Bush uses crises to push preset agenda

[KC]

Bush uses crises to push preset agenda
By Jim Salvucci

HERE IS a prediction: Soon, maybe by the time you read this, the Bush administration will argue that the Great Blackout of '03 demonstrates the need for more energy deregulation and privatization, a beloved administration theme. We can already hear the first bleats of this contention from certain sectors.

Why is this foreseeable? Because it follows a pattern of behavior by the Bush White House to use crisis and panic to promote predetermined actions no matter the threat, situation or need.

A familiar example: During the 2000 campaign, the economy seemed to be humming and everyone forecast years of budget surpluses. George W. Bush touted his massive tax cut as a return of that surplus to its rightful owner, the American taxpayer. Never mind that his cuts went mostly to the rich and that government programs generally help the average Joe.

After the inauguration, the economy sank fast and the surplus disappeared. Sept. 11 hurt the economy more, and soon we were back to deficits. But then, in the midst of economic anxiety, the tax cut and all future tax cuts were recast as the best and only solution to our financial woes - just you wait! And now, despite obvious failure, the White House continues to push tax cuts.

more

http://www.sunspot.net/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.policy25aug25,0,4394601.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. And I was just saying on another thread...

the very same thing. Thank God that clever newspapers like Reuters are keeping the history behind our energy policy alive.

http://democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=82655#82777

[Parche]

2. Making sense

First is was Sept 11th,

Then the Iraqi illegal invasion

Then the massive EastCoast Blackout

Then the Oregon wildfire in central Oregon where bush spoke on the
need for clearcutting and his "Healthy Forest plan"

All of these coincidences? I think not

[PATRICK]

3. one track-fast track

Of course if some go so far as to suspect Bush of causing the assorted crises he makes work for him and only him thye accept that as a plus too. The edge of having people fear you.

All too soon, however, MIHOP or no, it will become exactly that. And what difference? AL Qaeda wants to get credit for the black out and rain falling on your picnic. They probably tear their beards out the next day when they realize nothing they could do could match hapless greed and murderous indifference of their enemies. The really powerful White House plays that game with real power to help and repair the situation. They just forget that responsibility, sit back and rake in the benefits.

When that is not enough they will use the power to keep the good times rolling.

If they haven't already.

[w4rma]

4. Bush Urges Congress on New Energy Bill

…
REDMOND, Ore. Aug. 21 —
…
Environmental groups criticized the tour.

"A few photo-ops will not erase the damage from Bush administration policies that leave communities at risk from wildfire, pollute the air and water, and fail to fund salmon recovery efforts," said Sierra Club executive director Carl Pope, who was following Bush along his Northwest travels. "We're here to tell the President that there is a better way."

The president's motorcade route was lined with a few thousand chanting, sign-waving protesters, yelling "Shame on you" and other slogans. They thronged the streets around the University of Portland arena where Bush spoke but were kept distant from his motorcade by riot-gear clad police.

Bush was unfazed.

"Thanks for the warm welcome and the cool day," he told his supporters. "We have set a record today, a record fund-raiser which indicates the depth of support here in Oregon for which I am most grateful."

Bush told his luncheon guests that he has a "commonsense policy to do everything we can to thin out the forest beds so that we can prevent the catastrophic forest fires that seem to be occuring all over the West."

Environmental groups say the president's forest policy allows timber companies to log large trees in the interest of thinning. They also are wary of streamlined environmental studies and limited appeals on proposed work to cut trees and brush on as many as 20 million acres of forest land.
…
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20030821_1764.html
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=77348

HERE IS a prediction: Soon, maybe by the time you read this, the Bush administration will argue that the Great Blackout of '03 demonstrates the need for more energy deregulation and privatization, a beloved administration theme. We can already hear the first bleats of this contention from certain sectors.

[buildmedia]

5. Banner Concept

Time to impeach. Here is a banner idea. I'd be interested in feedback. http://www.buildmedia.com/clients/impeach/banner2.htm

- Brian

[karlschneider]

6. Very cool, I like it. And welcome to DU! n/t