Posted on 07/19/2005 4:43:20 AM PDT by Ramcat
Bush alters line on leaks President now says anyone in administration who committed a crime would be dismissed Tuesday, July 19, 2005
By Ann McFeatters, Post-Gazette National Bureau
WASHINGTON -- President Bush subtly shifted his language yesterday about punishing anyone working for him who may have leaked the name of a CIA agent, suggesting that his new standard for firing someone is whether an actual crime was committed.
Ron Edmonds, Associated Press President Bush and Karl Rove, chief of staff. Click photo for larger image.
Bush once said that if anyone in his administration leaked classified information, "appropriate action" would be taken. Yesterday, in response to a question at a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bush said, "If someone committed a crime, they will no longer work in my administration."
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
Wednesday, February 11, 2004 Posted: 1:46 AM EST (0646 GMT) WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush said Tuesday he welcomes a Justice Department investigation into who revealed the classified identity of a CIA operative.
"If there's a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is," Bush told reporters at an impromptu news conference during a fund-raising stop in Chicago, Illinois. "If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.
The only people trying to cover their ass are the MSM.
Hey free119, does your screen name refer to any particular 119 of your favorite terrorists you'd like freed?
Please not that this comment is free119's third (3rd) comment on FR, and he seems to mean it seriously. One other comment is similiar in nature.
Live one.
Issakoff said something else on the Scarborough show last night that I thought was kind of disturbing...
...he said that he (Issakoff) "was in the courtroom" when the Fitzgerald announced before the grand jury, "This is not a case about investigating a whistleblower. This is a case of investigating an attempt to punish a whistleblower." [paraphrased]
Issakoff seemed very smug that despite the evidence that the law against outing covert agents had not been broken, Fitzgerald was still after somebody in the White House.
The only way I could see a statement like that in a good light would be if Fitzgerald meant that in a totally upside-down way (to what Issakoff thought it meant).
I.e., could it mean that Fitzgerald is viewing ROVE as the whistleblower on WILSON -- and Wilson as the punishable one, who had tried to wreak vengeance on a whistleblower?
Or am I being too clever by half, hoping that's what Fitzgerald meant?
Yes, I share his moral value. If your whole argument is based on the words "I heard that too" then I sure hope you walk on water.
Journalists suck.
Let me ask you a couple of questions, just to see your POV:
1. Are you glad that Saddam is removed from power and his sons killed?
2. Are you glad that the people of Iraq are now free from Saddam and his dynasty and have a system of government they can choose for themselves?
3. Do you deny or accept as truth that Saddam mercilessly killed tens of thousands (exact number unknown, could be up to a million) Iraqis?
Just to get a clearer picture of what you think about all this.
Oh, last question:
4. Who should be deserves the sharper criticism, President Bush or ex-president Saddam Hussein?
Thanks.
Oh, and two other questions. You stated above:
"My hope is that eventually the terrorist attacks will be taken seriously for what they are, and that public pressure will lead to policies that effectively will reduce the terrorist threat, and not increase it."
5. What do you mean by "taken seriously for what they are" - what are they, in your opinion?
and
6. What policies, in your opinion, will reduce the terrorist threat? (Apparently reducing the number of terrorists is not part of your plan, since President Bush is already doing that.)
These are serious questions, and I hope you answer them; I and others would like to know your viewpoint.
Even if what they quoted was accurste, this is not a double standard, nor adjustment. It is two declarations.
First, if anyone leaked, appropriate action would be taken. That leaves the president to decide what is appropriate.
Second, if anyone committed a crime, they would be fired.
It's hard to keep clean when the monkeys in the press keep throwing feces at you.
I am hoping you will answer the questions I put to you - it will further the discussion greatly.
"Let's face it: Bush flip-flopped in an attempt to save Rove's ass.
He is just shifting his story as with the reason for the attack on Iraq. Nothing new to see here.
He should just fire Rove and get over with it. But of course the slightest signs of weakness will finally destroy the wreck this administration is and make them running."
Yah right Troll. The MSM is the one that is shifting the reasons for the story.
And in regards to Iraq why don't you read the dozens of quotes by Dems (google: dems +wmd +quotes) about the danger of Iraq and WMD's (right up to the opening of the war) or Bill Clinton's 20-minute prime time speech after commencing bombing on Dec. 16, 1998. Or the ABC report in 1999 connecting Iraq and Al Queada.
Check this out: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/949198/posts
You've got no legs to stand on - so typical of a Dim.
"Let's face it: Bush flip-flopped in an attempt to save Rove's ass.
He is just shifting his story as with the reason for the attack on Iraq. Nothing new to see here.
