Just watching Waco: Rules of Engagement again and thinking about...

...how our government's changed since then. It is the most exhaustively-researched as well-presented documentary I have ever seen in my life- I wish there were more like it. It's assertion: That the Texas BATF concocted a raid against religious fringe leader David Koresh for publicity prior to budget hearings to "boost" their image. After the poorly planned raid caused such an alarming loss of life, the FBI was introduced into the situation to "clean up". They cleaned up, alright. If you have not seen the documentary, regardless of your stance on the matter, I implore you to do so. It is truly worth your time.

After viewing it I am always filled with disgust- not disgust at the Clinton administration, but at the BATF and the FBI. The documentary lays very, very little blame for this at the Clinton Administration, but more correctly on the BATF and FBI. The documentary is not, nor has it ever been a hit-piece on the Clinton presidency. However, through the preponderance of evidence presented (and it is amazing what they've dug up and analyzed), you'll gain transparency into how these organizations (BATF, FBI) work.

Then I started thinking about Bush and what's gone down since he was selected. I was at once filled with a deep, personal dread for how these organizations must've gained even more autonomy under him and how out-of-control they must be now.

These organizations, along with most of the executive branch, are grabbing up more and more power. Losing control as they swell with it.

It will only be a matter of time before another Waco happens again and I fear it will be even more spectacular than the event for which it is named. The public's acceptance of the government's case will be a crucial test that I fear the public will fail.

The other shoe hasn't dropped yet- but the executive branch's power is growing like the smell of ozone in the air before a lightning strike and eventually that charge must be released.

Reading and seeing all these demonstrations by latinos against the proposed legislation makes me wonder if they will be the rod for the physical assertion of these growing powers.

What do you think? What will cause the Bush administration to "go over the edge" in responding with inappropriate force inside our own country...or has it already? If so, what was the event? I'm talking about a "show of force" action to set the standard for what Aaron Brown ominously coined as "The New Normal".

PB

I keep expecting an appearance of Cindy Sheehan to suddenly be surrounded by ATF agents, or a Quaker meeting house to get tear gassed during Sunday meeting.

He did something no self-loathing Repuke would do . . .

Clinton said that he would take full responsibility for all of it.

It therefore became a rallying cry for the freakish righties . . .

PB

The point about the Clinton administration not being to blame. The FBI and BATF were out of control and turned what should have been a hostage situation into a blood bath.

After some of the BATF officers were shot and killed during the raid their colleagues smelled blood and wanted revenge. The negotiators from the FBI were undermined every step of the way. My brother worked for the DEA back then and said a highly trained agent in the BATF or any law enforcement agency without supervision turns into a macho asshole with a gun in no time. It was bound to turn ugly.

The way I see it, in a time of crisis the guy sitting in the big chair is responsible. That goes with the job, whoever is in charge like them or not. Harry said "The Buck Stops Here", President Clinton should have gone ape over the way it was handled and many people should have been shown the door. Sometimes just saying I'm responsible and I'm sorry is not good enough.

I am a real big on civil liberties for all. That means ALL not just the ideas I agree with. We all should feel shame and outrage over the way Waco was handled. The same as I feel about the Katrina debacle.

It was one of the better documentaries I have seen and I think everybody should take a look.

Because the government makes the rules. Unchecked can step on any of us for any reason and justify doing it.

See the patriot act for details...

I've noticed it playing on that channel a lot recently. Surprised the hell out of me. The first time I saw it was on LinkTV or FSTV two years ago. I never thought I'd see it on a cable channel, particularly one whose parent company is responsible for the likes of Discovery Military and other blatant government propaganda.

I was going to post on this when I noticed it a few weeks ago. I've been wondering if they're playing it now because 1) Clinton was in power and 2) it shows the (Dem) government interfering with a religious group? You know, feed into that "War against Christians" mentality the RW are fomenting?