Loyalty Pays Off in Bush Camp...Regardless of the Facts

[kainah]

Loyalty pays off in Bush camp - Job security seems to depend on it regardless of the facts
2003-07-27
by Tom Raum
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- In the rising controversy over how the Bush administration built its case for war in Iraq, one curious fact stands out. Some who gave President Bush unwelcome information that turned out to be accurate are gone. Those who did the opposite are still around.

Former economic adviser Lawrence Lindsey, retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni and former Army chief of staff Gen. Eric Shinseki voiced concerns about the expense, aftermath and forces that would be needed -- concerns now proving to be true. These men are no longer in the picture.

By contrast, nobody so far has come under apparent pressure to resign in the events that led up to the president's mention in his State of the Union address in January of a British intelligence report that Iraq was seeking uranium in Africa. That claim was based on forged documents and challenged by the CIA.

snip...

While resignations may yet come, all the major players in the drama have expressed strong loyalty to Bush, noted Stephen Hess, a scholar with the Brookings Institution. ``And it's pretty hard to lose much by being loyal to the boss.'' Meanwhile, the naysayers on Iraq are becoming an endangered species.

more...

http://www.kingcountyjournal.com/sited/story/html/138586

This is interesting, written by the male AP reporter called on by * in his Blair press conference to ask the "tough" question about lies, the reporter who asked if he would accept responsibility only to see * dodge him. The fact that he got chosen to ask the question tells me that the bushies trust him not to be too hard. This, however, is just the kind of story that helps keep the controversy alive. And, since it's on the AP wire, it's showing up in newspapers all over the country tomorrow.

[DrBB]

1. They have transformed "groupthink"

from a problem to be avoided into an absolute guiding principle to be worshipped.

Groupthink is always a tendency in organizations. Here's the thing though: it doesn't just lead to bad decisions, it leads to stupid ones, ones that get the leaders in trouble. That's why good leaders, even though they like having their asses kissed as much as the next person, put structures in place to avoid groupthink, and they discipline those shown to have succumbed to it. It keeps their own asses from getting canned.

But these guys are absolutely devoted to it. They think it makes them stronger, smarter.

Works for a while, then the two-by-four of reality smacks you right between the eyes.

[diplomats]

2. Good analysis

You've hit the nail on the head.

[indictrichardperle]

3. Vito Corleone operated the same way

as far as loyalty.....but

Vito was not stupid. The Neo-con mantra that small numbers of troops would be required because 'liberated people dont behave badly'......was freaking insane. They actually believe their own bullshit. I really think the hardcore idealogues like Bill Kristol and Perle...didnt necessarily believe it, they just needed to convince others to invade, if it goes badly so be it....their loyalty is not with the US national interest.

[Pert_UK]

6. "Violence is the first resort of the unintelligent" - Vito Corleone

I may have paraphrased the quote (not sure) but it means the same thing.......I think that Bush has shown his intelligence level.

P.

[DemoTex]

4. Loyalty pays off in Bush camp. Loyalty pays off in the mob too.

The mob is much smarter about it though.

[DemoTex]

5. Loyalty pays off in Bush camp. Loyalty pays off in the mob too.

The mob is much smarter about it though.

[Rose Siding]

7. This is terrifically BAD qress for Bush!

No one wants to think a pres would surround himself with "yes men" (or women) :bounce:

[DemoTex]

9. But it's the BFEE way!

Do or die. That simple.

[Rose Siding]

10. Maybe it's worse.

He has a penchant for rewarding failure.

It was just revealed/uncovered that the TX school dist run by his Sec of the US Dept of EDUCATION had a drop out rate of 55%. He's *RUNNING* the dept and over half of his charges couldn't graduate! Wouldn't you think that's the kind of poor performance scandal that might cost him that job? I won't hold my breath.

[Sagan]

8. Meaning...

It doesn't matter if you do a really really bad job or not. If you're loyal, you stay. Now THAT'S leadership by Enron.

[DemoTex]

11. Good point Sagan.

We need to point out the similarities between the Enron sham and the Bu$hco sham more frequently and more vigorously. They are, essentially, one and the same.

[DBoon]

12. Dilbert principal

The Dilbert principal has finally reached the federal government.

This is what happens when you try to run government like a private corporation. The boss' golfing buddies get to stay.

[Ouabache]

13. The Bush white house is run like the mob

Loyalty above all.

But remember the old Sicilian proverb ?

A fish always rots from the head.