Feigned Dissent

One of the first things learned in politics is not everything is as it seems. With a mere week remaining before Congress set to adjourn for their election, Speaker of House Dennis Hastert made a ridiculous promise. He told 9/11 widows that he would guarantee that the House would pass the bill that would have reformed the United States intelligence agency. Why in the world did the Speaker make such an unrealistic promise?

Admittedly the widows did manage to accidentally run into the Speaker, and he probably felt obligated to try to please these “lobbyists.” But why lie? He knew that the floor schedule was already full and there was absolutely no chance to pass the legislation before the election recess. Is it possible he knew the bill had no future regardless of his empty promise?

The President made the passage of the bill and its reforms a part of his campaign. Voters elected him for his “moral values” and his war on terrorism. Sen. Kerry earned higher support from voters in all other categories. Obviously this was an issue of great importance to both the American people and the President.

Following the bill’s defeat in the lame-duck session of the House, stories now leak out the President’s own Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld reportedly helped torpedo the bill. How probable is it, a high-ranking member of the President’s cabinet would stab his boss in the back? The same person, who orchestrated the President’s war in Iraq, is now selling out. It is likely. More likely is that the President and Republican leadership only paid lip service to the bill.

Official Washington always resists change. Change foisted upon them by those out of power is most objectionable. The 9/11 Commission while composed of politicians; it did not have a mission aside from protecting our nation. The committee members were charged with finding problems within the nation’s national security and attempting to find solutions. These people were in the twilight of their political careers. Their final responsibility is to ensure their recommendations are followed. They have the political capitol required to fulfill this promise. They must do it now. The American people know those in power cannot fulfill their thoughtless promises made regarding our national security.