In today’s New York Times’ Op-Ed page, Paul Krugman nails the intent and dangers of the Bush administration so eloquently that I can’t think of much to constructively add. Everybody and his brother in the blogging community (I refuse to use the -sphere word) is quoting the thing in its entirety, but I don’t see why you can’t go and read it on Klugman’s own site, right here. A few select quotes are in order, though:
Over the last few months a series of revelations have confirmed what should have been obvious a long time ago: the Bush administration and the movement it leads have been engaged in an authoritarian project, an effort to remove all the checks and balances that have heretofore constrained the executive branch.
…and…
…I think that most Americans still believe in the principle that the president isn’t a king, that he isn’t entitled to operate without checks and balances. And President Bush is especially unworthy of our trust, because on every front — from his refusal to protect chemical plants to his officials’ exposure of Valerie Plame, from his toleration of war profiteering to his decision to place the C.I.A. in the hands of an incompetent crony — he has consistently played politics with national security.
…and…
Does anyone remember the editorial that The Wall Street Journal published on Sept. 19, 2001? “So much for Florida,” the editorial began, celebrating the way the terrorist attack had pushed aside concerns over the legitimacy of the Supreme Court decision that installed Mr. Bush in the White House.
…and, finally…
Things have changed since then: Mr. Bush’s ability to wrap his power grab in the flag has diminished now that most Americans no longer consider him either competent or honest. But the administration and its supporters still believe that they can win political battles by impugning the patriotism of those who won’t go along.For the sake of our country, let’s hope that they’re wrong.
Yep. He nailed it.
