News

I spotted a news item last night that didn’t seem to get much attention. Apparently, Bush and Company decided to invite a bunch (13) of former secretaries of state and defense to the White House for a question and answer time; a bipartisan consultation on the situation in Iraq. According to some of those in attendance, the questions were rhetorical and answers were not welcomed. "It would be a stretch to say he was really interested in many thoughts from around the table," said one former official, who asked not to be identified so that he could speak frankly about a private meeting with the president.”

It was all a plan to appear to be bi-partisan by making certain that there was a photo-op time for the press to see the president reaching out… “Mr. Bush allowed 5 to 10 minutes for interchange with the group - which included three veterans of the Vietnam era: Robert S. McNamara, Melvin R. Laird and James R. Schlesinger - before herding the whole group into the Oval Office for what he called a "family picture."”  10 minutes?

The best and most revealing part of the story was this, “Colin L. Powell said nothing - a silence that spoke volumes to many in the White House on Thursday morning.”