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The Bottomless Pit of Bush Ethics
Every day, when I gird myself to open the front page of the paper to review George Bush's latest outrages, I whisper a little prayer, hoping against hope Bush could not come up with an horrors to top those he and his administration have already committed. I know that Bush has no shame, and without a scintilla of shame, what chance is there that this man would ever act in a humane way? How low can he go?
There must be a bottom, I keep telling myself, there must be a bottom.
Must there?
On November 19th, KDKA in Pittsburg reported on a new low. You may remember that in order to meet its recruitment goals, the military have been forced to offer recruits signing bonuses as high as $30,000.
But it turns out there's a little problem. If you go to Iraq, and lose an eye or an arm or a leg, and can't serve out the full time you served, the Pentagon has been demanding that wounded soliders give back some of their bonuses.
Much scuttling as since ensued, as mlitiary officals scramble to the PR stations. Here's a reassuring statement from Brigadier General Michael Tucker, deputy commanding general of Walter Reed:
"We're not sure what happened but we're gonna fix it."
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) has put in a bill (H.R. 3793) to protect these signing bonuses. What do you think the odds are that Congress can find time to fix this outrage before they go out for the year?
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Richard, I agree completely with you. How low can the man stoop? He'll just veto the bill anyway, and demand the money back to con some other poor kids to go, only to take it back if they try and return to their homes at any time. George W Bush is a one man operation in the American Government. All of the others are totally irrelevant. He's got off on his power to veto. He'll stop at nothing. Sure he needs a few yes-sir grovellers. No one else, it seems.
If this information could only get out. People would have to believe it. Seeing is believing. Hearing is believing.
I hope the young people of this country understand that this administration has made them expendable. I know the young people at our table this season are gonna hear about it!
Actually, this particular practice was mentioned in January of this year as part of the whole Walter Reed scandal. Anyone who was paying attention to the veterans' health care issues knew about it. But since it didn't stand out on its own as an issue, they didn't "address it". They've known all along.
What do they think, these guys are going to maim themselves on purpose in order to not have to do their job? I wonder who's blunder this was.
There was a story about this on Olbermann last night. The guy from VoteVets was giving kudos to Altmire for his work on behalf of the troops in this area.
First term Rep. Altmire is my husband's buddy from childhood. I know some of you supported him in his campaign. He's going to be a target of the republicans in the next cycle.
I think that statement is true of so many abuses--I am constantly wondering if the latest reported outrage is something I have heard before and forgotten about, or if it just another new level of abuse, or if it is a new revelation. On the veterans' issues, I hear stories from the folks here in DC as well as what everyone reports here and at Kos, DU, etc. and it all tends to become one big roiling pot of oil.
We just need the turkeys to be thrown INTO that pot. But that never happens. They are pardoned and we, the people, go on about our business, while the flames grow higher.
In DC this morning, Richard is resting (we will go look at the Turners and Asian art later today), the sun is shining (it was 74 degrees here yesterday) and the illusion of peacefulness is undercut only by the intense rage I feel on a daily basis for all who have been sold a bill of goods, as soldiers, teachers, citizens, and caring human beings.
Gratitude for the truth that is told here, and the actions taken on behalf of democracy by so many, for friendship, and love and caring for each other.
Have a wonderful day, sane people!
Happy Thanksgiving All !
Linda & I are thankful we have another Thanksgiving together and for having Great friends!
This particular Thanksgiving is not only a time to give thanks but, in light of the revelation in Scott McClellan's upcoming book, also a time to BE THE MEDIA. Even casual conversations over turkey and sides can include the biggest turkey of them all - the Shrub administration. No doubt in my mind that, just like Watergate, the coverup is what will bring these traitors to justice.
Love to all
abq
Unfortunately nothing surprises me about that bastard. And that is the problem. Too many have become accustomed to hearing accounts of government decisions which make them shudder with disgust. It is not only the Republicans in our government, but It is the Democrats who have enabled the crooks, liars and cheaters to continue with this charade of the "people's government."