The Bush Cheney Administration rewrote history even as it occurred. In the waning hours of their shared reign, a committee was formed to secure their legacy. Technically, the work to revise the past began only weeks ago. In truth, the men in the Executive Branch endeavored to deliver a message of accomplishment from the first.
On every occasion, when asked of the public umbrage for the Iraq War, President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney offered a similar answer. "So."
Shocked by the cold-hearted reactions, Americans were moved to speak of the lack of care. Yet, no one, at least not those in Congress who could challenge such a cavalier attitude, responded in a meaningful manner. No matter the widespread antipathy for the Presidential pair, the American people settled into apathy. Most did not think censure was wise. Countless claimed impeachment was impossible. A glimpse into the souls of two men who voluntarily chose to slaughter innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan did not move people to take action.
There was an air of acceptance in America. The people felt they could do nothing. Hence, they did not. Citizens of this country listened. They sigh. A few chuckled. Most just ignored what they characterized as classic arrogance. Thus, the haughtiness grew. In March 2008, the Vice President knew the public was indifferent. He had reason to believe that the American people thought the dream of prosecution was impossible.
"You don't care what the American people think?" Raddatz asked the vice president.
"You can't be blown off course by polls," said Cheney, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East. "This president is very courageous and determined to go the course. There has been a huge fundamental change and transformation for the better. That's a huge accomplishment."
The Administration was steadfast, and said so frequently. They would stay the course. The mission was accomplished, although altered for the benefit of an audience. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, always cognizant of how history might judge them practiced the proper posit. Indeed, in the closing days the Administration may have perfected the posture. On December 14, 2008, little more than a month before the President leaves office, he again spun an improved interpretation of his-story.
Bush:Clearly, one of the most important parts of my job because of 9/11 was to defend the security of the American people. There have been no attacks since I have been president, since 9/11. One of the major theaters against al Qaeda turns out to have been Iraq. This is where al Qaeda said they were going to take their stand. This is where al Qaeda was hoping to take . . .
Raddatz: But not until after the U.S. invaded.
Bush: Yeah, that's right. So what?
So what? What does it matter what the truth might be, or what the American people might think. It is of little consequence that innocent Iraqis and Afghanis were killed needlessly. For the two Executives, neither of whom ever fought on a frontline, a deception that led to the deaths of American soldiers was but a necessary deed, a patriotic pact. Certainly, there is no reason for criticism or a critique.
"So?" "So what?" The antagonistic, supercilious actions of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney have caused so many sorrows for the common folk torn by combat. Yet, the mantra of the men who supposedly serve a nation, who continue to occupy the Oval Office, is essentially, 'Oh well.' Were that it was "so". If only the world had not accepted such a self-serving stance from the Bush Administration, perhaps, all would have been and be well.
So? Sources . . .
Exclusive: Cheney Cites 'Major Success' in Iraq, Says U.S. Has Hit 'Rough Patch.' Vice President Commemorates Five Years in Iraq, Insists U.S. Economy Not in Recession. By Nitya Venkataraman and Jonann Brady. ABC News. March 19, 2008
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