Keith Olbermann's Top 9/11 Story: The Promotion Of Failure In Bush Administration
Countdown's #1 story on tonight's special 9/11 edition was some of Keith Olbermann's best work to date. In this clip, he runs down the astonishing and outrageous list of Bush administration lackeys who, instead of being demoted or fired for their failures surrounding the September 11th attacks and the subsequent invasion and occupation of Iraq, were promoted and awarded medals for those failures. Keith ends the segment with the two main figures who haunt the memory of 9/11 -- George Bush and Osama bin Laden.
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Transcripts below the fold...
To this day, millions of Americans believe we invaded Iraq because of 9/11.
33 percent still believe there was some interconnection between Saddam Hussein and the nightmares here and in Washington and in Pennsylvania.
Iraq, of course, had nothing to do with 9/11. Then. Six years later, that has changed.
Iraq has distracted us from punishing those responsible for 9/11.
If another 9/11 comes, our focus on Iraq will surely have been central to that nightmare.
How did we get here? What consequences have been paid by those who brought us here?
In our number one story tonight, no one person is to blame. And only some of those who are, recognize it.
As we reported yesterday, former Secretary of State Colin Powell tells G-Q magazine he is "sorry" he gave the world wrong information when he told the U-N of the threat Iraq supposedly posed.
He was not fired for doing so.
He paid no price we know of, other than the admitted "blot" on his record, and whatever toll his conscience exacted.
Unrepetant, however, is former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, also talking to G-Q;
Saying he does not lose sleep over the war... declining to apologize for it... despite pushing for it... despite using 9/11--the day after 9/11--for his own benefit, to pursue his goal of bombing Iraq.
Rumsfeld, not fired for his performance, but for politics... now in private life... reportedly trying to see how much he must tell, to make for a profitable tell-all. Rumsfeld was served, and the nation ill-served, by a flock of Pentagon hawks, bent on war, seeing 9/11 not as an obligation to answer,. but an opportunity to exploit.
Deputy Secretary Paul Wolfowitz who also tied Iraq to 9/11, who ridiculed warnings we needed more troops to invade Iraq--not fired-- named head of the World Bank, until resigning in disgrace.
Defense Policy Board Chairman Richard Perle-- not fired-- forced to retire not for pushing the war, but for allegedly profiting off it.
Undersecretary Doug Feith, who cherry-picked anti-Iraq intel-- not fired-- despite a Pentagon report later refuting Feith's claim that Iraq and al Qaeda were in league.
And as you go higher in the administration, your reward for being wrong on the war grows proportionately.
Deputy National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley-- responsible for the 16-word lie about Iraqi pursuit of yellowcake from Niger-- not fired-- promoted to National Security Advisor.
His boss, Condoleezza Rice, who threatened us with mushroom clouds-- not fired-- promoted to America's chief diplomat: Secretary of State.
CIA Director George Tenet, who called the case for war a "slam dunk"-- not fired-- given the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
And within the president's circle of advisors, marketing the war:
Andy Card and Dan Bartlett-- neither fired. Card retired, Bartlett promoted, then retired.
Karen Hughes-- not fired-- promoted, stunningly, to the task of winning hearts and minds in the Muslim world.
But let us go higher still.
Vice President Dick Cheney, creator of his cherry-picking intel apparatus, gave its poisoned fruit to the media and then fed the lie to us on national television -- even after truth, and shame, rendered its mendaciousness, manifest. He continues to do so to this day. Not fired.
Cheney's aide, Lewis Libby, came closest of all to suffering genuine consequences. Convicted of covering up Mr. Cheney's role in sliming critics of the war, his consequences nullified at the last minute. When the president commuted his prison sentence--ensuring that no one in his circle, least of all him-- paid any price for selling us the lie of Iraq; for failing to punish the bombing of the U-S-S Cole; for neglecting the warnings pre-9/11;. for turning back at Tora Bora; for ultimately ensuring that while the rest of the world suffers painful, deadly consequences for his actions, only he does not.
Only he and one other. Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of 9/11, his reach, and recruiting, all benefiting from Mr. Bush's war, his group's strength today at a six-year high. His Afghan allies, the Taliban, as NBC reported tonight, also resurgent, planning the death of Americans, just 25 miles from Kabul.
