Downing Street Memo: Shedding Light on Admin's Deceit?

[2CentsWorth]

SOS2008, I think one of the most worrying things about the price you mention is that very few people living in other countries seem to be able to understand that this invasion has divided the American people, and how these people consequently tend to hate 'America' (and, by implication, Americans). I wish they could read the views expressed on these discussion boards - the division is so obvious. The recent US election results also demonstrate that the present US administration does not have a 'mandate' on this issue, as you point out. Unfortunately, however, both political parties supported the invasion in the last election and it seems that the American voters who were against the invasion didn't really have any options to choose from (at least regarding this particular issue)

The American people who knew the so-called intelligence didn't make sense tried to generate debate and were asking for more solid evidence. The problem was that the rest of America was in a rage over 9-11 so didn't even "question authority." And of course Bush rushed the country toward the invasion, precisely to avoid facts getting in the way of his goals.

As for congress, many representatives are very knowledgeable of world affairs, and no doubt suspected they were being fed a bunch of BS. But knowing they were in the midst of a nationalism feeding frenzy, they feared they would not be reelected if they stood up to Bush, who (I believe) had record-high approval ratings at that time. Kerry said it was BS, but then still gave his approval for the war--he probably felt he was representing his constituents and not his own opinion (something Bush has never learned to do).

Those who were against the war took a lot of abuse for speaking out about their concerns. And now that we know these people were right, I agree it is sad that apologies are not forthcoming.