In other words: A discussion of The Bush Administration
George Bush, victim of decay
Bush opens up. From his "autobiography" A CHARGE TO KEEP:
During the more than half century of my life, we have seen an unprecedented decay in our American culture, a decay that has eroded the foundations of our collective values and moral standards of conduct. Our sense of personal responsibility has declined dramatically, just as the role and responsibility of the federal government have increased.
The changing culture blurred the sharp contrast between right and wrong and created a new standard of conduct: "If it feels good, do it." and "If you've got a problem, blame somebody else. Individuals are not responsible for their actions," the new culture has said. "We are all victims of forces beyond our control.” We have gone from a culture of sacrifice and saving to a culture obsessed with grabbing all the gusto. We went from accepting responsibility to assigning blame. (emphasis mine)
He was talking about the standard conservative "it was better back in the old days." Interestingly enough that was what conservatives were saying back in the old days. And so on and so on. I guess the Dark Ages must have been heaven on Earth.
However, he sounds to be talking about himself. When asked about his Harken insider trading deal, he excuses himself with "my account lost the paperwork." When asked about missing the answers of some questions on his jury questionnaire (which would, if answered, prove embarrassing), he excuses himself with "my aide filled it out for me." When asked about the State of Union Address "The CIA said it was okay."
The modern neo-con version of the Republican party is not the party of self-responsibility. When all the accounting scandals were happening, the CEOs were excused by the Republicans because they were the victims of the "anything goes" time of lies and excess of the Clinton era. Poor millionaires it must be hard to have no self-control and be at the mercy of that evil ol' Clinton. The funny thing is during that time crime was going down down down. Maybe non-CEOs have stronger will power.
Thanks to one of those sites listed on the right pointing out that line from his "autobiography."
- rob 7:49 PM - [PermaLink] -
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