Students at Stanford stood still as they listened to former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice speak. As the scholars pondered the words of the prominent woman who presented her case for waterboarding, many mused; "Is it Richard Nixon, or Condoleezza Rice? Which person thinks a President is above the law?" One might wonder. Those who viewed a video taped classroom conversation with Secretary Rice, today express astonishment as well. In her defense for actions she took to advocate for this extreme interrogation techniques Condoleezza Rice both blamed her former boss, George W. Bush and justified his decision.
"The president instructed us that nothing we would do would be outside of our obligations, legal obligations under the Convention Against Torture."
Tax time is reason enough to reflect on our budgets, personal and national. How realistic are our expenditures? Do we spend more than we earn? Does our income allow for a few irrational indulgences? Do discretionary dollars exist? Might we consider our ample debt. Does this represent a temporary deficit, easily resolved, or an obligation that cannot be paid promptly. We may wish to rethink our reality. At home, families have taken scissors to credit cards. More than the minimum payment is made. The intention is to lessen liabilities and increase savings. In the month of April, after we pay Uncle Sam, most of us concluded, it is time to clean our own fiscal house. Next, we move to the nation's ledger.
Expenses The largest share of our moneys go to military operations. The terror tax has become a tremendous burden of American household and communities. Yet, few wish to rethink this "duty."
March 19, 2009, is a day that lives in infamy. There were others in the past. However, on this date six years ago, the United States launched what has come to be accepted as unwarranted attacks on Iraq. Although, from the first, there were protests even in high places such as the Senate floor, unilaterally, Americans bombed an innocent people. This time, for near two years prior, pretense was presented as truth.
The average American looks up, they distrust politicians in general and they don't think they've been told the truth, and I think they got good reason. They've watched a Bush/Obama spending cycle that began with a stimulus package last year which failed at $180 billion, a housing package in August which fail--or July which failed at $345 billion, a Wall Street bailout at $700 billion, a Federal Reserve guarantee of $4 trillion; a stimulus package of $787 billion, which we're now being told weeks later isn't big enough, but which had to be passed so quickly no one could read it, because we had to get it out there immediately. ~ Newt Gingrich
I saw the new, old face of the Republican Party this weekend on a Sunday talk show and I was shocked at the new tact of the Republicans. According to Newt Gingrich the last eight years has been the Bush/Obama administration. Who knew? In an effort to once again fasten President Obama to the current economic meltdown the new strategy appears to be to unite him to the failed policies of the Bush administration. The once revered George W. has now been turned into a tax and spend liberal by the very same people who heralded his accent to power. These people have no shame. They are willing to throw Bush under the bus for the sake of some political advantage that doesn't exist. Do they think that the public is so incompetent that they don't know the difference between Bush and Obama for the last eight years? Here's a hint Obama is the tall, dark one.
"Now, that doesn't mean that questions of Taiwan, Tibet, human rights, the whole range of challenges that we often engage on with the Chinese, are not part of the agenda. But we pretty much know what they are going to say. We have to continue to press them but our pressing on those issues can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis, and the security crises. ~ Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (February 20, 2009)
The news appeared in cyberspace on Friday, February 20, 2009. As Yogi Berra once elucidated, it was as déjà vu, all over again. International and domestic activists have come to realize, once again, America is a democracy dependent on dollars. Amnesty International advocates shook their heads, wondered, and worried of what might be. Students for a Free Tibet collectively shrugged their shoulders and expressed a shared distress. Citizens at home, in America, barely blinked. An avid Obama supporter, was resigned to realities that, only weeks ago, she might not have thought she would willingly accept. Moneybag democracy lives. Hillary Clinton serves the President, the precedent past, present, and perhaps, future.
"The Architect," has apparently turned author. Americans learned of Karl Rove's newest career on January 28, 2009. During an interview with Fox News Broadcaster, Bill O'Reilly, the long-time Advisor to former President, George W. Bush, presented his novel manuscript to an expectant audience. Most tuned in to hear whether he would honor a Congressional subpoena. Few expected a reinterpretation of the epic fable, Moby Dick. Yet, there it was, a drama delivered.
The Bush Cheney Administration rewrote history even as it occurred. In the waning hours of their shared reign, a committee was formed to secure their legacy. Technically, the work to revise the past began only weeks ago. In truth, the men in the Executive Branch endeavored to deliver a message of accomplishment from the first.
On every occasion, when asked of the public umbrage for the Iraq War, President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney offered a similar answer. "So."
It was an awards ceremony. The location; the White House. Before the one was to be honored at the Kennedy Center, the two were there together. All eyes were upon them. Few knew what to think. Would there be tension, animosity, or anxiousness. He spoke and then moved towards her. She stood. Arch adversaries, one from the "Right." The other firmly situated on the "Left." A pair of political opposites engaged cordially. It was but pomp and circumstances. Perhaps, this was a change or could be. No one would have believed what was about to occur.
