The Scales Fall from America's Eyes: Exposing George Bush's National Security Deceits

In a much-needed moment of clarity, last week's presidential debate witnessed President George Bush's manufactured image as a strong, resolute leader being shattered by his whiny, petulant behavior under scrutiny. The contrast between Bush's pre-debate charm and his debate-day demeanor left viewers shocked, but it was not just style that mattered. The substance of the debate exposed Bush's record on national security as a scandal, yet one that has failed to be considered a priority by the media and the public. Bush's refusal to provide effective protection for America's ports and chemical plants, his shameful penny-pinching on domestic security, and his disastrous decision to invade Iraq all came under scrutiny, highlighting the administration's negligence and incompetence.

Key Takeaways:

• Bush's tax cuts, which favor the wealthy, have contributed more than $270 billion to the 2004 budget deficit, while increased spending on homeland security accounts for only $20 billion.
• Bush's administration suppressed intelligence that might have raised doubts in Congress about invading Iraq, relying on flawed evidence, including the aluminum tubes purchased by Saddam, which were later found to be unsuited for a nuclear program.
• Bush's manufactured image as a strong leader has been exposed, revealing a whiny, petulant behavior in the debate.
• Bush's record on homeland security is considered a scandal by Jonathan Chait, writing in The New Republic.
• Bush's refusal to provide effective protection for America's ports and chemical plants has gone unchallenged by the media.
• Dick Cheney's record as a hardheaded realist is at odds with his actual record of irresponsibility and incompetence, particularly in his handling of the 2001 California energy crisis.
• Cheney's task force was criticized for stonewalling investigations into the energy crisis, which was caused by market-rigging efforts by the companies he trusted.

Statistics:

• The 2004 budget deficit is estimated to be over $270 billion, with Bush's tax cuts accounting for more than $270 billion of that amount.
• Increased spending on homeland security accounts for only $20 billion of the budget deficit.
• The aluminum tubes purchased by Saddam were later found to be identical to those used by Iraq for purposes other than a nuclear program.
• The Bush administration suppressed intelligence that might have raised doubts in Congress about invading Iraq.

Sources:

• Jonathan Chait, writing in The New Republic
• The Times (confirmation of suppressed intelligence)
• Congressional Budget Office estimates (budget deficit and homeland security spending)
• Bush administration documents (intelligence and decision-making records)