Author: James Bovard

It is encouraging that the jury found Scooter Libby guilty on most charges.

It will be amusing to watch the conservative elite howl that the verdict is a violation of their sacred right to rule by deceit.

If Libby turns state’s evidence to reduce his prison sentence, the White House could need roof repair real quick. Libby was nothing more than a tool of Dick Cheney.   Thus far, Cheney appears confident that all his falsehoods since 2001 are legally immune.

The Libby verdict highlights the role of institutional lying in DC.  Ironically, the front page of today’s Washington Post carries a story showing how the Democrats have chosen to protect themselves by gutting their resolution to withdraw troops from Iraq. The Post states, “The idea is to force Bush to abide by his own promises [on Iraq] but to make sure he remains responsible for conducting and ending the war.”

The Democrats have not yet formally announced that people who voted against the war last November can go screw themselves.

The Libby indictment is a reminder that Americans should be far more cynical about Washington.

Comments & counterpoints welcome at my blog here.

Will Grigg has an excellent new E-Zine, Pro Libertate, here.  Will posted a piece of mine in his first issue on the collateral benefits of liberating Iran.  Here’s the lead – full text at his e-zine and at my blog, where comments & carping are always welcome.

LIBERATING IRAN, ENSLAVING AMERICA

by James Bovard

The Bush administration is reportedly considering the use of tactical nuclear weapons against suspected Iranian nuclear facilities. Many people have commented on how the U.S. military is already overstretched and cannot afford another major war. But little attention has been focused on how the American political system is also at the breaking point….

…. If Bush does bomb Iran, the chain reaction could wreck American democracy. The Bush administration shows no signs of developing either an allergy to power or an addiction to truth. The American republic cannot afford to permit a president to remain above the law and the Constitution indefinitely. Anything that raises the odds of a terror attack reduces the odds of reining in the government.

The #2 Homeland Security official for Prince George’s County, Maryland recently shot two furniture delivery guys who brought a new bed to his house.  The headboard had a scratch, according to local news reports.  The shooter is also a long -term employee of the Prince George’s County Police Department.  This police department has long had one of the worst records in the nation for gunning down innocent civilians.  In the 1990s, the P.G. Police killed and maimed more unarmed people than the Unabomber and the Aryan Nation combined. 

I have reposted a piece on my blog that I did for Playboy in 2001 on how some government employees acquire a right to shoot others with impunity.    I have never understood why terrorists are demonized while people wearing uniforms who kill innocent civilians almost always receive endless benefits of the doubts.

Comments etc. welcome at my blog here.

This was my favorite photo from the exuberant antiwar demonstration in DC on Saturday. Where is the Secret Service when you need them? (Probably out chasing down other 81 year olds who wrote vague letters to the editor).

I have another 10 photos (including a full size version of the above shot) from the demo here.  Comments & caterwauling welcome at my blog here.

This Saturday should see the biggest antiwar demonstration in Washington since September 2005. Details here.

I will be heading down to the big show. When I go to these events, I tend to saunter more than march, savoring the circus elements of these festivities and spending as much time on the periphery as in the throng.

Stopping Bush from expanding the Iraq war and from attacking Iran are by far the most important short term issues in American politics. War unleashes presidents to do their worst, with scores of millions of Americans guaranteed to cheer any new oppression of their fellow citizens.

Some people might avoid this march because of differences with the sponsoring organizations. Shizam, if I paid close attention to the words from the podium at these events, I might never go to any of them. I have been struck how often the demonstrators seem significantly more serious and reasonable than the speakers. But people are there to oppose the war, not to swear allegiance to every nitwit  who nabs the microphone for 2 minutes.

Likewise, some people might avoid publicly protesting because they want to avoid being in the same square mile as the fringe elements that show up for these events. I’m not talking about the undercover policemen. People who incite violence may be getting paid time and a half for working on Saturday.   There is no collective liability for all the ideas at the protest.  People who show up to oppose the war are not culpable because someone else shows up with a sign advocating bombing whomever.

 On the other hand, some of the people there might look at me and also shake their heads ruefully.   (“Antiwar event attendees are supposed to be clean shaven. Is it really necessary to be chomping on a cigar? And where did he get that hat? No one wears hats like that in Brooklyn.”)

Attending an antiwar march is one of the easiest ways to drive neoconservatives visibly insane. The New York Sun suggested in February 2003 that the New York Police Department “send two witnesses along for each [antiwar march] participant, with an eye toward preserving at least the possibility of an eventual treason prosecution” since all the demonstrators were guilty of “giving, at the very least, comfort to Saddam Hussein.”

Political entertainment doesn’t get much better than an editorial like that.

The forecast for Saturday is   49 degrees and Sunny.   Fine weather for a tromp around the city.   The last time I checked, all the local breweries are scheduled to be open.

I don’t know how much good it will do but this is one of the most visible legal means of protesting government policy.  Enjoy it while it lasts.

Feel free to post your thoughts on marching – or not marching – at my blog here. 

In the Tuesday interview for PBS Newshour, host Jim Lehrer asked Bush why he has not asked more Americans.. to sacrifice something” for the war in Iraq.

The President replied: “I think a lot of people are in this fight. I mean, they sacrifice peace of mind when they see the terrible images of violence on TV every night.”

Bush did not specify whether he believes people who become afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of channel surfing should be eligible for military disability pensions.

I have been amazed at the last few interviews Bush has given.  His doggerel seems to be surpassing all previous bounds, and yet…  many Americans continue to believe, and most of the Washington media continues to grovel.   

Comments & cavils on this topic welcome at my blog here.