.
If I knew he was lying, I’m sure a lot of others did, too.
but the country’s mood was for revenge.
I absolutely remember thinking, “Just go with the flow here. It’s inevitable.”
But I never once believed Bush. I never believed Colin Powell.
And I am still annoyed that Powell has tried to wiggle out.
But anyway, I can’t imagine if someone like me figures it out that it was really all that hidden.
We need to stop blaming and accept that we wanted the excuse.
Just to be clear, people around TM.com back then were never part of “we.”
“Go with the flow here”? That’s unconscionable and cannot be excused by “not so sophisticated.” You now know the facts, but you want to shrug them off and move on.
As Dick Cheney talks about “achievements” built on a foundation of lies, we need to call the out and not let history be rewritten. Their lies led to our eyes being taken off the real threats, while letting Afghanistan once again unravel. That’s what their legacy of “achievements” are based upon.
Please click on the top link and learn.
As Darth himself would say, “SO?”
Two weeks left to impeach.
If I knew he was lying, I’m sure a lot of others did, too.
but the country’s mood was for revenge.
We need to stop blaming and accept that we wanted the excuse.
AnninCA | 01.05.2009 – 12:35 pm | #
speak for yourself. I never once saw Iraq as appropriate “revenge” for 9/11. I did however see Bush/Cheney, in a criminal way, use 9/11 and the emotion after that time as an excuse to go into a war they had their hearts set on all along.
14 days…..;-)
You are right on the money with this one, Taylor. We should all remember the events leading up to this catastrophe, not only for our U.S. casualties, but for the innocent Iraqi civilians as well. Many children, women, and elderly were killed. I don’t think we still have a definitive number on this yet. As a matter of fact, I read that more journalists were killed in this war than in any other. But these types of facts were not reported much in the MSM. Although I seem to remember polling that indicated at the time that 60% of the American people didn’t want the war, the atmosphere was poisonous if one opposed the war. One was labeled unpatriotic and people just seemed to shut up (remember the Dixie Chicks basically lost their careers over it). Though I respect and admire Hillary very much, I think her stand on this issue probably hurt her in the Democratic primary as well. As far as I am concerned, Bush and Cheney definitely, maybe Rice and Powell should all be held accountable for lying us into this shameful war that will have all kinds of consequences for years to come. But they will get away with it.
Bush and Cheney sold this war like a marketing campaign, and the MSM helped them do it. Helped their ratings you know…
I don’t think we still have a definitive
number on this yet.
lynnette | 01.05.2009 – 12:55 pm | #
it’s listed at 100,000 documented civilian deaths but the actual number is much higher.
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/
AnninCA seems to be buying into the concept of ‘everyone went along with this’. How quickly we forget the *millions* of people around the world that matched in protest – as Bush/Cheney were marching in.
But even more heartbreaking – people forget when Bush stood at the foot of 9/11 with his megaphone most of the *Muslim* countries were sympathetic! At that moment, the US was being bombarded with assistance and sympathy. We were actually ‘liked’ again around the world after the attack.
George W. Bush and Dick Cheney PISSED that all away – and now even our ‘friends’ are sceptical and suspicious of us.
Yes, GeoT. I think I read maybe 500,000 – 1 million. Something on that order.
GeoT and lynnette –
Don’t forget to factor in the number of people displaced from their homes – most to other countries – most of them to never return.
Compare that to our families having to move to Mexico – never to see our homes again.
Compare that to our families having to move to Mexico – never to see our homes again.
pmichael | 01.05.2009 – 1:21 pm | #
I’ll take Cabo. in a heartbeat :=)
speak for yourself. I never once saw Iraq as appropriate “revenge” for 9/11. I did however
see Bush/Cheney, in a criminal way, use 9/11 and the emotion after that time as an excuse to go into a war they had their hearts set on all along.
