Posted on 05/15/2002 4:09:13 AM PDT by TheRedSoxWinThePennant
Why Carter is smarter
George Bush's Cuba policy is in disarray
Leader
Wednesday May 15, 2002
The Guardian
Evidently undismayed by the Venezuela coup fiasco, the Bush administration is now making a fool of itself in another part of what was once called America's backyard. Jimmy Carter, the former US president, has given the lie to Washington's claims that Cuba has developed biological weapons and is trading them with "rogue states" such as Iran.
The admirable Mr Carter toured the research facility in question during his current ground-breaking visit to Havana. He received assurances that foreign germ warfare experts would also be free to inspect it. And he noted that before embarking, he had asked the US government whether it had any evidence of "possible terrorist activities supported by Cuba" or of Cuban dealings in weapons of mass destruction (WMD). "The answer from our experts was 'no'," Mr Carter said.
It was a surprise, therefore, when on the eve of Mr Carter's visit, John Bolton, one of the most senior (and most hawkish) state department officials, made an aggressive speech in which he added Cuba, Syria and Libya to President Bush's absurd and notorious Iran-Iraq-North Korea "axis of evil". "Here is what we know," Mr Bolton said. "Cuba has at least a limited offensive biological warfare research and development effort. Cuba has provided dual-use biotechnology to other rogue states." Cuba should understand, he said, that states that fail to renounce terror and WMD "can expect to become our targets".
This sudden threat of US military attack spurred a startled Fidel Castro into vehement denials. Also taken somewhat aback by Mr Bolton's claims, apparently, was his boss, Secretary of State Colin Powell. After letting a few days elapse, Mr Powell in effect disowned Mr Bolton yesterday, saying "we didn't actually say it [Cuba] had some weapons". He and the national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, now agree there was "nothing new" in Mr Bolton's comments. Why then did he make the speech at all? All this raises far more questions about the Bush administration than it does about Cuba or other homes of wickedness. Firstly, who's actually in charge? Secondly, why is the "war on terror" being manipulated to suit a regressive conservative agenda? Thirdly, is presidential brother Jeb Bush's need of Cuban votes in his coming Florida gubernatorial re-election bid in any way connected? Finally, when is the US right going to stop persecuting Cuba and seek a partnership for peace?
I use to think of carter as just a good hearted bumbler. Now I think of him as just plan stupid and a murderous commies best friend. Calling him an idiot would be wrong, stupid is a much better term for this has-been president. Stupid means you know better but, you still do it anyway. Idiot means you don't know any better.
Hey peanut man you were and are an embarasment. Go home to your ugly wife and your peanuts. Thank you Mr. Reagan. Carter may be smarter but I sure don't want this boob leading me to even the restroom.
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