(Ir)religiosity

• Tweet
• Sharebar

• Tweet

I haven’t blogged much about politics since the election, mainly because I’ve lost some interest and grown a little tired, but I couldn’t help it after reading this.

Dick Cheney is now blaming former counter-terrorism chief Richard Clarke for the “failure” (seems more like suppression to me) in intelligence leading up to 9/11.  Here’s the exact quote: “You know, Dick Clarke. Dick Clarke, who was the head of the counterrorism program in the run-up to 9/11. He obviously missed it.”

That’s right.  This is the same Dick Clarke who issued at least seven memos earlier in 2001 to both the State Department and the White House, one coming less than a week before September 11, warning of potential and even imminent terrorist attacks.

When pushed about the memos Cheney tersely replied, “That’s not my recollection, but I haven’t read his [Clarke's] book.”

Seriously? Since the memos were a major part of the 9/11 Commission, an investigation under which Cheney was called to testify (and refused to do so under oath of course), I highly doubt that he “doesn’t recall” their subject matter.  Given their gravity that seems pretty ridiculous to me.

I just don’t get it.  Do they really think we are that stupid?  I am so sick of this passing-the-buck type mentality and I’m tired of career politicians placing blame on someone lower on the food chain in order to save their own asses (one of the many reasons why I don’t like food chains).  It’s disgusting.  And when it comes to something like 9/11 I find it particularly repugnant.

And, as usual, I agree with Jon Stewart‘s analysis (starts around 1:50):

Related articles by Zemanta

• Richard Clarke Reminds Cheney and Condi of Their Incompetence (emptywheel.firedoglake.com)
• Richard Clarke speaks the truth: ‘The Trauma of 9/11 Is No Excuse’ (crooksandliars.com)
• Richard Clarke Slams Cheney, Rice: “The Trauma Of 9/11 Is No Excuse” (huffingtonpost.com)