Your definitive guide to the Bush cronies' talking points, and why all of them are insane [View all]
How to debunk George W. Bushs attempts at revisionism
Your definitive guide to the Bush cronies' talking points, and why all of them are insane
BY ALEX SEITZ-WALD
Every dog goes to heaven and every former president should get a shot at repairing his legacy, especially when its as tattered as George W. Bushs. With the opening of his presidential library and museum this week, observers from former Bush officials to mainstream outlets were taking a fresh, rosy look at the Bush legacy. Some offered dopey and facially ridiculous cheerleading, while others offered more compelling suggestions to return to the Bush era with an open mind. After all, other presidents left office in a cloud only to be redeemed by history years later.
So, is this week making you feel a bit nostalgic for the Bush era? Dont. Its been almost half a decade since the 43rd president left office, and hes looking as bad as ever. Of course, that wont stop a small circle of admirers (many of whom used to be on his payroll) from trying, so heres your guide to taking on the five biggest specious pro-Bush talking points put forward this week:
1)
Bush kept us safe: The biggest myth of the Bush presidency, by far, is that the president kept the country safe. As Charles Krauthammer wrote this week in the Washington Post in a typical example: Its important to note that he did not just keep us safe. He created the entire anti-terror infrastructure that continues to keep us safe
Which is why there was not one successful terror bombing on U.S. soil from 9/11 until last week.
Just no. First of all, why does 9/11 not count? Its not like the U.S. government was completely unaware of the threat from al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden until 9/11. After all, bin Laden had already helped orchestrate the U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania that killed hundreds in 1998, and Bill Clinton launched cruise missiles into Sudan and Afghanistan to try to kill bin Laden three years before 9/11. And then theres that CIA briefing that warned Bush: Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S. 36 days before Sept. 11. Bushs response to the briefer giving him the news? To say, All right. Youve covered your ass, now. Then he went fishing. Literally.
full article:
http://www.salon.com/2013/04/27/bush_is_not_back_and_he_is_still_terrible/