All while bin Laden himself operates freely, unmolested, with his own media operation, thanks to a regional Pakistani truce endorsed by Mr. Bush in a region where Mr. Bush will not go-- cannot go even if he chose to.
Because he has spent so much American blood and treasure, in the desert of a nation that had neither means nor motive to threaten us, but that tempted Mr. Bush and those around him who wished to transform the Middle East, so much so that he forswore the vow he made, standing here, literally atop New York's dead... that their killers would hear us soon.
Six years later, we still hear them, because now, finally, Iraq and 9/11 really are connected--by him.
And we suffer the consequences.
Bad day getting better. (Keith always helps)
Heh. Dobson, Focus on Family laying off employees, donations down.
I feel so unpatriotic now. I'm thinking of moving out of the country and getting away from this war machine. Anyone else in? Abandon ship!
Go KO!
Keith, Stewart and Colbert forever
Promoting people who fail implies that they weren't really failures after all, but policy.
i love you keith
On the sixth anniversary of the Al Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, 9/11 has come to symbolize two uniquely American political failings. First, in ritualistic observances around the nation, Americans come together not in common resolve for shared sacrifice, but to perpetuate a culture of grief. Worse still, secure in his Pakistani safe haven, Osama Bin Laden even at large continues to serve the political purposes of the current and prospective occupants of the White House.
For the details, see:
"9/11, the Politics of Fear and the Culture of Grief."
marry me, Keith. :-D
It infuriates me to no end the way Fox warmongers like BillO and Hannity continually generalize anyone who is against the war effort or criticize the government as "people who hate America." They've got it completely backwards. The reason we're so angry and concerned about the direction we're headed is presicely because we LOVE this country and want it to return to what made it so great. This administration took a horrible catastrophe and used it for their own gains, intentionally tearing this country in two.
The masochistic side of me always makes me flip to BillO occasionally while watching Countdown, just to see what vitriol is spewing out of his mouth at any particular time. Last night he stated that Brian de Palma should be thrown in prison for daring to question our conduct in Iraq in his latest film. O'Really said something like, "We should have free speech, but there should be severe consequences when you're wrong." He's a sickening hypocrite.
I fear that a conflict with Iran is imminent. A person is smart, but people are stupid. People, not just Americans, have historically turned their backs when our comrades do bad things. I don't know why we're wired that way but we just are. It's getting harder and harder for me to be optimistic.
Heh. Sorry for the depressing diatribe. I'll digress. :)
"When you start rewarding your commanders for failures, it's all over but the war-crimes trials"
Can't remember who said that.
Yesterday evening during rush hour traffic here in Houston, yes Houston, Texas, there were several banners that hung from 5 bridges bisecting a major freeway (I-59 SW freeway) that read "honk for peace", "honk for impeachment", etc., etc., The people not honking were the minority. It was amazing to see and hear this in a red of red states.
It was a great piece. Like a trip down bad memory lane.
I'd forgotten just how many criminals were involved in this trainwreck.
This was an excellent commentary. His program was terrific last night.
O/T: Gloria Borger has just been hired by CNN as political reporter--she's taking Jeff Greenfield's old job. I cannot stand her. She is very shrill and is just another steno.
the article on Borger's new job is over at www.TVNEWSER.
The U.S. Military is the most powerful force on Earth. For someone to say they can't get Osama or don't know where he is - is laughable. I submit these reasons for Osama's continued at-large status.
1) They don't WANT to get him.
2) They've been ordered not to get him.
3.) He's dead. So I guess he should star in "Weekend at Osama's." Since he keeps making videos.
he forgot Bernie Kerrick.
Chief of police under Guiliani, mired in corruption, he was appointed to train the police force in Iraq after the occupation. He left the job completely unfinished and with the worst results imaginable.
Does anybody remember what happened to him when he got back?
George Bush nominated him for the Director of the Department of Homeland Security.
His nomination was quickly withdrawn due to the scandal surrounding him, not due to the fact that he was a bad cop and an incompetent manager.
Time constraints must have prevented KO from mentioning two other Presidential Medal of Freedom awardees; Paul Bremer and Tommy Franks.
Samantha Stickers @ 5:
Yes, Yes and Yes.
Dood @ 15:
How's THIS for twisted logic -- he's on the CIA's payroll!
And Bush doesn't see it as rewarding incompetence. He's rewarding those who protect him. Incompetence? Not when it comes to fomenting war and smearing anyone who says war isn't a good idea. That's the reason Bush & Co. were handed the Presidency. And they excel at it.
