Email this article Printer friendly page
 For Immediate Release
Feb 6, 2001 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172
WAKE UP MR. PRESIDENT!

Bush Shows Insensitivity to Ethics and Justice Issues


(Washington, DC) Since he declared for the Presidency about two years ago, George W. Bush has shown many admirable traits, such as his “compassionate conservatism’s” concern for education, reform of Social Security and Medicare, and, most important, significant tax cuts for all Americans. However, noticeably absent from his agenda is a real commitment to bringing about justice for politicians, government officials, and lawyers and judges who violate the law. Judicial Watch’s motto is “no one is above the law!”

During the primary campaign, the President refused to call for a special counsel to investigate Chinagate, stating only:
    While it’s clear that Al Gore engaged in a number of questionable fund raising activities and gave the FBI statements that continue to raise the issue of credibility, the American people are sick and tired of all these scandals and investigations. The best way to put all these scandals and investigations behind us is to elect someone new. I’m running to uphold the honor and dignity of the White House.

At the Republican National Convention, as reported by the renowned columnist William Safire, he dismissed cleaning up corruption in government as an important issue:
    Running against Washington. The Yale graduate and child of privilege assumed, Jimmy Carter style, a hardscrabble pose to assert that his ‘background may lack the polish of Washington.’ And then, following a focus-group distaste for controversy;, he dissociated himself from all investigations into Clinton-Gore scandals, including illegal fund-raising: ‘I have no stake in the bitter arguments of the last few years.’ Republicans on the unpopular ramparts of the rule of law were coolly informed he preferred ‘civility and respect.’

When pardons were discussed for former President Bill Clinton, G.W. stated that Clinton should be allowed to “move on” and “enjoy life and become an active participant in the American system.” Later, when indeed pardons were issued by Clinton for other criminals, President Bush held:
    “I am troubled by the decision the president made. I would not have made the decision," Bush told reporters Monday in the Oval Office. "But nevertheless he was the president, he had the right to do so, to make that decision, and he did. And I'm going to protect that privilege not only for me but for future presidents as well." The Associated Press, January 29, 2001

    The latest insensitivity to the crimes of the Clintons [and other politicians who abused their office] was issued yesterday, when in discussing the Clintons’ illegal heist of gifts from the White House, G.W. replied:
    “Asked about the gifts yesterday, President Bush said that he was confident the Clintons ‘will make the right decision.’”

George Lardner The Washington Post, February 6, 2001.

“It is time for President George W. Bush to stop playing politics with the fundamental underpinnings of the nation’s well being; Judeo-Christian respect for ethics, morality and the rule of law. Without this, our country truly has nothing, and no tax cut, Social Security or Medicare reform, or education plan, will save the nation from ultimate decline,” stated Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman.

Top of Page