He should just fire Rove and get over with it. But of course the slightest signs of weakness will finally destroy the wreck this administration is and make them running."
Yah right Troll. The MSM is the one that is shifting the reasons for the story.
And in regards to Iraq why don't you read the dozens of quotes by Dems (google: dems +wmd +quotes) about the danger of Iraq and WMD's (right up to the opening of the war) or Bill Clinton's 20-minute prime time speech after commencing bombing on Dec. 16, 1998. Or the ABC report in 1999 connecting Iraq and Al Queada.
Check this out: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/949198/posts
You've got no legs to stand on - so typical of a Dim.
I know...lolol....if I didn't print this stuff, I wouldn't remember half of it...
I just been reading the info on Hillary's Secret War by Richard Poe...wow....another good book, hope it sinks her to the bottom...
Here's some direct quotes to save you time and brain cells (I especially love the Hillary and Kerry quotes):
"[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." -- From a letter signed by Joe Lieberman, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara A. Milulski, Tom Daschle, & John Kerry among others on October 9, 1998
"This December will mark three years since United Nations inspectors last visited Iraq. There is no doubt that since that time, Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to refine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer- range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." -- From a December 6, 2001 letter signed by Bob Graham, Joe Lieberman, Harold Ford, & Tom Lantos among others
"Whereas Iraq has consistently breached its cease-fire agreement between Iraq and the United States, entered into on March 3, 1991, by failing to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction program, and refusing to permit monitoring and verification by United Nations inspections; Whereas Iraq has developed weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological capabilities, and has made positive progress toward developing nuclear weapons capabilities" -- From a joint resolution submitted by Tom Harkin and Arlen Specter on July 18, 2002
"Saddam's goal ... is to achieve the lifting of U.N. sanctions while retaining and enhancing Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs. We cannot, we must not and we will not let him succeed." -- Madeline Albright, 1998
"(Saddam) will rebuild his arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and some day, some way, I am certain he will use that arsenal again, as he has 10 times since 1983" -- National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, Feb 18, 1998
"Iraq made commitments after the Gulf War to completely dismantle all weapons of mass destruction, and unfortunately, Iraq has not lived up to its agreement." -- Barbara Boxer, November 8, 2002
"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retained some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capability. Intelligence reports also indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons, but has not yet achieved nuclear capability." -- Robert Byrd, October 2002
"There's no question that Saddam Hussein is a threat... Yes, he has chemical and biological weapons. He's had those for a long time. But the United States right now is on a very much different defensive posture than we were before September 11th of 2001... He is, as far as we know, actively pursuing nuclear capabilities, though he doesn't have nuclear warheads yet. If he were to acquire nuclear weapons, I think our friends in the region would face greatly increased risks as would we." -- Wesley Clark on September 26, 2002
"What is at stake is how to answer the potential threat Iraq represents with the risk of proliferation of WMD. Baghdad's regime did use such weapons in the past. Today, a number of evidences may lead to think that, over the past four years, in the absence of international inspectors, this country has continued armament programs." -- Jacques Chirac, October 16, 2002
"The community of nations may see more and more of the very kind of threat Iraq poses now: a rogue state with weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or provide them to terrorists. If we fail to respond today, Saddam and all those who would follow in his footsteps will be emboldened tomorrow." -- Bill Clinton in 1998
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members, though there is apparently no evidence of his involvement in the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well affects American security." -- Hillary Clinton, October 10, 2002
"I am absolutely convinced that there are weapons...I saw evidence back in 1998 when we would see the inspectors being barred from gaining entry into a warehouse for three hours with trucks rolling up and then moving those trucks out." -- Clinton's Secretary of Defense William Cohen in April of 2003
"Iraq is not the only nation in the world to possess weapons of mass destruction, but it is the only nation with a leader who has used them against his own people." -- Tom Daschle in 1998
"Saddam Hussein's regime represents a grave threat to America and our allies, including our vital ally, Israel. For more than two decades, Saddam Hussein has sought weapons of mass destruction through every available means. We know that he has chemical and biological weapons. He has already used them against his neighbors and his own people, and is trying to build more. We know that he is doing everything he can to build nuclear weapons, and we know that each day he gets closer to achieving that goal." -- John Edwards, Oct 10, 2002
"The debate over Iraq is not about politics. It is about national security. It should be clear that our national security requires Congress to send a clear message to Iraq and the world: America is united in its determination to eliminate forever the threat of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction." -- John Edwards, Oct 10, 2002
"I share the administration's goals in dealing with Iraq and its weapons of mass destruction." -- Dick Gephardt in September of 2002
"Iraq does pose a serious threat to the stability of the Persian Gulf and we should organize an international coalition to eliminate his access to weapons of mass destruction. Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to completely deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." -- Al Gore, 2002
