The Bush Tapes

The New York Times will publish a David Kirkpatrick story tomorrow (Feb 20, 2005) that will expose a series of audio tapes recorded over several years between Bush and his supposed friend, Doug Wead, an author and former aide to Mr. Bush's father. The kicker, is that the tapes were recorded without President Bush's knowledge. The tapes, which were reportedly recorded between 1998 and just prior to the election of 2004, and which Wead reported that he initially intended not to release until his own death, cover a wide range of issues, including the yet-to-be elected President's feelings regarding Al Gore, his VP running mate choices, and his faith, among other things.

There is nothing particularly damning regarding the tapes portrayed in the story, unless you call an admission that Mr. Bush tried marijuana damning. In the context of the transcripts made available, George W. Bush is nothing but the same man that we have seen as President of the United States for the past four years. He is steadfast in his convictions. Years before the election he decries the politics of personal destruction and vows that he will never travel that road. He has also learned from past indiscretions. Even knowing that they had the potential to play a part in his demise, he would not run away from them; rather he would take full responsibility. He proclaims his faith as an ongoing influence in his life and in his leadership. In short, there is nothing new in the tapes that would be considered shocking to anyone who has been following the President in the past five years.

I do, however, have some issues with Mr. Wead. Mr. Wead, you have stated that you had recorded those tapes (without Mr. Bush's knowledge) for posterity's sake. You had further stated that you initially did not plan to release those tapes until after your death. You and President Bush are supposedly, or had been supposedly friends. Mr. Wead, it is illegal to record conversations without a participant's consent, much less share the recorded conversations publicly. You have taken the confidence of a friendship and have betrayed that confidence. You, sir, are a cheap opportunist and it is well that you held no high ranking office in the Bush Administration. You are not fit to be dog catcher.
-Psycmeistr-