February 22, 2006
Bush the Younger Distilled
Blogs, once you've let them go fallow, become more and more intimidating in their silence as time goes on. Much like a presidential veto, that next post becomes more and more meaningful as you let more and more major events flow by unremarked. What's worth mentioning if world-wide riots, the apotheosis of the imperial presidency, Vice-Presidential shootings, or a HAMAS-led government don't pass muster?
Well, this isn't nearly as earth shattering or important as all that. It does, however, speak to an essential cross-section of the issues that define this administration.
Arrogant incredulity that anyone would think this was a problem? Check!
"If there was any chance that this transaction would jeopardize the security of the United States, it would not go forward," Mr. Bush said
Shoddy, possibly illegally so, workmanship?
However, a 1993 amendment to the law stipulates that [a 45-day investigation with results reported to the president for a final decision] is mandatory when the acquiring company is controlled by or acting on behalf of a foreign government. Administration officials said they conducted additional inquires because of the ties to the United Arab Emirates, but they could not say why a 45-day investigation did not occur.
Unthinking subordination of national security to the first available financial interest? Check! Assertion of Executive preeminence over the Leglislature? Check! (Of course, that veto threat is so much bullshit as well - would he really make this the one thing he vetoes for his entire tenure?)
Look, very likely this really doesn't raise any national security issues - as the reactions of shipping industry analysts in the article seems to imply. But of course, the Administration can't be bothered to even follow the relevant laws and do the required background work on a "routine deal." And so what should be a purely silly story about Congressional grandstanding turns out to be another episode of Bushies screwing up.
Yet Again my initial skeptical reaction to Yet Another Bush Scandal is betrayed by their consistent inability to do their goddamn jobs.
Posted by ben at February 22, 2006 01:52 PM