GeoT | 01.05.2009 – 12:45 pm | #
And neither did the people who were posting on this site. I was never out for revenge. That goes against everything I believe in. 9/11 has been used as an excuse for everything, even to making money. Bush/Cheney are criminals in addition to being liars. They were entrusted with the stewardship of this country and they botched it. I’m sick and tired of “revisionist history.” They have to accept the responsibility and must stand accountable for what has happened to this country.
burris – coleman thread up…
What makes an American life more precious than an Iraqi life anyway or an Afghani or anyone that has suffered the hell of war?
I too vehemently reject the notion that there was ever a unified “go with the flow” mentality in this country regarding Iraq. In spite of the massive misinformation campaign the White House orchestrated, the double-sourcing through the veep’s office re: the existence of WMD in Iraq, and the shameless wrapping themselves in the flag by the warmongers, the country was split. There was a virtual media blackout (for some reason that remains a mystery to me)on the protests that were being held nationwide when the invasion was first being discussed. And, of course, the media couldn’t resist portraying any and all peace activists in whatever light would most likely invoke the “fringe” label.
And let’s not forget how the MSM “sanitized” the war. God help us!
Regarding the “media blackout” and “sanitizing” the war, Just Wondering and Jane Austen, I agree with you.
And, of
course, the media couldn’t resist portraying any and all peace activists in whatever light
would most likely invoke the “fringe” label.
Just Wondering | Homepage | 01.05.2009 – 1:35 pm | #
and the ex-military “expert” commentators on th news programs were being fed talking points directly from Cheney’s office… we made the mistake of trusting the journalists to do the due diligence on the information out of the White House, and they failed…
What makes an American life more precious than an Iraqi life anyway or an Afghani or anyone
that has suffered the hell of war?
Jane Austen | 01.05.2009 – 1:35 pm | #
that’s the supreme arrogance of foreign policy in a nutshell. We’re all hoping this will change aren’t we? finally.
that’s the supreme arrogance of foreign policy in a nutshell. We’re all hoping this will
change aren’t we? finally.
GeoT | 01.05.2009 – 1:56 pm | #
But will it? That’s the big question, or do we just go along with whatever comes down the pike? I was born as the Nazis were sweeping across Europe, before the US entered WW II and I can chronicle my life according to what war was going on in whatever decade it happened to be. Sad isn’t it?
I
can chronicle my life according to what war was going on in whatever decade it happened to be.
Sad isn’t it?
Jane Austen | 01.05.2009 – 2:03 pm | #
it is sad to look back through history and wonder are we just a waring species, by nature? That’s what needs to change, the methods of settling disputes and the hair trigger to go to war.
When I had to resister for the draft in 1972 (just missed Vietnam thank God) that’s when it hit home for me. I’ve become interested on war history, trying to see the causes of war.
GeoT | 01.05.2009 – 2:13 pm | #
resister: register
that WAS Freudian, no doubt. :=)
it is sad to look back through history and wonder are we just a waring species, by nature?
That’s what needs to change, the methods of settling disputes and the hair trigger to go to
war.
GeoT | 01.05.2009 – 2:14 pm | #
This is what we have been taught because it seems the easiest way to resolve a conflict. Unfortunately every war that has been fought has brought negative results. Maybe if we taught “conflict resolution” we might do better.
NBC: Obama picks Panetta for CIA director
Every Democrat who voted to authorize Bush-Cheney’s preemptive nightmare into Iraq should take pause today, with president-elect Obama remembering what inspired so many to support him in the first place.
You disparage those Democratic senators who voted for AUMF and fought hard to stop Bush from war by diverting the crisis to the United Nation Security Council and the re-entry into Iraq by Han Blitz and U.N. weapons inspector’s after a 4 year absent.
If Barack Obama had his way, he was willing to do nothing and let an un-restricted Saddam in Iraq, with no U.N. weapon inspectors on ground for 4 years, to continued weapons of mass destruction development at his will. A.U.M.F. was key for the U.N. inspectors re-entry into Iraq..
