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Bush, George W.

The White House's Fantasyland: A Disconnect Between Reality and Delusion

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The White House seems to be living in a fantasyland, far removed from the harsh realities of war in Iraq. President Bush's decision to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals who have made critical mistakes, such as George Tenet and Paul Bremer III, is a stark example of this disconnect. Meanwhile, American troops are struggling with inadequate equipment, and the Iraqi people are suffering greatly. This disconnect between the White House's self-congratulation and the world of war in Iraq is evident in the administration's priorities, which seem to be focused on domestic politics and special interests rather than the welfare of the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The White House has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals responsible for critical mistakes in the lead-up to the Iraq War, including George Tenet and Paul Bremer III.
  • The medals were awarded despite the fact that thousands of people have died in the war, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.
  • The administration's priorities seem to be focused on domestic politics and special interests, rather than the welfare of the nation.
  • The appointment of Alberto Gonzales, the point person in the administration's bid to duck the constraints of the Geneva Conventions and justify torture, as attorney general is a disturbing sign of the administration's values.
  • The administration's handling of the Bernard Kerik fiasco, in which the nominee for homeland security secretary had major flaws in his background check, is another example of the administration's incompetence.

Statistics:

  • The number of medals awarded to individuals who have made critical mistakes in the lead-up to the Iraq War: 3
  • The estimated number of people who have died in the Iraq War: tens of thousands
  • The cost of the Bush inauguration: tens of millions of dollars
  • The price of a lunch with President Bush: $250,000
  • The number of American troops struggling with inadequate equipment: thousands
  • The number of Iraqi people suffering greatly: millions

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "It's Inauguration Time Again, and Access Still Has Its Price -- $250,000 Buys Lunch With President and More" (Dec. 10)
  • The New York Times, "Armor Scarce for Heavy Trucks Transporting U.S. Cargo in Iraq" (Dec. 10)
  • The New York Post, "I'm Not Perfect" (date of publication not specified)

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