Bush uses crises to push preset agenda [View All]

Bush uses crises to push preset agenda
By Jim Salvucci

HERE IS a prediction: Soon, maybe by the time you read this, the Bush administration will argue that the Great Blackout of '03 demonstrates the need for more energy deregulation and privatization, a beloved administration theme. We can already hear the first bleats of this contention from certain sectors.

Why is this foreseeable? Because it follows a pattern of behavior by the Bush White House to use crisis and panic to promote predetermined actions no matter the threat, situation or need.

A familiar example: During the 2000 campaign, the economy seemed to be humming and everyone forecast years of budget surpluses. George W. Bush touted his massive tax cut as a return of that surplus to its rightful owner, the American taxpayer. Never mind that his cuts went mostly to the rich and that government programs generally help the average Joe.

After the inauguration, the economy sank fast and the surplus disappeared. Sept. 11 hurt the economy more, and soon we were back to deficits. But then, in the midst of economic anxiety, the tax cut and all future tax cuts were recast as the best and only solution to our financial woes - just you wait! And now, despite obvious failure, the White House continues to push tax cuts.

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