Robert Parry: The Lost Opportunity of Iran-Contra

[marmar]

from Consortium News:



The Lost Opportunity of Iran-Contra
December 1, 2011

Special Report: A quarter century ago with the breaking of the Iran-Contra scandal, the United States had a chance to step back from its march toward Empire and to demand accountability for White House crimes. But instead a powerful cover-up prevailed, reports Robert Parry.

By Robert Parry


If you want to solve the perplexing mystery of modern-day America – and understand what went so terribly wrong – an important place to look for clues would be the Iran-Contra scandal, which began a quarter century ago, on Nov. 25, 1986.

The scandal’s failure to achieve meaningful accountability for high-level lawbreakers can be seen as a key turning point in modern American history. In effect, it was the moment when the United States veered firmly back onto a path toward Empire after a brief side trip toward again trying to be a functioning Republic.

The U.S. government had been on the imperial path since the end of World War II – with the establishment of U.S. military bases around the globe, the use of the CIA to remove troublesome leaders, and waging foreign wars in faraway places like Korea and Vietnam.

In the 1970s, however, the defeat in the Vietnam War presented the United States an opportunity to confront this lengthy national detour from Republic to Empire, and to change direction back toward something closer to what the Founders had in mind. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://consortiumnews.com/2011/12/01/the-lost-opportunity-of-iran-contra/

[SpiralHawk]

1. Republicon Occultism prevailed

to the deep dark detriment of the United States of America and the rest of the world.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Doctor_J]

2. Charles Pierce also mentions this

in this month's Esquire. He actually takes it back to Ford's pardon of Nixon, but says that Iran/Contra cemented the fact that Repukes can commit any crime, including treason, and not be unpunished. Ever since then they have broken any law they found inconvenient, and have suffered no repercussions for any crime.

[PETRUS]

3. Long-ish, but good. K&R