Abstract

AWOL on the Truth

The author argues that U.S. president George W. Bush and his administration are displaying a blatant disregard for the truth on the two biggest issues facing them--the war and the budget. Bush's $2.4 trillion budget--which cuts back some domestic programs and includes $272 billion in tax cuts--includes a $521 billion deficit. But have no fear, Bush says. Under his five year plan, the deficit will be cut by 2009. No way, counter analysts who inhabit the real world. The Bush Administration also cannot handle the truth on Iraq and those absent weapons of mass destruction. "I want to know all the facts," Bush said, as he agreed to form an independent commission to investigate the prewar intelligence-after having first opposed the idea, of course. Isn't Bush already familiar with many of the facts? One issue is whether the intelligence analysts honestly botched the job and overstated Iraq's WMD holdings. But the other is whether Bush and his underlings dishonestly hyped selective pieces of iffy intelligence in order to persuade (or scare) the public into backing their invasion of Iraq. An independent investigation is a good idea. But Bush, predictably, has undermined its credibility at the start. He's insisted on a commission appointed by the White House, rather than one with commissioners selected by Congressional Republicans and Democrats and by the Administration (as was the independent 9/11 commission).