Brilliant!

To the Editor:

The strategies of Karl Rove and Dick Cheney are omnipresent in all of the actions of President Bush. The latest evidence of these influences are the President’s actions surrounding July 4th, the most reverent historical marker in the birth of our great nation. While the flag at the Newtown flagpole flew at half-staff during the midweek July 4th holiday, in honor of yet another death of a Connecticut soldier, the following occurred: most of Newtown and America was on vacation or certainly pulled away from any “normal” routine for most of the week; many print reporters were taking time off; most of the regular network and cable news anchors and moderators were off the air. This made a day or two prior to July 4th the perfect time to announce the “Scooter” commutation (please ... we all know the pardon is coming) providing a one-week cushion to absorb a full frontal assault on this controversial decision.

Follow that with a speech, highlights of which appeared on television and the Internet, to an “invitation only” military-based crowd in West Virginia on July 4th.  In that speech, the President called for yet more time and more patience regarding the Iraq War, which is opposed by most Americans.

George, Dick, and Karl may have had a quick “Cup of Joe” with Joe Lieberman before the speech to strategize. It sounds like there will be no end to the surge in September, or until, at the earliest, January 21, 2009. Lieberman, et al, are clearly laying that foundation by saying the “surge” is working and more preemptive attacks by the United States may be needed against other countries. To paraphrase a popular commercial, the strategies are “Brilliant!” Hey — these guys are good at what they do!

Disrespect for the justice system, influence of public opinion via controlled audiences, political hyperbole and media manipulation were the general holiday themes this July 4th — and the flag at the Newtown flagpole flew at half-staff, once again.

Richard English

3 Curry Drive, Newtown                                                      July 6, 2007