Bush Conveniently Forgot Letter He Wrote Re: Iraq’s 9/11 Role

[kpete]

Bush Conveniently Forgot Letter He Wrote Re: Iraq’s 9/11 Role

In his August 21, press conference Bush was asked what Iraq had to do with 9/11. Bush's answer: "NOTHING".
He had obviously forgotten the letter he wrote on March 18, 2003 to the Speaker of the House of Representatives

THE PRESIDENT: What did Iraq have to do with what?

Q The attack on the World Trade Center?

THE PRESIDENT: Nothing, except for it's part of -- and nobody has ever suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a -- the lesson of September the 11th is, take threats before they fully materialize, Ken. Nobody has ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq. I have suggested, however, that resentment and the lack of hope create the breeding grounds for terrorists who are willing to use suiciders to kill to achieve an objective. I have made that case.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/08/20060821.html


Presidential Letter
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate



March 18, 2003

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Consistent with section 3(b) of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), and based on information available to me, including that in the enclosed document, I determine that:

(1) reliance by the United States on further diplomatic and other peaceful means alone will neither (A) adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq nor (B) likely lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and

(2) acting pursuant to the Constitution and Public Law 107-243 is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Sincerely,

GEORGE W. BUSH

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030319-1.html

[elehhhhna]

1. REC #1

[EstimatedProphet]

2. K&R#2

I wonder if this could constitute perjury...

[wicket]

4. And another

:kick:

[kitkat65]

41. And another! n/t

[theanarch]

51. no, perjury--as the word suggests--

is lying (to a jury, or judge) under oath. Here, Junior's just lying to the press and the public...

[notadmblnd]

58. I thought the pretzledent was under oath....

you know, the one he took on inauguration day?

[erknm]

70. He will wiggle out of it by referencing the word "including" as being

inclusive, not exclusive. It does not say necessarily those involved in 9/11, rather that it could include those involve in 9/11 but does not exclude those not involved. It is a little trick used used to convince readers that a statement was much stronger than it actually was. The first part of the sentence states "terrorists", while the second section of the sentence highlights one subset of the group "terrorists" but does not restrict his reference to that subset.

Thus logically, he was not saying that those in Iraq had anything to do with 9/11, however, his intent to sell the idea that way is obvious. His writers parse these statements out completely. It is when he developes his own statements and ideas that he gets in trouble.

FH

[sabra]

3. oops, you mean you can't shred the INTERNETS ?

[Sugar Smack]

5. Yeah, "authorization" is in the eye of the beholder.

REC #2

[Sugar Smack]

8. I mean eleven.

:o

[stepnw1f]

6. Bam, Bam, Bam!!!!

Another talking point DEAD!

Bush... you f'd up.

[JeffR]

7. Great catch!

:kick:

[flamin lib]

9. 0 to 5 in 3.2 seconds. Porsche, eat your heart out . . .

When are these idiots going to figure out that they are on the record for EVERYTHING they say?

Nominate Jon Stewart for a Pulitzer . . .

[IChing]

10. Misleading and Inaccurate Public Statements Compiled from Public Sources

Good one

we have got even more ammo from this site The source of this information is a report created by the US House Committee on Government Reform. The statements are sorted by person: http://www.bushoniraq.com/

[WinkyDink]

11. Bush's "out" would be the key word "including". As in: "but not

limited to."
I.e., the preceding 5 words---"international terrorists and terrorist organizations"---can be argued to mean Saddam and Iraq.

It would be a prevarication, but that is the grammatical structure.

Yesterday, his key word was "ordered". Notice that specific word is NOT in the O.P. THAT is how equivocators "communicate".

One question for Bush: Since when did the United States become the enforcer of U.N. Resolutions??

[ThomWV]

13. I Disagree

Look at the full context. If you do you will realized that in this case the word including creates an exclusive group, mean that those nations not doing the thing that are listed following the word are 'excluded' from consideration as targets in the War on Terror. To take your definition would allow world war against any nation regardless of their stature in relationship to the stated requirements.

[WinkyDink]

37. And that would bother Bush how, exactly?

If I said, "I'm going to visit many theme parks, including Disneyworld and Six Flags", am I saying I'm going to visit ONLY those 2 parks?

[Hosnon]

64. The word "including" creates an exclusive group of those involved in 9/11,

Before the creation of that group, the text is a blanket statement authorizing action against terrorists in general.

[erknm]

71. Don't put it past him

He reminds me of the Martin Sheen character in the movie version of "The Dead Zone"

FH

[Jawja]

22. I think so, WinkyDink.

"international terrorists and terrorist organizations" can be spun to include Saddam as an "international terrorist."

