Bush Win Would Mean Dark Times:Helen Thomas

[cal04]

There are many reasons -- in foreign policy and on the domestic front -- why President George W. Bush should not be reelected. Among them is the dominance of the radical right in his advisory councils, who are taking the United States down the wrong road at the start of the 21st century. The road could lead to more mindless wars abroad and a widening gap between the rich and the poor in this country.


There will be only one way to read the election results if Bush wins: The world will see his victory as an affirmation by the American people of his disastrous preemptive war policy, which led the United States to invade Iraq without provocation.

The U.S. attack on Iraq is a clear violation of international law and has made us helpless to condemn others for similar acts. If he wins reelection, Bush may see his victory as a signal to follow the neo-conservative dream of a political transformation of the Middle East through military force.

The president also would likely continue his new-style isolationism by giving short shrift to post-World War II treaties, such as those banning biological and chemical weapons. There is nothing to indicate Bush is willing to stop the gross violations of the Geneva Conventions on the humane treatment of prisoners of war. Dark reports of the shameful treatment and secret transfers of detainees still emanate from Iraq and the U.S. brig at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba.Despite his vehement denials, Bush may be compelled to call for another military draft if he persists in making war.

the rest of the article
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1030-24.htm

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Man, that's a scary essay.

But Helen Thomas has seen a lot of presidents and she knows whereof she speaks.

[amber dog democrat]

2. Well lets hope it does not come to this.

I don't think the American people are going to give him the free ride he had at the begining of this term. Has it really been 4 years? Feels like 10.

I deeply respect Helen Thomas and agree with her assessment.

[splat]

3. one savvy lady still writing for her country

There will be only one way to read the election results if Bush wins: The world will see his victory as an affirmation by the American people of his disastrous preemptive war policy, which led the United States to invade Iraq without provocation.

when we vote we'll each choose -- a chance to make peace with the world, or permanent war.

as I typed that, I heard in my head the opening of dylan's shelter from the storm:

"'Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form..."

don't want to go back there.

I hope Kerry appeals to the best in us in these last hours.

[MatrixEscape]

4. Hi Ho PNAC ... and AWAAAAY! n/t

[peacefreak]

5. A Sage has spoken.

I hope she will be in the front row of the Press Corp again soon.

[freesqueeze]

6. "answerable to no one"

This is the last (and first?) time Mr. Bush will be held accountable for his actions.

VOTE VOTE VOTE