Yesterday, George W Bush said that the US was "addicted to oil" and promised to "break this addiction" to avoid dependance on "unstable parts of the world". Today, in a conference call with reporters, his energy secretary and national economic adviser said that he didn't really mean it. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that the Energy Department is laying off renewable energy researchers, particularly those studying wind and biofuels - both of which Bush specifically mentioned in his speech as being alternatives to fossil fuels. So, does Bush not know, or does he really think that people wouldn't notice that his actions do not match his words?
Well, he has people to do that for him. But you'd think they'd let him know if he was going to announce a major new policy in that area and the words seemed to conflict with the reality...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone seriously believe Bush meant or even understood anything that he said. He doesn't write these speeches does he? His function is to get wheeled out to the podium, look presidential and deliver stirring oratory. This is necessary to divert attention from the real policy makers who simply get on with doing what they always intended doing anyway.
ReplyDeleteCynical? Me?
Speaking of airplay.
ReplyDeleteSpeech in the house full of empty promises, huge, priceless.
Actual policy, {crickets}.