Quotes and Timeline of Iraq War Resolution Debate
http://aumf.awardspace.com/
Scott Ritter address the Iraqi Parliament
September 8, 2002
The only way that Iraq can achieve this (stop war) is with the unconditional return of UN weapons inspectors, allowing such inspectors unfettered access to sites inside Iraq in order to complete the disarmament tasks as set forth in Security Council resolutions…
Taylor you really need to read the Senate A.U.M.F debate transcript. Not one senator was against confronting Saddam with military force if needed but those who voted agaist A.U.M.F. wanted a two-step U.N. process called the Levin Amendment that gave veto power to the U.N over the United States.
Saddan knew that Russia, China, or France would never allow the United States to use military force against Iraq and Saddan would have balked at any re-entry of any U.N. inspectors if the Levin Amendment passed.
AUTHORIZATION OF THE USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AGAINST IRAQ-Senate-October 09, 2002)
A.U.M.F debate transcript
http://aumf.awardspace.com/aumf_part1.htm
http://aumf.awardspace.com/aumf_part2.htm
http://aumf.awardspace.com/aumf_part3.htm
http://aumf.awardspace.com/aumf_part4.htm
Senaor BIDEN: The President has not asked us to go to war. He has said he wants the power to be able to go to war.
Senator BIDEN. Yes, with one caveat. He has expressed to me his ability to achieve a tough resolution would be enhanced by our not making it a two-step process. But he personally has told me and my committee he would consider and the President would consider a U.N. two-step process if they had to. The reason for my saying not two steps now is it strengthens his hand, in my view, to say to all the members of the Security Council: I just want you to know, if you do not give me something strong, I am already authorized, if you fail to do that, to use force against this fellow.
Sentor Clinton: Even though the resolution before the Senate is not as strong as I would like in requiring the diplomatic route first and placing highest priority on a simple, clear requirement for unlimited inspections, I will take the President at his word that he will try hard to pass a UN resolution and will seek to avoid war, if at all possible.
THE NATION: Half a Victory at the UN
December 2, 2002
In general, antiwar forces in the United States and around the world can claim the recent UN resolution as a partial victory. The resolution does not endorse the use of force; it redefines the Iraq crisis, at least in the international arena, as one of disarmament, not regime change; and it will at least delay a US attack. It provides a powerful tool to fight for US accountability to multilateralism and the UN. But it still reflects the heavy-handed domination of the UN and the rest of the world by the United States and ultimately sets the terms for war
NBC: Obama picks Panetta for CIA director
djjl | 01.05.2009 – 2:43 pm | #
Panetta was my congressman. Leon is a HAWK and was never that much of a progressive.
Dear Mr. Patrick J. Buchanan
With utmost pleasure I have received from my dear old friend Mr. Robert Carter, US citizen, living in Houston, your published article “the Party is overâ€
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20809.htm
My name is Manfred H. Hermann, German citizen, and living for over 25 years in different countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, and U.A.E.
Of course I have been visiting your country for many times, too.
However, presently or better to say finally for the last 17 years I am living in Moscow, Russia.
I totally agree with you that the people should be on the elevated platform of judgment. The fact that US citizens once more are degraded to the level of a spectator should make the US – Americans start to think and consequently react.
Nothing in live is for free, one always has to pay a price – may it be cash, health, freedom or integrity.
In such days, where citizens have to spend their daily live in tent – villages like refugees, phrases such as:
- In every crisis there is a new chance for the future –
are used frequently.
Such phrases are being used from officials and public persons to distract from facts and sweep true responsibilities under a big heavy carpet, hoping that somebody else will fix the problem or at least take the responsibility for it. (Dug and cover)
Ever since 3000 B.C. entire civilizations and so called Superpowers as the ancient Egyptians, Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty, Inkas, Spain, Napoleon, Portugal, Tsar Nikolaus II, the British Empire, the KuK Monarchy, Emperor William II, Adolf Hitler, GDR the USSR and many more have been wiped out for the same reasons:
Greed of rulers for wealth and power
Ignorance of rulers for the needs of the own population
Fear and ignorance of the population towards the rulers
The loss of values
How can a nation believe that there is no conflict off interests and the independence of decisions is secured, if the presidential election campaign is costing millions of dollars, sponsored by multinational companies and lobbies? If it is acceptable to the American public that big money can buy the key to the Oval Office than the American public should not be surprised that obligations have to be met.