"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction." -- Bob Graham, December 2002
"Saddam Hussein is not the only deranged dictator who is willing to deprive his people in order to acquire weapons of mass destruction." -- Jim Jeffords, October 8, 2002
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." -- Ted Kennedy, September 27, 2002
"There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein's regime is a serious danger, that he is a tyrant, and that his pursuit of lethal weapons of mass destruction cannot be tolerated. He must be disarmed." -- Ted Kennedy, Sept 27, 2002
"I will be voting to give the president of the United States the authority to use force - if necessary - to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." -- John F. Kerry, Oct 2002
"The threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real, but as I said, it is not new. It has been with us since the end of that war, and particularly in the last 4 years we know after Operation Desert Fox failed to force him to reaccept them, that he has continued to build those weapons. He has had a free hand for 4 years to reconstitute these weapons, allowing the world, during the interval, to lose the focus we had on weapons of mass destruction and the issue of proliferation." -- John Kerry, October 9, 2002
"(W)e need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime. We all know the litany of his offenses. He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. ...And now he is miscalculating America’s response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction. That is why the world, through the United Nations Security Council, has spoken with one voice, demanding that Iraq disclose its weapons programs and disarm. So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real, but it is not new. It has been with us since the end of the Persian Gulf War." -- John Kerry, Jan 23, 2003
"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandates of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them." -- Carl Levin, Sept 19, 2002
"Every day Saddam remains in power with chemical weapons, biological weapons, and the development of nuclear weapons is a day of danger for the United States." -- Joe Lieberman, August, 2002
"Over the years, Iraq has worked to develop nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. During 1991 - 1994, despite Iraq's denials, U.N. inspectors discovered and dismantled a large network of nuclear facilities that Iraq was using to develop nuclear weapons. Various reports indicate that Iraq is still actively pursuing nuclear weapons capability. There is no reason to think otherwise. Beyond nuclear weapons, Iraq has actively pursued biological and chemical weapons.U.N. inspectors have said that Iraq's claims about biological weapons is neither credible nor verifiable. In 1986, Iraq used chemical weapons against Iran, and later, against its own Kurdish population. While weapons inspections have been successful in the past, there have been no inspections since the end of 1998. There can be no doubt that Iraq has continued to pursue its goal of obtaining weapons of mass destruction." -- Patty Murray, October 9, 2002
"As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am keenly aware that the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons is an issue of grave importance to all nations. Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." -- Nancy Pelosi, December 16, 1998
"Even today, Iraq is not nearly disarmed. Based on highly credible intelligence, UNSCOM [the U.N. weapons inspectors] suspects that Iraq still has biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin, and clostridium perfringens in sufficient quantity to fill several dozen bombs and ballistic missile warheads, as well as the means to continue manufacturing these deadly agents. Iraq probably retains several tons of the highly toxic VX substance, as well as sarin nerve gas and mustard gas. This agent is stored in artillery shells, bombs, and ballistic missile warheads. And Iraq retains significant dual-use industrial infrastructure that can be used to rapidly reconstitute large-scale chemical weapons production." -- Ex-Un Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter in 1998
"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years. And that may happen sooner if he can obtain access to enriched uranium from foreign sources -- something that is not that difficult in the current world. We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." -- John Rockefeller, Oct 10, 2002
"Saddam’s existing biological and chemical weapons capabilities pose a very real threat to America, now. Saddam has used chemical weapons before, both against Iraq’s enemies and against his own people. He is working to develop delivery systems like missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles that could bring these deadly weapons against U.S. forces and U.S. facilities in the Middle East." -- John Rockefeller, Oct 10, 2002
"Whether one agrees or disagrees with the Administration’s policy towards Iraq, I don’t think there can be any question about Saddam’s conduct. He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do. He lies and cheats; he snubs the mandate and authority of international weapons inspectors; and he games the system to keep buying time against enforcement of the just and legitimate demands of the United Nations, the Security Council, the United States and our allies. Those are simply the facts." -- Henry Waxman, Oct 10, 2002
No, he has reiterated the same position he took two years ago. The article headline is demonstrably false even as the article itself points out when it quotes what he said two years ago. There is no change in position, unless of course you want to take the idiotic position that "if someone committed a crime" is a flip-flop from "if the person has violated the law".
At the press conference on Monday, July 18, 2005: If someone committed a crime they will no longer work in my administration.", is how Bush wrapped up his answer. "If there is a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is and if the person has violated the law, the person will be taken care of," he said in September 2003.
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