Marie Cocco: It’s Over—And Not A Moment Too Soon

[marmar]

from Truthdig:



It’s Over—And Not A Moment Too Soon
Posted on Jan 20, 2009

By Marie Cocco


Sixteen years ago, as another Bush ended his presidency, the retrospective I wrote began by noting that George Herbert Walker Bush once said he’d aspired to the Oval Office because he was awed by “the honor of it all.”

Now his son leaves the White House with less honor and with lower public approval than any president since Richard Nixon, who resigned in disgrace over Watergate. The public bursts with expectation for the presidency of Barack Obama, who is seen as a savior from the political stress of the past eight years.

Bush’s campaign catchphrase in 2000 was that he would restore “honor and dignity” to the White House after the ethical imbroglios of the Clinton era. It was a cruel and cynical platitude. This was evident even before he was sworn in.

Bush’s strategy during the Florida recount that would put him in the Oval Office was to flex his family’s political muscle, manipulate Republican sycophants who oversaw state elections, and get the courts to shut down the vote count. Who can forget the shocking “white-collar riot” staged by a phalanx of Republican operatives who descended in a shouting, fist-pounding mob on a municipal office in Miami where ballots were being tallied? The intimidation worked to stop the counting that day.

Bush has not expressed shame or sorrow at this mocking of democracy. The affront to the rule of law was established as precedent. The world would soon experience the same bullying tactics. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20090120_its_over_--_and_not_a_moment_too_soon/

[Delphinus]

1. Excellent piece!

Thanks!

[MasonJar]

2. Go to the link and read the entire op-ed; it is worth the effort.