That is my fear also.
Did President Bush approve of this commission and the members on it? How can that be?
September 11 Investigation
Date: December 16, 2002
President Bush named former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean to replace Henry Kissinger as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Following is the text of the White House announcement:
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I am pleased to announce that Thomas H. Kean, former governor of New Jersey and President of Drew University in New Jersey, will serve as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the events that led up to it.
Tom Kean is a leader respected for his integrity, fairness, and good judgment. I am confident he will work to make the Commission's investigation thorough. It is important that we uncover every detail and learn every lesson of September 11th.
Governor Kean served on the Advisory Board to the President's Initiative on Race from 1997 to 1998, served as Vice Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to the Fourth U.N. World Conference on Women in 1995, and led the U.S. Delegation to the World Conference on Education for All in Thailand in 1990.
Below is Kissinger's letter, released by the White House on December 13, announcing his decision not to serve as chairman of the joint commission:
December 13, 2002
Dear Mr. President:
The opportunity to engage in public service is the greatest honor a President can bestow upon any citizen. I am grateful that you asked me to serve as Chairman of the Joint Commission to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragedy of September 11th.
Certainly, at this critical point in history, there can be no more important undertaking. For over half a century, I have never refused to respond to the call from a President. Nor have I ever put my personal interests ahead of the country 's interest.
Therefore, to remove any questions about even the appearance of a conflict of interest, I was prepared, as I informed the White House Counsel from the beginning, to submit all relevant financial information to the White House, as well as to independent review and in the end to any procedure, consistent with submissions of other members of the Joint Commission.
However, it is clear that, although specific potential conflicts can be resolved in this manner, the controversy would quickly move to the consulting firm I have built and own. To liquidate Kissinger Associates cannot be accomplished without significantly delaying the beginning of the Joint Commission's work. I have, therefore, concluded that I cannot accept the responsibility you proposed.
This is a moment of disappointment for me, of course. I hope very much, however, that the Joint Commission will now be able to be constituted and conduct its important work without delay or distraction.
The mission, in my opinion, is of such importance that it must begin without distraction and controversy so that it can be completed swiftly, thoroughly and credibly.
My hope is that, by the decision to step aside now, the Joint Commission can proceed without further controversy.
With high regard and good wishes,
Respectfully,
Henry A. Kissinger
The Honorable George W. Bush
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.)