Bush and Egypt - Take What You Hear With A Grain of Salt

There is a movement afoot to make Bush Jr. look better than his Presidency warrants. It's going to be contentious because of the veil of secrecy the Bush Administration placed on every syllable of his years in office. Ironic actually. Trying to make a man who hid the truth about everything and distorted what managed to slip out, has to be a Herculean effort. It is also going to be tough to keep the record straight since so many have been brainwashed with the propaganda. Yesterday I had a fella in the office tell me they really did find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He preceded to go on about how Huckabee is going to be good for America. Tells you a lot about who was talking to me.


Here is an effort to shake the keep the truth out of new pro-Bush propaganda.

THE PROGRESSIVE REVIEW - February 3, 2011

Media Enable Former Bushies To Rewrite History On Bush Egypt and "Freedom In The Arab World" by: Julie Millican Media Matters

Several Bush administration officials have looked to the recent crisis in Egypt in another attempt to rehabilitate former President George W. Bush's image. In a January 30 Washington Post op-ed, former Bush national security advisor Elliott Abrams argued that the "Egypt protests show George W. Bush was right about freedom in the Arab world," claiming that the demonstrations prove Bush's "freedom agenda" was right about those dastardly Arab dictators.

Never missing an opportunity to attack Obama and defend Bush, Fox News hosted Bush's former press secretary Dana Perino to back up Abrams charges.

But was Bush the champion of democracy in Egypt? Hardly. Indeed, he was one of Mubarak's biggest cheerleaders.

Let's take a look at the facts. Abrams twice cites a November 6, 2003, speech Bush gave on democracy in the Middle East as proof that Bush was way ahead of the game in calling for freedom in Egypt. In fact, in that very speech Bush declared that Egypt "should show the way toward democracy in the Middle East." From the speech:

BUSH: The great and proud nation of Egypt has shown the way toward peace in the Middle East, and now should show the way toward democracy in the Middle East. (Applause.) Champions of democracy in the region understand that democracy is not perfect, it is not the path to utopia, but it's the only path to national success and dignity. [George W. Bush White House Archives, 11/6/03]

And, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Here's a sampling:

- Bush praises Egypt's progress on "democratic reform." During a 2008 visit to Egypt, Bush repeatedly praised President Mubarak for his leadership in "the freedom and justice movement" and declared that the United States' friendship with Egypt was "one of the main cornerstones of our policy in this region, and it's based on our shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity." He further stated:

BUSH: [Egypt is] an important stop for me because the United States has a longstanding friendship with Egypt. It's important for the people of Egypt to understand our nation respects you, respects your history, respects your traditions and respects your culture. Our friendship is strong. It's a cornerstone of -- one of the main cornerstones of our policy in this region, and it's based on our shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity.

BUSH: I also talked about Egypt's role in the world. Egypt is an important nation -- that sends a clear signal. People watch Egypt. I appreciate very much the long and proud tradition that you've had for a vibrant civil society. I appreciate the fact that women play an important role in your society, Mr. President. I do so because not only I'm a proud father of two young professional women, I also know how important it is for any vibrant society to have women involved in constructive and powerful ways. And I appreciate the example that your nation is setting.

Progress toward greater political openness is being led by the Egyptians themselves, by pioneering journal- ists -- some of whom even may be here -- bloggers, or judges insisting on independence, or other strong civic and religious leaders who love their country and are determined to build a democratic future.

Because of the predominate role you play, and because I strongly believe that Egypt can play a role in the freedom and justice movement -- you and I have discussed the issue, you have taken steps toward economic openness -- and I discussed that with your Prime Minister -- and democratic reform. And my hope is that the Egyptian government will build on these important steps, and give the people of this proud nation a greater voice in your future. I think it will lead to peace, and I think it will lead to justice.

Our friendship with Egypt is deep and broad. Egypt will continue to be a vital strategic partner of the United States. We will work together to build a safer and more peaceful world. And, Mr. President, I thank your leadership on the issue of peace and security. [George W. Bush White House Archive, 1/16/08]