Posted on 02/28/2002 11:26:47 AM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
Bill Clinton's pushy but failed efforts at diplomacy escalated bloodshed in the Middle East, the White House suggested today.
President Bush's press secretary, Ari Fleischer, blunted Democrats' criticism of Bush's Mideast policies by pointing out that strife increased during Clinton's term.
"Actually, I think if you go back to when the violence began, you can make the case that in an attempt to shoot the moon and get nothing, more violence resulted, that as a result of an attempt to push the parties beyond where they were willing to go, that it led to expectations that were raised to such a high level that it turned into violence.
"And that took place as a result of trying to push for an agreement that was not reachable at the time because the parties didn't want to agree to what the United States was pushing for," Fleischer said.
Though he did not name Slick Willie, his point was clear: "the violence really began at the end of 2000" - during Clinton's term - "and accelerated through 2001."
Wait, We're the Ones Who Take Abuse and Never Fight Back
But in typical wimpy Republican fashion, after finally standing up the Democrats he soon caved. Even though the likes of Senate Dems Robert "KKK" Byrd and Tom "Obstructionist" Daschle are attacking Bush's war on terrorism, Fleischer later contradicted himself and said he was not criticizing Clinton.
"No United States president is to blame for violence in the Middle East," Fleischer said.
A true statement. Violence is perpetrated by those who perform the acts. To blame Clinton for the violence is like Clinton blaming "talk radio" for what McVeigh performed.
Now, let's get to what Ari was suggesting in his presscon - that Clinton's actions created false expectations which may have led to the complete breakdown in talks between the sides.
Now really, Ari should not have been so critical of Clinton and Daschle, dontcha think? -sarcasum-
/i> Ari has mastered Clinton speak. The use of "is" is perfect. Ari is definitely saying one United States president "was" responsible for violence in the Middle East, William Jefferson Clinton.
Good analysis.
How do you feel about the Rat education legislation leading to less productive people, more welfare, and increased crime? Then again more and more money as a shot into the arm of the system (without regulations) as well as smaller class sizes may have created false expectations?
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