Dr. Acula @ 19:
AMEN!
The STATE always CREATES the ENEMY it NEEDS.
Damn, KO is good. Only ray of hope left of the MSM.
The Bush Family has made an agreement with the Bin Laden Family and Osama is now under family house arrest in Saudi Arabia. He lives in a secluded mansion, is indulged by servants of all kinds, and agrees to appear on videos whenever requested. In exchange, we don't chase after Osama and we continue to ignore the terrorism that is grown by the Saudi government.
what about Brown and Gonzales?
If I had the money, I'd jump ship to and go to Norway. They don't run an empire.
KO as press secretary in the Kucinich administration.
Thank Christ for Keith! One man who continually speaks truth to pow(d)er. He's a hero!
If I spoke Norwegian, I'd split to Norway.
Just saw " No End In Sight". It was devastating the way they connected a to b to c without using ambush journalism or a bullhorn. A brilliant film everyone should see.
Press secretary? Puh-lease!! KO is right where we need him, outside the tent pissing in. We just need more people listening.
Atta boy Keith. Spot on and devastatingly accurate.
Attention Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reid:
Live Vote
Do you believe President Bush's actions justify impeachment? * 551074 responses
Yes, between the secret spying, the deceptions leading to war and more, there is plenty to justify putting him on trial.
89%
No, like any president, he has made a few missteps, but nothing approaching "high crimes and misdemeanors."
4.2%
No, the man has done absolutely nothing wrong. Impeachment would just be a political lynching.
5.2%
I don't know.
1.9%
Not a scientific survey. Click to learn more. Results may not total 100% due to rounding.
What did ever happen to no pass no play?
Crooks and Liars all.
At least somebody in the media is doing their job.
Now on to more pressing issues. Did everyone hear how Britney bombed on that awards show?
It became No Corrupt Bastard Left Behind (NCBLB).
"Y'see, we start with only 20% of the Administration bein' corrupt. And our goal is to ... to make sure we hit 100%."
Thank you Keith. You help keep me sane.
When is KO and his like going to really start holding these criminals accountable,
Demand War Crimes Trials. These BuShCo Thugs can no longer be allowed to get away with the mass-death and mass-destruction they have deliberately unleashed upon innocent civilians.
drshatterhand @ 28:
Mordechai Shiblikov @ 25:
You can manage pretty well with english here, I started english lessons at age 10, 20 years ago, nowadays, the begin with a little english in first grade, at 6-7.
And we need skilled workers of most kinds, the place is suffering greatly for lack of people at the time :)
drshatterhand @ 28:
Mordechai Shiblikov @ 25:
Ok, attempt two, my first try got eaten.
You can manage pretty well with english here, norwegians learn it from age 6-7 nowadays, from age 10 when I was a kid.
And we have a serious need of skilled workers in most parts of the country, and have been struggling with lack of manpower for quite some time.
Gah, no idea what is happening, my comments are eaten. Two quotes not allowed?
Mordechai and drshatterhand, you can manage with english here, we learn it from age 7 in schools, (age 10 20 years ago), and we are sorely lacking workers for all the jobs we need done.
drshatterhand @ 28:
No need to speak the language. Most urban Norwegians speak English better than any NASCAR repuglican.
And he DID slayith the Mendacious Dragon.
[...] It’s all here, called The Promotion Of Failure In Bush Administration [...]
This is very disappointing to read.
Dood @ 15:
The U.S. Military is the most powerful force on Earth. For someone to say they can’t get Osama or don’t know where he is - is laughable. I submit these reasons for Osama’s continued at-large status.
1) They don’t WANT to get him.
2) They’ve been ordered not to get him.
3.) He’s dead. So I guess he should star in “Weekend at Osama’s.” Since he keeps making videos.
How’s THIS for twisted logic — he’s on the CIA’s payroll!
-------
With the last message from Osama, I'm convinced you're right. My first thought upon hearing Chomsky's name was to think that now the cons have the excuse they need to begin the purge of dissidents. How very convenient it is to begin with an intellectual leftist who just happens to be mentioned by America's number one 'enemy.' It's all so very chilling.
jr @ 4:
AND EVER AND EVER.
