(This Article was written and published in March 2003)
Every time Donald Rumsfeld opens his mouth, he manages to get some other country, an extra group offended. Offer them extra opportunity to be suspicious, distrustful and cynical of America’s war efforts. It is becoming embarrassing to watch his aids trying get his feet out of his mouth, continuously. As one commentator aptly stated, Rumsfeld brings his own china shop with him.
He is also, of course, the author of the famous “Old Europe” slogan, which is credited by many as the “last straw” that finally persuaded France to become the voice of the moral majority. Rumsfeld, however, is largely representative of the mentality and intellectual prowess that stalks the halls of power in present day United States.
Rumsfeld’s latest gaffe about the role of the United Kingdom in a war with Iraq, has kept the diplomatic wires humming between London and Washington. The British, of course, trying to first understand for themselves, what he said, then what he meant (which can sometimes be in stark contrast to what he actually said). Will the British be part of the war, leading the charge, playing a support role, or a spectator? Or just read about it the news paper. No body seems to know.
This becomes all the more interesting with the revelations by Reuters on the 10th of March regarding the decision by USAID to invite five selected American companies, (yes it is only American and only selected ones) for large contracts for post-war re-construction of Iraq.
Look behind the curtain of corporate charade behind one of the actual company contacted, Kellog, Brown and Root, and you will find Halliburton. Of course it may be only coincidence (yeah right) that this Halliburton is the same Halliburton which Cheney (remember him) used to head right before he turned righteous, respectable and honorable. And it is pure fluke that the same company had already been awarded (yes, that deal is already done) the contract to oversee fire-fighting operations at Iraqi oil fields following any US led invasion.
Diplomats work day and night at the United Nations, thinking that this wording or that resolution can
- avert war
- authorize war
- legitimize war
- allow them to have at least one restful night of sleep
- all of the above
But the verdict is out. Decisions have already been made. Way Back. The rest is all game playing. Comedy and farce wherein the bit players are no mere B-grade actors, but giants of the international community. Blair, Chiraq, Annan, Blix, at al. As the cynics have been predicting all along that this is really Big Business at work. Trying to recover their investments into the present government.
This is of course democracy as it being practiced in the US today. Democracy at US Inc. where Foreign Policy, Industry Policy, Morality, Good Governance, are commodities up for sale to the highest bidder. For the people, willing to make the biggest contribution to party coffers.
Whoever shall fund “my” entry to the White House shall reap his just rewards. Mc-Cain and Feingold can just twiddle their thumbs.
But in the long run, let us hope that the damage done to American credibility, and their standing on the world stage, will not be permanent. That the principles on which the nation was built, will not be totally eroded by the folly and the misguided nature (let us not forget pride and arrogance as well) of the present administration.
Abraham Lincoln said in his inaugural address in 1861 that “While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no administration, by any extreme wickedness or folly, can very seriously injure the government in the short space of four years.” Mr. President, I hope you are right.
March 2003