Making History

Well, it’s almost official. The nation once known as Iraq has just about been completely destroyed by George Bush and Dick Cheney. All out civil war is in the offing as Iraq descends to become Afghanistan 2, the latest hotbed for Islamic terrorists. Now the Bush apologists have nothing left to justify the foray into Iraq.

We’ve heard about the weapons of mass destruction, how the world would be better without Saddam Hussein, how the Iraqi people would be better without Saddam, how Iraq worked with al Qaeda, how freedom and democracy would flourish in the Middle East and make us more secure. A lot of people bought into one or more of those explanations, but they were all lies. War in Iraq was never about any of those things – it was about arrogance. This administration looks upon itself as history-makers rather than observers of historic events. Better to be bold and decisive they tell themselves regardless of whether they are right or wrong.

The arrogance of such a thought process is mind-boggling. Bush’s little jaunt into history has destroyed the lives of thousands of people. Over 25,000 American soldiers have been wounded or killed in the war, but Bush doesn’t care. He’s making history and that’s what matters. The lives of ordinary American citizens mean nothing to this man.

Now Iraq is on the brink of civil war and it’s not like this possibility was never presented to the White House. It was presented several times before the war and during the occupation. Yet our history-making president eschewed these warnings, for he was decisive and he was going to show the world that he would act boldly. He would take Saddam down and damn the consequences. Ordinary Iraqis were of no concern and neither were the lives of American soldiers.

The destruction of the Iraqi nation is blood on the hands of the American people and we, as a people, need to deal with that reality. For those who voted for George Bush in 2000 and especially in 2004, I have a simple message for you: it’s your fault. You succumbed to the fear and you enabled this most moronic of all US presidents to continue his reign over the destruction of the American way of life. Will you ever wake up and realize what you’ve done?

Unfortunately, America seems oblivious to Bush’s transgressions and is far too concerned with who is on American Idol this week or what new song should we download to our iPod. Yet, while America remains in a coma, Bush continues to destroy the way of life he twice pledged to protect. How will history remember our bold and fearless leader?

The answer to that question of course is unknown, but here is how I’ll remember him. In my book, he will go down as the worst president in the history of the United States and the man who brought America as close to fascism as it has ever been. An inarticulate man who continually refused the counsel of experts in favor of the advice of an uninformed few. He presided over the rise of neo-conservatism in America and he put the religious right into the White House. On his watch, civil liberties have become a nuisance in the name of security.

This president must go, but that’s not likely to happen. Congress continues to capitulate to the White House with the latest example being their decision not to investigate the NSA Domestic Spying program, but to amend the law instead. For those of you paying attention, that means they know he broke the law, but they don’t care.

Is there anyone out there who cares? Of course, there are several groups that do like the ACLU, but the challenge is mobilizing enough people to actually get something done. Unfortunately, I’m not optimistic about the chances.