Bush stalling because of election

The 9-11 commission, headed by former Republican governor Thomas Keane, has stated that it needs more time to finish its report on the attacks on the United States. The Bush administration says it has had enough time and will not receive an extension. An extension might put its release near the date of the presidential election. Never mind getting all the facts.

CIA operative, Valerie Plame, is “outed” in retaliation for her husband’s rebuke of the administration’s claim that yellow-cake uranium was brought into Iraq from Niger. Field agents and informants were compromised, possibly killed. John Ashcroft is appointed to head an investigation to see who in the White House is responsible for this felony. So far, not a peep.

David Kay, former head of the investigation in finding WMD in Iraq, reports to Congress that “we got it all wrong.” Congress calls for an investigation. Bush says it is not necessary and sends Condoleeza Rice out to the talk shows to make the case. Then, under political pressure, he caves in and agrees to an “independent bipartisan” commission that he will appoint and states that the report will not be due until after the election. Never mind getting the information to the citizens to make an informed decision about who should lead this country.

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake demonstrate extremely bad taste in exposing her 37 year-old breast on network television and Bush-appointed Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC, begins an investigation the very next day.

It is comforting to know that this administration has its priorities straight.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, March 18

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

FILE - The sun dial near the Legislative Building is shown under cloudy skies, March 10, 2022, at the state Capitol in Olympia, Wash. An effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive state tax code comes before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in a case that could overturn a prohibition on income taxes that dates to the 1930s. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: One option for pausing pay raise for state electeds

Only a referendum could hold off pay increases for state lawmakers and others facing a budget crisis.

Friedman: Rule of law is on the line in Israel and the U.S.

Both Trump and Netanyahu appear poised to force constitutional crises in their quests for power.

Comment: ‘Forced joy’ is alienating employees and customers

Starbucks baristas must now doodle greetings on cups. It’s the wrong way to win engagement.

Comment: How long can Musk count on being White House fixture?

With Musk’s popularity suffering from his DOGE cuts, his money may not keep him in Trump’s good graces.

Comment: Have lawmakers forgotten they have constituents?

Some, particularly in the GOP, are begging out of town halls. Others are trying to limit initiatives.

Comment: Jury’s still out on economy, except for road report

Regardless of opinions on the eventual strength of the U.S. economy, getting there will be bumpy.

**EMBARGO: No electronic distribution, Web posting or street sales before Saturday at 3:00 a.m. ET on Mar. 1, 2025. No exceptions for any reasons. EMBARGO set by source.** House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-NY) speaks at a news conference about Republicans’ potential budget cuts to Medicaid, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 27, 2025. As Republicans push a budget resolution through Congress that will almost certainly require Medicaid cuts to finance a huge tax reduction, Democrats see an opening to use the same strategy in 2026 that won them back the House in 2018. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
Editorial: Don’t gut Medicaid for richest Americans’ tax cuts

Extending tax cuts, as promised by Republicans, would likely force damaging cuts to Medicaid.

Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Open Sound Transit CEO hiring to public review

One finalist is known; the King County executive. All finalists should make their pitch to the public.

Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle. (Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Hold clergy to duty to report child abuse

Teachers, health care providers and others must report suspected abuse. Clergy should as well.

Comment: Learning costs of ignoring environment the hard way

EPA chief Lee Zeldin can’t flip a switch on protections, but we’ll lose precious momentum on climate.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.