The criminal Bush cabal did a masterful job of linking Saddam to Sept. 11 through innuendo and insinuation. However, Cheney did use the alledged Mohammad Atta meeting with Iraqi officials as "proof" of Iraqi involvement in Sept. 11.

[democrat_patriot]

12. K&R 3

[Skip Intro]

14. K&R!!! I'd love to see this in the media.

[ThomWV]

15. That Letter Alone Should Be An Impeachable Offense

In light of the statement that letter alone should impeach the bastard.

[blm]

23. That's what I've been telling people - he LIED to violate the IWR and in

an OFFICIAL DOCUMENT to Congress which IS an impeachable offense.

This is why I've been saying for so long that Dems were on the wrong track blaming the IWR when they needed to USE the IWR to attack Bush for violating it to have his war - including committing an IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE.

[robinlynne]

30. what is the IWR?

[EVDebs]

34. Iraq War Resolution

but he really means tha Authorization for Use of Military Force AUMF which embeds the War Powers Resolution

http://www.policyalmanac.org/world/archive/war_powers_resolution.shtml

that requires truthful 'circumstances' and 'situations' be present before the introduction of US troops into combat...

As they used to say in geometry class, Quod erat demonstratum Q.E.D.

[robinlynne]

61. Thank-you.

[sandnsea]

52. With you on that one

and so is John Dean, as I recall. This was the big fat lie, right there in black and white. Not to mention he launched Operation Iraqi FREEDOM and he was NEVER authorized to free any Iraqis.

[ProSense]

57. Got that right!

This and the IWR signing statement present the signed, sealed and delivered lies for impeachment to proceed.

[gratuitous]

16. A strict reading of subparagraph (2)

And I'm sure it was worded this way on purpose for just this bit of weasel room is that the identification of "international terrorists and terrorist organizations" includes, but is not necessarily limited to the folks who were involved in some way with the September 11 attacks. That is, in the universe of international terrorists and terrorist organizations, there is a subset that "planned, authorized, committed, or aided" in the September 11 attacks.

The letter does not specifically state that Iraq is in that subset, though it is heavily implied. The Bushistas will excuse themselves by saying that any connection you draw between Iraq and September 11 is based on your librul bias in reading the letter. Of course, they mean and have meant all along to fuzz up the connections between Iraq and September 11 such that the public will conflate these two unrelated items.

[karlrschneider]

18. I agree with you, there's _just enough_ plausible deniability in that

bit of wiggle room - you can bet the wording was VERY carefully considered for that very reason.
Lawyers worship this kind of obtuse crap because their existence depends on interpreting vagueness to suit the needs of their clients.

[DemonFighterLives]

25. Yes

There is enough room in there to include anyone in the whole wide world if desired. Add a little fabrication of course. Like: Iraq trying to get Yellowcake from Niger- forged documents.

And enough room to wiggle out of anything that would tie "them" down.

[mod mom]

17. Great reminder kpete! Join me in sending this off to KO:

[e-mail]

[klook]

19. I agree with 2 of Bush's statements:

1. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.
2. ...resentment and the lack of hope create the breeding grounds for terrorists who are willing to use suiciders to kill to achieve an objective.

So Mission Accomplished! His policies are creating more terrorists every day.

[myrna minx]

20. Is that impeachment that I smell on the wind?...n/t

[Uncle Joe]

21. Bush, Got honor and integrity? I didn't think so.

K & R

:kick:

[Lochloosa]

24. K/R Great Find kpete! Front Page Material

[masshole]

26. all he has to say

is that in March of '03, "we believed we had credible intelligence indicating Iraq was aiding Al Queda." or some such BS. Who's going to dispute it?

We all know he lied, HE knows he lied, the problem is we can't (yet) prove he knowingly lied.

[chat_noir]

27. K&R

[midnight]

60. Very realistic.

Too realistic for what I see going on in my world.

[progressoid]

28. Oh pish posh. You libruls are so persnickety. The presidint made a little

goof. Let it go already.







Do I have to add this? :sarcasm:

[speedoo]

29. K&R.... kpete you're the best...

:yourock:

[robinlynne]

31. I agree. should be on the front page of every newspaper!

[MethuenProgressive]

32. A really STUPID response to this by a WingNut:

from another forum, after I shared the OP:

I think a lot of stupid people who didn't listen to anything thought Iraq was involved in 9/11 and now realize their stupidity and want to blame it on someone else. George didn't lie to them, they were just so stupid they assumed a bunch of crap on their own while they were ignoring the president's (and Rummy's, etc. ) explicit statements to the contrary.