Aperturius @ 9:
The retort that I have ready, in case I ever get in a conversation with a rightie on this issue is:
We don't hate America, we hate the radical right wing. They think they are America, but they are just the puss-filled pimple on America's ass. They are the ones who trash the Constitution, continually criticize our legal system, dishonor veteran's any time they don't toe the right wing rhetoric, and basically cause our Founding Father's to spin in their graves.
This is perhaps true. In terms of the destruction of the entire world, the U.S. military likely does have the best chance of doing so. However, we have seen that it is not the most effective tool. The US army body made up of equal parts brave soldiers, skilled professionals, those that come from generations of soldiers and lets not forget the bumpkinds that just joined to shoot brown people (yeeeehaw). You can't give them all guns and expect them to fix everything, the world is much more sophisticated than that. Perhaps the lone positive of this war (if it hasn't resulted from the Vietnam war) is that everyday americans just might be starting to realize that fact. But probably not.
Great website, keep up the work until you reach more people than CNN and Fox News combined.
p.s. I agree with a previous poster, Keith Olbermann helps keep me from going insane too.
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sad story :(
Judy @ http://www.prankvideoz.com
9/11 is unforgettable.
http://www.egold-directory.com (Get rich online)
That is awesome...
Thank you....
God Bless you and our Nation.
Beautiful, simply beautiful.
Keith Olbermann doesn't get half the credit he deserves.
I agree with everything said, but want to point out that nothing in the new tape suggests it was made recently. All of the references to recent events occur when the video is stopped.
Problem for Keith is no one of value actually watches his show, or his network for that matter. NBC is where they put people that don't have a friggen clue of what is going on in the world because they are too blinded by their twisted political beliefs. It's ok, child molester's can't help themselves either.
Keith, you've been sucking on the tailpipe too long, and it's addled your brain, let alone caused your reason and intelligence functions to shut down.
There's a good reason no one watches him anymore.
Bless you Keith.
btw, @ #54, was that sarcasm, or are you not paying attention?
[...] Watch Video [...]
One word - Greed. If you don't know that our government is corrupt, you must open your eyes. Bush wants control of middle-eastern oil and he'll do anything to aquire it. Bush doesn't have any personal financial interest in oil. Does he????
Our government is controlled by corporate interest groups.
Pharmaceutical companies... if they want a drug passed no matter how harmful it may be to the public... they bribe the Food and Drug Administration and congress.
Any billion dollar company... if they want to run a monopoly on the market... they bribe the Federal Trade Commision who are supposedly there to protect consumers and preserve competition in the market place.
Will it surprise you when American oil companies get the contracts for the oil in the middle east, if they don't have it already?
It's a fucking joke!
The main thing we lost on the 6th anniversary is not listening to the voices from that day. No one replays the footage, but 20 years from now students will watch the coverage from the moment the first plane hits until the collapse of the second tower. That is ignored because it is painful. There is a piece September 11th 2001 that uses only the news articles from the moments themselves.
Pat @ 51:
[...] 13th, 2007 link Posted by dancmorgan Filed in [...]
Please stop saying that everyting Olbermann does is "best work to date"
It weakens the proclomation
Yet KO is still working within the ReThug, NeoCon frame. It's all about 'Iraq was/was not responsible for 9/11'.
Nowhere is the question asked which should've been asked years ago.
No one dares to do so.
I don't blame KO, he is the one voice on TV speaking out against the fascists, but even he has yet to cut through the maskarova of Iraq.
It's always been about more that 'The Oil' it's always been about 9/11.
The 'ass-kissing little...' General Petreaus's performance on the date merely continues the deception.
Who was in charge of NORAD on 9/11? Promoted three DAYS after 9/11
Who was in charge of the FAA on 9/11? Promoted
In fact, No one was EVER fired for what happened on 9/11.
falkoyn,
you better get your prescription filled, reality is gonna bite
you and idiots like you will not be able to handle what happens 'after' bush is gone
the kook aid will run dry....
America, spit out this buffoon who dares blog when the President tells the nation one thing, and one thing only
"the only thing to failure, is failure itself"
Keith is the voice of america now, he's the voice of the people
Dr. Matt @ 11:
You might be surprised how blue Harris county is. Hispanics tend to vote blue and they have good representation there. Also, this country's vote is mostly divided between city and rural areas... more densely populated areas tend to be blue.
[...] Olbermann’s Top 9/11 Story: The Promotion Of Failure in Bush Admistration article from Crooks and [...]
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