The United States of America v. George W. Bush

Well, I certainly did not see this coming.

President Bush is digging in his heels and refusing even to consider retracting the deal to allow Dubai Ports World to take over operations of six major American seaports.

I wrote in a previous post that Dan Bartlett's comment about Bush being unaware of the deal before the controversy erupted was the president's out. He could pull the deal back for further review. It would then die a quiet death.

I was wrong.

The "I didn't know about it" defense became inoperative the moment Bush said that, in his judgment, the deal should go forward.

And, the president declared that it will go forward, even if congress tries to pass legislation to stop it.

"They ought to listen to what I have to say about this," the president said after inviting pool reporters on his plane back to his compartment to talk. "They ought to look at the facts, and understand the consequences of what they're going to do. But if they pass a law, I'll deal with it, with a veto."

Bush said he did not consider this a political fight and stressed that he felt the sale had been carefully vetted for security concerns.

"This is a process that has been extensively reviewed, particularly from the point of view as to whether or not I can say to the American people, this project will not jeopardize our security," he said. " . . . I really don't understand why it's okay for a British company to operate our ports, but not a company from the Middle East, when our experts are convinced that port security is not an issue."

Bush repeated his concerns for television cameras as he arrived back at the White House.

"They ought to listen to what I have to say about this,"

"They ought to look at the facts, and understand the consequences of what they're going to do."

Oh, my God.

That doesn't sound like a veto threat. It sounds like a threat.

"Fredo, you're my brother and I love you. But, don't ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever."

Let no one forget that this is the man whom Republicans would grant absolute power to conduct this country's national security affairs. We just concluded a philosphical debate over "unitary executive" power for George W. Bush. We were against it. They were for it. They won.

We are engaged currently in a debate over whether this president should be permitted to set aside the laws of this nation as he sees fit. We are against it. They are for it.

They, by whom I mean Republicans, are in the process of sweeping under a rug Bush's crimes against the constitution. They are aiding and abetting his illegal surveillance of American citizens with the contention that he must have the authority to whatever he deems necessary to protect the country, whether it violates the law or not.

Republicans, Bush's defiance on this port issue is the fruit of your labor. For more than five years, you have comforted yourselves with the thought that Bush held congressional Democrats in utter contempt. You almost had it. He holds congress in utter contempt and that includes you.

Never forget this, Republicans. You have encouraged and enabled an unstable authoritarian who considers himself accountable to no one. That includes you.