Not The Real Issue
Reported by Deborah - September 12, 2004 -
Newshounds Editorial
In my mind, the authenticity of the Killian memos or the credibility of Ben Barnes, are not the real issues in this latest attempt to divert attention from Bush's behavior, while in the Texas National Guard. The behavior patterns displayed by GW Bush during his military service reveal tendencies and attitudes that disturb me greatly. Perhaps, if everyone stepped back from the trivia filling the media about this issue, they could see a clearer reality.
When Ben Barnes came forward claiming that he had a role in attaining the coveted National Guard post for Bush, Fox and other media outlets cried foul claiming that Ben Barnes was not credible. Hannity quickly got an interview from Barne's daughter Amy claiming that her words totally discredited her Father. Amy sounded, to me, like an angry and petulant Daughter with a love/hate conflict with Daddy. Her flimsy statement amounted to his denial in 2000 and confession in 2004. Then she sounded all depressed that Daddy was angry about her interview. It was laughable to me.
As someone who experienced the Vietnam era with family and friends facing the draft, I can say that everyone wanted a slot in the National Guard. However, it was common knowledge that only the well connected, got in. The fact that Bush jumped in front of hundreds on a waiting list tells the whole story.
His Father was a very very powerful Texan and the Bush name was enough.So the logic that since Barnes is an operator therefore, Bush did not get special treatment, is ridiculous to me.
The fact that he adamantly denied getting special treatment shows a behavior pattern that concerns me. I recently saw Bush at a meeting of Journalists of Color, on C-SPAN and he was asked about getting into Yale because of legacy. He was visibly infuriated and made some snide comment of weak denial. Well, anyone who has applied to college knows that an alumnus parent, gives you extra admission points. Yet Bush needs to deny and try to pretend he's an average American.
The authenticity of the Killian memos means nothing to me because I know that although Bush started out doing a good job something happened in 1972 to change him and his military behavior. Nobody that I knew in the National Guard, could request a transfer to work on a political campaign or get an honorable discharge without showing up for drills. Bush, once again, used his privilege to get out of trouble and take the easy way out.
When I look back at myself in 1972, I can honestly say that I was a mess with a multitude of lessons to learn If Bush had the integrity to stand up and admit that he screwed up and realizes how badly he had behaved, I would applaud him. Now , not only don't I trust him, I think he's a spoiled, rich kid who could never relate to my world.