[rosesaylavee]

33. Can we impeach him now? n/t

[texpatriot2004]

35. There it is in black and white. Thanks for this reminder. nt

[kpete]

36. More Bush' Comments About Saddam (Iraq) & al Queda (9/11)

October 28-November 10, 2002:


Bush's comments about Saddam Hussein, each from a different speech:

"This is a person who has had contacts with al Qaeda."
"He's got connections with al Qaeda."
"This is a guy who has had connections with these shadowy terrorist networks."
"We know he's got ties with al Qaeda."
"We know that he's had connections with al Qaeda."
"He's had connections with shadowy terrorist networks like al Qaeda."
"We know that he has had contacts with terrorist networks like al Qaeda."
"This is a man who has had contacts with al Qaeda."
"This is a man who has had al Qaeda connections."
"He's had contacts with al Qaeda."
"This is a man who has got connections with al Qaeda."

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/8/23/73715/4782

[PurgedVoter]

38. Hey with all of Bush's contacts with al Qaeda,

He should know.

[althecat]

39. Very good indeedy kpete.....

[LuckyLib]

40. We need to send out in writing to every media outlet

your great list, followed the following:

THE PRESIDENT: What did Iraq have to do with what?

Q The attack on the World Trade Center?

THE PRESIDENT: Nothing . . . Nobody has ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq.

[grannylib]

42. I'll do my part and send to all the MSM whores, papers, and also to

some real journalists, who might actually cover it (KO, Amy Goodman, etc.)
Good find!

[Corgigal]

43. I hope the Daily Show catches this

Could be used for a funny (but true) skit.

[dsc]

44. not quite

There is some wiggle room there. Ordered vs aided.

[TheDecider]

45. 9/11 and the abuse of it

i'm from NYC. and one thing that I truly detest is the way that the administration (particularly the president's speechwriters cause there is no way the president could think like that) takes 9/11 and then abuses it for their own personal gain to forward their own corrupt and inherently evil agenda. 9/11 is not some tool of massive propaganda that can be used for the purpose of scaring people into order. if we disagree with Bush's plans we are "unpatriotic" or we are not "honoring the memory of 9/11" or some such bs. no george, no 9/11 is not your own personal toy with which to play with the world as you want. do not use a horrible tragedy to justify everything you do even when it has no connection.

[dsc]

54. I am not saying Bush didn't do it

only that this example doesn't prove it.

[newyawker99]

69. Hi TheDecider!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ProSense]

55. As many times as Bush has linked Iraq to 9/11 there is no wiggle room:

"The regime . . . has aided, trained and harbored terrorists, including operatives of al Qaeda. The danger is clear: using chemical, biological or, one day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could fulfill their stated ambitions and kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of innocent people in our country, or any other."
Source: President Says Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours, White House (3/17/2003).

"One of the greatest dangers we face is that weapons of mass destruction might be passed to terrorists who would not hesitate to use those weapons. Saddam Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist networks. Senior members of Iraq intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least eight times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological weapons training. And an al Qaeda operative was sent to Iraq several times in the late 1990s for help in aquiring poisons and gases. We also know that Iraq is harboring a terrorist network headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner."
Source: President's Radio Address, White House (2/8/2003).

"Saddam Hussein has longstanding, direct and continuing ties to terrorist networks. Senior members of Iraqi intelligence and al Qaeda have met at least eight times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent bomb-making and document forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological weapons training. We also know that Iraq is harboring a terrorist network, headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner."
Source: President Bush: "World Can Rise to This Moment", White House (2/6/2003).

"Evidence from intelligence sources, secret communications, and statements by people now in custody reveal that Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including members of al Qaeda. Secretly, and without fingerprints, he could provide one of his hidden weapons to terrorists, or help develop their own."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).

"The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).

"Before September the 11th, many in the world believed that Saddam Hussein could be contained. But chemical agents, lethal viruses, and shadowy terrorist networks are not easily contained. Imagine those 19 hijackers with other weapons and other planes -- this time armed by Saddam Hussein. It would take one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known."
Source: President Delivers "State of the Union", White House (1/28/2003).

"He's a threat because he is dealing with Al Qaida. In my Cincinnati speech I reminded the American people, a true threat facing our country is that an Al Qaida-type network trained and armed by Saddam could attack America and leave not one fingerprint."
Source: President Outlines Priorities, White House (11/7/2002).

"He's had contacts with Al Qaida. Imagine the scenario where an Al Qaida-type organization uses Iraq as an arsenal, a place to get weapons, a place to be trained to use the weapons. Saddam Hussein could use surrogates to come and attack people he hates."
Source: Remarks by the President at Arkansas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).

