Friday, March 26, 2004

Cassandra Hosts Guest Editorial Adventures in Over-Writing For some bizarre reason, the Bush Administration is determined to alienate the families of the victims of 9/11. Already unhappy about the broken promises of increased funds for first responders, a great many of them were hurt by Bush-Cheney's use of images of Ground Zero and a casket of remains in campaign ads. If that wasn't bad enough, the Bush people turned unhappiness to anger by dismissing the 9/11 families' objections, calling them "lefties" who were "coached by the Democrats." A vast number of 9/11 families were powerfully moved by Richard Clarke's apology. Many openly wept as they said that this is what they had waited 2 ½ years to hear. More than one said that Clarke's words will help them heal. As the administration attacked Clarke, anger gave way to outrage and loathing. And today Senate Majority Leader Frist denounced the apology, calling it "theatrical." This follows William Kristol's denunciation of the " pseudo-apology (that) has cheapened the public discourse." This is not what those families want to hear. If the Bush supporters want to change that loathing to white hot detestation, to implacable enmity, this is precisely the way to do it. This September the Republicans will meet in New York City to celebrate Bush/Cheney O4. Do not be surprised if outside the hall, standing stock still in deafening silence, one thousand, three thousand, five thousand relatives of the victims of 9/11, their friends and supporters, form a tableau of irresistible reproach. Should this happen, the election will be over. The self-inflicted wound will have proved fatal. Jonathan Swiller 8:51:50 PM    comment []

Cassandra Wonders Okay, Let's Look A Sauced Goose Bill Frist is leading the charge to declassify Richard Clarke's previous testimony in order to search for contradictions. Dr. Frist makes ominous noises about perjury charges. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Condi Rice has decided to ask that she be allowed to amend her previous testimony. Obviously, Senator Frist, non-partisan protector of the Republic, will surely now ask that Dr. Rice's testimony should also be brought to light and any moment now he will advise her that perjury is a serious crime. or should we not hold our breaths? Cassandra is brought to you by  Moral Relativism  The Truth Is Out Of Luck! 8:01:27 PM    comment []

Cassandra Swoons Her Mother, Her Sister, Her Mother, Her Sister. Let's see If We've Got This Straight Okiedoke, The White House had the right to waive Richard Clarke's confidentiality because he was speaking for the administration in the backgrounder in question. and as Scott McClellan points out, Clarke has to explain the contradictions in what he told the 9/11 Commission and what he said in the backgrounder. because, as Scott McClellan further points out: "This was Mr. Clarke describing what he knew in his own words. This was not anybody but Mr. Clarke making these comments. Q But, Scott, in this administration when reporters go and ask you, other persons around here, we get the same words -- the same words come out. There's no variation or anything. Was he -- MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think that's a sign that we're following the President's direction and his policies. Q You're following talking points, correct? MR. McCLELLAN: No. Again, you need to separate out some of this. This was Mr. Clarke, on his own, making these comments back in the spring of 2002. This was him in his own words." So, since this was Clarke, "on his own...in his own words" how the hell does the White House get to give Fox permission to break confidentiality? Cassandra is brought to you by Situational Ethics   Play along at home 5:34:16 AM    comment []

Cassandra Affirms Weird Priorities Le Coup D'Etat, C'est Moi! Cassandra understands why the Bushies are so pissed at Richard Clarke He somehow thinks that the oath of office he took was to the Constitution rather than to the Bush Family. Former Navy Secretary John Lehmann knows which side his flag is buttered on. He didn't even try to make a pretense when he quoted from a transcript slipped to him by Fox to be used in trashing Clarke. In defense of party he'd bravely sacrifice his last country. Cassandra is brought to you by Patriotism Lite   A Bush Family Enterprise 3:15:40 AM    comment []

Cassandra Ain't Talking Fox Burns A Source Fox not only makes up news, now they're making up rules too. Fox has come up with a novel release clause to journalism's unbreakable rule against burning a source: The White House gave them permission. It works this way: They promise the source (in this example Richard Clarke) anonymity, so that he will talk to them on background. Then later, when what he says pisses off his former employer the Bush White House, Fox gets permission from that very same employer to out its source. Neat huh? Obviously, other, more professional news orgaizations aren't going to accept such a flagrant debasement of journalistic ethics. Except maybe CNN, which took the story and ran with it. But the rest of the press was so irate and disgusted, they were shocked into silence for days (maybe longer). Where is the outrage? Where is the indignation? With the weapons of mass destruction maybe? (you know, those thing that we went to war over, whose non-existence George Bush and Washington Press Corps find so funny.) Okiedokie, potential whistleblowers make note: Fox burns sources CNN goes along The rest of the press find nothing wrong with it. So, keep your mouth shut! Cassandra is brought to you by Journalistic Ethics   One of the truly great oxymorons. 2:36:17 AM    comment []

Cassandra Predicts Anybody Need A Term Paper Subject? Flip Flop? Cassandra has a research project to offer. We'd do it ourselves, but why not share the fun? Go back to the news reports just after Clinton bombed Al Qaeda sites in the '90s. Make a list of the Republicans who denounced the then President for "wagging the dog," that is to say, staging a military action to distract attention from his very domestic problems. Now, make a list of those Republicans who denouncing Clinton for not taking more military action against Al Qaeda. For every name you find on both lists we'll give you a lollipop. Honest Cassandra is brought to you by Journalistic Ethics   For sale cheap. Hardly used. 1:54:51 AM    comment []