11 May 2004

where the bodies are buried

Reuters quotes Bush's remarks at the Pentagon:

Mr. Secretary, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you for your leadership. You are courageously leading our nation in the war against terror. You're doing a superb job. You are a strong Secretary of Defense, and our nation owes you a debt of gratitude.


I have not seen anyone comment yet that one motive for Bush retaining Rumsfeld is fear of how Rumsfeld may react to being dismissed. I do not think Rumsfeld would take it kindly. Bush has been burned by one Cabinet officer, former Treasury Secretary O'Neill. Rumsfeld would certainly have access to much more damaging information and I cannot think Bush would want to face what he'd see as a second revenge memoir.

The Bush remarks also make nonsense of his apology for Abu Ghraib. You cannot claim to be sorry for a series of events and then give this warm and uncritical endorsement to the author of the events.

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