A faith perspective on current events. By: Fr. Steven Foppiano
The Big Lie
“The Big Lie” is a term often used during the Cold War concerning the Soviet Union. Reports were that even the Soviets took to using the term. It simply meant that if you are to tell a lie, then tell it convincingly, often and loudly. Make it seem as if it could not be a lie and eventually the world, even perhaps the Soviets themselves, would believe it. It was a convenient way of separating their rhetoric from their actions. They could claim to be the innocent bystander, the victim, or the one with kindly intent, when behind the iron curtain millions died, and throughout the world their ruthlessness went unabated.
This same tactic has now been undertaken by some of our most powerful statesmen, or I should say, politicians. “Statesman” is too high of an honor for most of these self serving narcissists. I am referring here to the damning of the Bush administration. I have recently heard it called corrupt, bankrupt, immoral, and politic driven. Now, I am not a fan of President Bush. He has let me down in many ways and had failed to provide the leadership against his political enemies that this country needs. But I do not think his is a corrupt or immoral administration. In fact, those that use these terms are, like the former Soviet Union, avoiding the clear evidence to the contrary.
As far as corruption, I know of one conviction by a person of authority in the Bush administration and this conviction is not related to any action taken on behalf of the administration but on his answers to a special prosecutor. No wrong doing has been alleged in Mr. Libby. Most unbiased opinions see his conviction as justice gone awry. He was convicted for not saying what he knew several years prior to his questioning. Even if he had said or heard what they claim, no law would have been broken. How many of you can answer to what you were doing three years ago?
There have been many accusations against President Bush and especially Vice-President Chaney, but these are based on who they knew or what they did before they were elected. Chaney is considered guilty of everything because he was once head of Halliburton and Bush worked in the oil fields so, of course, he is corrupt and with Chaney, is in the hands of the oil companies. Never is proof given and never are charges brought, but the accusations keep coming.
When Clinton calls this the most corrupt administration ever, she is conveniently overlooking the lack of any convictions in this administration and the fact the Clinton associates regularly went to jail for influence peddling and financial fraud. The democrats decry that seven Attorney Generals have been released, conveniently forgetting that, to delay action in White Water, President Clinton fired the entire roster of Attorney Generals, nearly 100. How many remember that Clinton fired the travel department of the White House because they would not give contracts to his friends? The former President was convicted of lying under oath and barred from legal practice, and they now have the audacity to call President Bush corrupt?
When the facts are in and history takes a look, it may be shown that President Bush’s presidency became less effective as time went by and that he made political mistakes, but it will also reveal that this has been one of the least scandalous administrations in recent history … while also being the most accused. The left has simply taken up The Big Lie. Say it long enough, loud enough, and with enough fervor and even they will begin to believe their lies.
Of course, these politicians and groups that attack the Administration don’t care of the damage done to the country as a whole. The lack of esteem held by foreigners for our government and the country has more to do with our own media and political rhetoric than on any actions by President Bush. Any attack is deemed to be okay in the name of political gain for a party or cause. No concern is given for the damage to the country.
The worst part of all of this is that I firmly believe a country gains the government it deserves. I just did not think that we, as a people, had fallen this far.
Fr. Steven Foppiano
P.S.
Sorry I got so many of you angry with the above post. Still, except for Libby, none of you have pointed out any crimes or scandals of the Bush administration. The idea that he stole the first election has been thoroughly disproven, even by the papers who actually did a recount. You may hate that he got us into a war but he did so with the yes of Congress fully open and cooperative. They may retreat from their decisions now but the knew as much as Bush did.
I am sure you will tell me how he lied and knew the truth and had some secret agenda. In his Father's administration the ex-President was accussed of flying to Iran in an X-15 to make a deal befoe Reagan came into office. That and these accusations against George W. hole about the same credibility, that is none. Congress is controlled by the democrats so let them come up with some real evidence instead of a heap of accusations they can't back up. Note that even Gonzales who was publicly whipped in a political sense, has been shown to have done nothing illegal.
You may also note that Libby was convicted of the exact same crime as President Clinton, lying under oath. The difference is that many feel that Libby was simply mistaken, not lying. Either way, he should get a punishment no greater than Clinton's. which wasn't much.
By the way, read my writing on having no fear of words. It seems that if you disagree with someone they are assumed to be guilty of a crime. Show me the evidence, otherwise just give me you opinion on the issues.
Thank you.
Fr. Steven
Comments
The least scandalous administration in recent history? You have GOT to be kidding! Bush and his little band of unmerry men and women deserve every criticism they are getting.... and more! Impeachment would be too good for the lot of them.
Posted by: Renee | March 27, 2007 12:25 PM
Father,
What planet do you come from? What universe do you come from. This is the most perposterous bunch of crap I've seen in months. Of course, I haven't really been looking for this kind of BS ever since a majority of Americans expressed their views on this administration last November. Dude, wake thine self from slumber and join the human race!
Posted by: dougt | March 25, 2007 06:58 PM
I’d agree with you as far as saying there are no “statesmen” still around, and politicians are a very sorry second, but saying that Bush has “failed to provide the leadership against his political enemies” hardly even begins to describe his failures. Bush considers anyone that disagrees with him as an enemy, and that includes you and me. Is that the way you are defining it? In my opinion, his failures are legion, from an ill thought out war in Iraq up to the present refusal to allow some of his staff to testify in Congress under oath, when there is serious suspicion of obstruction of justice concerning allegations of the Judiciary being manipulated for political reasons. Do you really want the executive branch deciding who does and who doesn’t get prosecuted in this nation?
I find it curious you believe there was no wrongdoing by Libby, considering he did lie under oath, and more than once, concerning a very serious issue of outing a covert CIA agent. I do recall the House considering Clinton lying under oath about having an affair “high crimes and misdemeanors.” This is quite a double standard don’t you think?
It has been said that Libby has a sharp mind and keen memory. I find it interesting that in a circumstance as important as the one mentioned he not only could not remember much of anything, but he did recall a conversation he never had with Tim Russert. And, the original statement from the white house a couple years before the Libby trial even began was that no one from that office had leaked any information. Did Libby forget then as well? Lying to grand juries and to the FBI are considered crimes. At least the judiciary and jury seemed to think so.
As for this Administration being not being corrupt, it is telling that John Dean, former attorney to the Nixon regime, continually says they make the Nixon administration seem clean by comparison. I don’t believe this administration has in anyway failed politically, since politics are basically their only strength. I believe they have failed to do the job of governing the nation with competence and respect for the American people.
Posted by: Stephen | March 24, 2007 10:28 AM
Father, I must respectfully disagree with you.
First of all, Bush's first term was a lie. He had the Supreme Court stop the vote count. Second, you need only look at the duplicitiousness of his staffers--even this week--who are called to testify but refuse to do so with a transcript, in public and refuse to put their hands on the Bible and swear the oath to tell the truth.
Hundreds of thousands of innocent people are not here, who would be had Bush not bought into the Project for a New American Century (you can read this online), which is a plan signed by many in the first W administration putting America as the new imperial power.
The rest of the world doesn't need our CNN to come to these conclusions. They need only look at what's unfolding before their eyes.
Sadly, we are a fallen nation.
Posted by: Mom of Three | March 22, 2007 01:29 PM