The New York Times wrote on July 18th. 2004 that the entire American press has not been critical enough how the Bush administration reasoned the war in Iraq. It was known by than, that Iraq had no biological or nuclear weapons, which was given as the reason for invading Iraq. Yet the American public has re-elected the Mr. Bush for Presidency. Who will take responsibility for:
USD 3 trillion total coast so far
30634 wounded American soldiers
4521 killed Coalition Soldiers, 4207 of which are American soldiers
8760 killed Iraqi Soldiers and Police-forces
1001 killed Members of private Security and Military companies (i.e. Blackwater Worldwide)
As per ORB (Opinion Research Business) between 946,000 and 1,120,000 Iraqi have been killed between March 03 and August 07
This war is not an isolated incident but a consequence of lacking values and some weird self understanding. This war is a second Vietnam which in a similar way and manner has been swept away and covered. Until today the USA has not had the decency to give any aid to the many victims they have caused for no good reason what so ever other than self-righteous bigoted ideology.
In 1963 the world was on the edge of the 3 world war and the first atomic war when the USSR placed missiles in the front garden of the USA.
Today the American public accepts without any criticism that the USA is placing Missiles in the front garden of Russia.
One gets to ask what kind of nation is it, that wants to be a superpower but refuses to sign the Rome Statutes. On May 6th, 2002, the U.S. formally notified the United Nations that the U.S. does not intend to become a party to the Rome statute. This way Mr. Bush avoided to stand accused by the ICC of being a war criminal. Furthermore it is clear evidence that the Bush administration has planned their Invasion well in advance under any circumstances and how they want to conduct this issue.
A nation which accepts that international law and human rights are ignored as it is done until today in Guantanamo Bay has forfeit the claim of being a super power.
A nation that stages a war like a Hollywood science fiction film has lost its sense for respectability.
A nation that accepts death sentences should not pray for god to save America.
A nation that treats 8 Year old children in the same manner than adult criminals have lost the sense for humanity.
A nation that accepts boot-camps for children have lost any sense for any respect for live.
How can such a nation claim to be a world leader if this nation does not even treat their own children with respect?
A nation which needs to wear weapons in their every days live are scared of their community.
A nation that does not take care of those in need is no more than a crowd of individuals without any common interests that ought not try to bully other nations to the same system.
The one who places shareholder value above everything else justifies the exploitation of every working man and woman.
A nation where the only value is money is lost.
Certainly all of that is known by the American folks. The world of today needs a strong USA but based on solid ethic principals to keep other countries from adopting even more and most of all, to keep a balance.
When nowadays citizens from around the world are blaming their governments for not doing any better we should never forget, that any Nation around the world always gets the government it deserves.
Let’s hope for the better – be it in USA, Russia, China or any European country.
Exciting and boring events which we where facing during the last year with extremely outstanding and different circumstances, followed with emotions, successful moments, hope, love, hate, give and take, loosing and winning.
Disregarding those circumstances and special moments, we shall always remember that time is the only value we don’t have unlimited.
No matter whatever will be in 2009, let’s simply face it.
We shall and will always find reason for celebrating the most valuables……
……….Health, happiness, love, family, friends, luck and joy.
I am whishing you and your family a HAPPY NEW YEAR
and remain with kind regards from Moscow
Manfred Hermann
Unfortunately I could not find the E-mail of Mr. Buchanan therefore please be so kind and forward my reply on his article directly to Mr. Buchanan
A.U.M.F debate transcript
http://www.zshare.net/download/537363898580b772/
Investigate
Indicte
Try
Convict
EXICUTE
We did it after the 2nd WW to officers and political figures who were personally reponsible for FAR fewer deaths of innocents. Also those responsible for launching wars of aggression. Considering all the nations today that have had the courage and moral fiber to hold the ex-hunta leaders and torturers responsible can we do any less and still hope to hold our heads up as a moral force in the world?