None thought to call them a "Team of Rivals." Nor would anyone imagine the two might kiss. Yet, it happened. Barbra Streisand gracefully received an awkward embrace and a peck on the cheek from the President, George W. Bush. The singer and vocal political challenger returned the smooch. Miss Streisand smiled. Mister Bush bowed ever so slightly. The audience, while perhaps stunned, seemed to say nothing. Hushed whispers might have been heard; however, the applause drowned out any murmurs.
Yet, hours later, the buzz was broadcast far and wide. It is Barbra and Bush, oh my.
The people of this country might wish to consider House Resolution 1531, introduced by New York Representative, Jerrold Nadler. This legislation is meant to prevent preemptive Presidential pardons, or at least try to restrain an a President whose power has gone unchecked.
To understand the vital need for such a measure, we might only ponder the proclamation offered by the current President when his cohort, I. [Scooter] Lewis Libby was convicted. The public was aware of the intent to commute the sentence; yet, they did as was customarily done. Americans ignored many highly suspect practices within the Oval Office. The word was it is not good to impeach a sitting President. While the people posited apathy, Conservative Constitutional Lawyer Bruce Fein argued. If investigations are delayed, and an objective to censure this Administration is obstructed, a terrible precedent would be set.
In the tradition of the Grand Old Party, this election year Republicans had hoped they had nominated a fiscal Conservative. In March 2008, Columnist Bonnie Erbe mused; John McCain might return the messianic rule Republicans think "Right." The Journalist scribed.
Ah, finally, one of the presidential candidates actually offers a common-sense approach to resolving the mortgage crisis. Sen. John McCain yesterday "derided government intervention to save and reward banks or small borrowers who behave irresponsibly . . ."
The Senator from Arizona and Presidential aspirant has often spoken of the need to be economically accountable. Financial folly is conduct John McCain does not favor. John McCain rejects earmarks. He wants no Senator to spend dollars on local projects. He is proud of his rigid record; he has not supplied his home State with money for roads or bridges to nowhere. As President of the United States, the "maverick" Republican, will not reward capriciousness. Yet, perhaps he has and will when in the White House.
Today, citizens of this country are confronted with a record realized under the Bush Administration. Karl Rove, "The Architect" of the Bush campaign claims no responsibility for the cause or effect of his chief candidate's actions. Nor does he acknowledge that his Grand Old Party might be answerable for accounts receivable. However, others, those common folks less connected to the current Administration might disagree. In an ominous moment, on a San Francisco stage Americans were given the opportunity to look into the future and remember earlier days and dictums.
One of the many things that trouble me about the wealthy in particular and the Republicans in general is their apparent lack of shame for their blatant hypocrisy. For decades the mantra of the wealthy and their Republican mouthpieces has been the lack of personal responsibility of the poor. According to these people the problem with liberalism is that they have tried to use the government to "bail-out" the bad choices made by these unfortunate individuals and if they would only exercise some personal responsibility they would be alright. It is not the business of the taxpayers to support the bad lifestyle choices of individuals.
"Drill baby, drill," is the now ever-present and popular battle-cry for many Americans. From Presidential candidates to everyday people, those who wish to consume sweet light crude as they have for a more than a century remind me of my hair, and the current President's energy policy. I ponder the parallels and invite you to consider . . .
During a recent press conference, as I gazed upon the President of the United States, noticeably aged after years in the Oval Office, I thought of my hair and my history. His wavy gray locks are not as the strands that fall from my head. Nor did the diminutive curl that danced on his brow remind me of my own tresses. The style the Chief Executive donned did not resemble the permanent waves, pompadours, or ponytails I once wore. As George W. Bush spoke of his energy policy, I pondered. His approach to petroleum and power were as the methodology I embraced when I colored my hair.
George W. Bush then; Sarah Palin now. Might we muse. The once young Bush was thought to be as he declared himself to be, not of Washington. Years ago, Mister Bush, as a Governor, was able to bridge the divide, or so he said. As a candidate in the year 2000, the son of a former President stated, "It's time to get a leader in Washington who brings Republicans and Democrats together to get the people's business done. It's time to get a leader who won't play politics. . . ."
What seems as eight long eons ago, George Bush, the junior, surmised, the person that could do this as President was he. Having proven himself politically correct, now, the current Commander-In-Chief is ready to pass the torch onto a new leader, John McCain and his cohort, Sarah Palin.
The first and only Vice Presidential debate began. The date, October 2, 2008. The candidates were cordial, even friendly. Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin took to the stage. The Democrat entered the theatre from the left. The Republican strode onto the platform from the right. The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Sarah Palin inquired; might she call the Senator from Delaware "Joe." Delighted, and with a sincere smile, the gentleman from Wilmington told the woman from Wasilla, certainly. The scene was set. For the moment, all was fine and would be, in appearance. Only the words that whirled about spoke to the differences between these two Vice Presidential aspirants.
Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. ~ Ambrose Bierce (June 24, 1842 - 1914) American Editorialist, Journalist, Author, Satirist
Two issues of national import flooded the airwaves on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. On every radio and television station, broadcasters spoke of the economy and the elections. Journalists reported, tonight, the current President of the United States will address the nation, One of the persons who hopes to occupy the Oval Office after George W. Bush departs will not speak directly to the people. For Senator John McCain, the fierce urgency of now is offered as the reason he will suspend his campaign. The Presidential aspirant requested his rival do as he decrees correct, delay the debates. Whilst an audience estimated to be near one hundred (100) million anxiously awaits word from the self-proclaimed "reformer," John McCain muses his presence in Oxford, Mississippi would be unwise. As Americans have witnessed on the campaign trail, enter one Grand Old Party boy; exit the other. Some suggest the Republican President and the Party nominee are rapturous; they love theatre of the absurd.
Someone once described courage as not never being afraid, but going on in spite of the fear. As a nation and as elected officials we seem to be running dangerously low on courage. Oh we have the tough talk down, we have the posturing, but do we really have true courage? Since 9/11 when at least 2,985 people died from the terrorists attacks I think that what has been lost in all the hype is some perspective. While this was surely a tragedy, the population of the United States in the year 2001 was somewhere around 290 million people. Based on those numbers the terrorist attacks killed less than .02% of the population, yet since the attack we have responded by invading sovereign nations, torturing our fellow human beings, and gutting our Constitutional protections.
Earlier this week, The White House announced it's expecting the 2009 budget deficit to hit a record $482 billion. Worse still, this total doesn't factor in an additional $80 billion in expected war costs (despite a mandate from Congress that they be included). All told, then, the deficit will top a half trillion dollars. That's TRILLION. In one year. Thanks largely to a president from the party that touts fiscal restraint, and who inherited a budget SURPLUS. Consider it a parting gift from "The Digger" [Archive No. 0829] (see toon above).
Before signing off, Several Bits of Off the Wahl Perspective News . . .
- One of my editorial cartoons has been selected by toonpool.com for its ongoing "Underground Exhibition" in Europe. On Aug. 3, "Checking the Gauge" [Archive No. 0617] will be broadcast 40 times a day on 4,000 video screens in Berlin's subways, and should be seen by approximately 1.5 million passengers.
- Three of my toons can be found in new books chronicling the recent primaries. "Marathon Coverage" [Archive No. 0801] is included in "The Race for the 2008 Democratic Nomination," while "Mitt on Change" [Archive No. 0802] and "Fresh Face of the GOP" [Archive No. 0804] made the cut for "The Race for the 2008 Republican Nomination." I won't be selling copies in the OtWP Store, but, if you're interested, you can use the links below and I'll get a kickback from Amazon.
Buy "The Race for the 2008 Democratic Nomination":
- Finally, the time has come for a summer break. I plan to take the next three weeks off for family travel, backburner cartoon projects and just to generally recharge my battery. Expect my next toon Aug. 27, just in time to comment on the Democratic convention.
In an region filled with inert sand, in the Southern most State of Florida, there is an oasis. This breath of fresh air moves through the trees in Palm Beach County and in the halls of Congress in Washington, District of Columbia. A man who envisions "a more perfect Union" emanates enthusiasm for the ethical principles that define the democracy he loves. He stands solid in his belief; a nation founded in freedom for all its people cannot let a corrupt authority take these liberties away. This spirited being has a name and a title, Congressman Robert Wexler.
On July 26, 2008, Representative Wexler once again expressed his worry for what has remained "off the table." When asked is impeachment too little, too late, he said, "The crimes of this Administration must be revealed and Bush and Cheney must be held accountable." The Congressman fears a commitment to the Constitution has waned amongst his fellow legislators, and perhaps within the citizenry. Hence, Robert Wexler submitted a call to action. He requests Americans consider the history of censure and what occurs when Executive power is abused.
The Courts and Congress have come to believe there is reason for fear. Enemies are everywhere. Those who wish to do us harm are in our homes. They talk to us on our telephones. Some sashay in through our computers. "Evil doers" are ubiquitous in the United States. Our open society places the public at risk. We, the people, must defend ourselves. Thus, the Supreme Court and Congress have given the government and us the means. The highest judicial body in the nation has made it possible for the common man to protect himself with a pistol; Legislators provided the President ethereal firearms. Indeed, individuals and the Commander-In-Chief were bequeathed more than either had asked for. In 2008, we have entered the Summer of Separation. In the United States we say, "Farewell to privacy. Hello to arms."
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