"It's a man who has got connections with Al Qaida. Imagine a terrorist network with Iraq as an arsenal and as a training ground, so that a Saddam Hussein could use this shadowy group of people to attack his enemy and leave no fingerprint behind. He's a threat."
Source: Remarks by the President in Texas Welcome, White House (11/4/2002).

"This is a person who has had contacts with al Qaeda."
Source: President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat; Remarks by the President on Iraq, White House (10/28/2002).

"And I also mentioned the fact that there is a connection between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein."
Source: President Condems Attack in Bali, White House (10/14/2002).

Iraq on the Record

[redacted]

46. Kpete: You're a f***ing genius. Recommended as usual.

[madmusic]

47. I have suggested, however, that resentment and the lack of hope create

Does that make him a liberal now? Does the same apply to the inner cities, the poor, the mentally ill, parolees?

Of course not.

Compassionate conservatism n. Kill 'em all. Let God sort 'em out. v. Killing them all and letting God sort 'em out.

[Ghost in the Machine]

48. only 97 Rec's? Keep voting this up til it hits the front page!....

The front page of every freakin' newspaper in this Country, that is.....

[bananarepublican]

49. This thread must be sealed forthwith! Sorry, just channelling Cheney!

What a totally spooky episode. On one level Cheney - who considers himself to be The Master - evoked National Security concerns, on another and much deeper level, contempt and fear ruled the roost!

I'd put money on any real bonafied channeller coming up with something similar to the above.

How's the new bunker going, DICK?

[me b zola]

50. kpete, you are priceless!

...and...:yourock:


k&r :kick:

[radfringe]

53. addition to the letter

http://www.c-span.org/resources/pdf/Report107_243.pdf

Report In Connection With Presidential Determination Under Public Law 107-243

---snippets---

This report also explains that a determination to use force against Iraq is fully consistent with the United States andother countries continuing to take the necessary actionsagainst international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

------

4. Use of Force Against Iraq is Consistent with the War onTerror In Public Law 107-243, Congress made a number of findings concerning Iraq’s support for international terrorism. Among other things, Congress determined that:

• Members of al Qaida, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq.

• Iraq continues to aid and harbor other international terrorist organizations, including organizations that threaten the lives and safety of United States citizens.

• It is in the national security interests of the United States and in furtherance of the war on terrorism that all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions been forced, including through the use of force if necessary.

[BobF]

56. But...but...but...

That would mean the president was LYING to the American People!

That's worth a $100 million Justice Department investigation right there!

Quick! Somebody call Alberto Gonzoles and tell him to investigate this one PRONTO!

[ArmchairMeme]

59. Mission Accomplished

Each time I see a reference to Mission Accomplished, the banner on the ship on which the POTUS celebrated. I again revisit the question what is the mission that was accomplished at that time? I know that Saudi Arabia had requested all US troops be removed from their country. When did that happen? Was that the mission accomplished that Bush referred to that day? Again, how many Iraqis were involved in 9/11? How many Saudis involved in 9/11?

This may be a side issue to this topic but never the less intertwined with the lies that made it appear so differently than what was actually happening during this difficult time.

Can anyone here give me the timeline for the above?

[IWantAChange]

62. question is - does it matter?

ranting, raving and patting one another on the back - offering kudos for well written threads make those of us in here feel better - but until the DNC takes this fight to the streets we are all kidding ourselves that change is in the wind.

[Hosnon]

63. I agree with WinkyDink...he crossed his Ts. nt

[civildisoBDence]

65. Follow the yellow cake road

Nuculer terrists are a seprit case. We don't want the smokin gun to come in the form of a mushroom cloud. Them alumnum tubes, unmanned drones, and yellow cake prove that I-rack was a terrist nation with nuculer programs.

DUHbya is clinging to the last shreds of his presiduncy.

News and commentary, left to right

[kpete]

66. civildisoBDence

Welcome and let's cut those last shreds...

[Canuckistanian]

67. The smoking gun

This, combined with his statement makes Shrubbolini a No 1, Grade A, certified liar about the war in Iraq.

Although he's said in the past that there was no connection between AQ and Saddam, this shows that the AUMF was fraudulently put before Congress who had no choice but to approve it, given the hysteria created by the administration. And the LACK of evidence for any threat from Iraq EVEN NOW makes this a treasonable act.

The Hague awaits.

Great work, kpete!

[clydefrand]

68. I sent a copy of this letter nearly 3 years ago to my local

newspaper and asked that all of it be printed so people could see the inunendo and the outright lies could be exposed. They refused to do so because of all of the legalise in it. I say BS to that excuse because if I can understand it, most other people can too.

Maybe it's time to try sending it to the newspaper again.