Blog

Similar Rhetoric: Bush on the Bailout and Iraq


President Bush stated today that the government’s foray into purchasing bank stock is meant to be “limited and temporary.”  The language he has used in recent weeks during the push for the bailout and now for the further extension of government into the private sector is reminiscent of a few years back when he was urging America into war in Iraq.  As we know, the war in Iraq has been anything but limited and temporary (despite the Iraqi victory speech given in 2003).  We can quibble over the state of the Iraqi war, but so far it has been more drawn out and more expensive than most envisioned.  My point is about the bailout, solely.  We have heard this type of rhetoric before and things haven’t gone as planned.  Will it be similar?  Will we be wondering 5 years from now if the government will relinquish control over the banks?  Or will we forget what it was like to have private banks?  Only time will tell.  Let’s get on with the quotes now.

On doing nothing:

Iraq:

“But the risk of doing nothing, the risk of the security of this country being jeopardized at the hands of a madman with weapons of mass destruction far exceeds the risks of any action we may be forced to take.” Source: White House

“After eleven years during which we have tried containment, sanctions, inspections, even selected military action, the end result is that Saddam Hussein still has chemical and biological weapons and is increasing his capabilities to make more.” Source: White House

Bailout:

“Well, my first instinct wasn’t to lay out a huge government plan. My first instinct was to let the market work until I realized, upon being briefed by the experts, of how significant this problem became.” Source: Yahoo! News

On the threat:

Iraq:

Today the world is also uniting to answer the unique and urgent threat posed by Iraq.” Source: Committee on Government and Oversight Reform

“On its present course, the Iraqi regime is a threat of unique urgency. . . . it has developed weapons of mass death.” Source: Committee on Government and Oversight Reform

“The history, the logic, and the facts lead to one conclusion: Saddam Hussein’s regime is a grave and gathering danger. To suggest otherwise is to hope against the evidence. To assume this regime’s good faith is to bet the lives of millions and the peace of the world in a reckless gamble. And this is a risk we must not take.” Source: White House

Bailout:

“We’re in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive actions.” Source: CNN

“With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice: to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions by some to undermine the financial security of all.” Source: MSNBC

On the strategy:

Iraq:

“Now is the time to act.” Source: ABC News

“And the United States, along with a growing coalition of nations, is resolved to take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves and disarm the Iraqi regime.  We will not wait to see what terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.” Source: Committee on Government and Oversight Reform

Bailout:

“Our strategy will continue to evolve and be refined as we adapt to new developments and the inevitable set backs… But we will not stand down until we have achieved our goals of repairing and reforming our financial system and thereby restoring prosperity to our economy.” Source: Yahoo! News

Finally, a parting video, courtesy of the Daily Show.  Jon Stewart beat me to the punch here, but the rhetoric continues and seems to be getting worse.  The scariest part?  A whole lot of liberals and conservatives agree that this is a huge mess:

Support Capital Research Center's award-winning journalism

Donate today to assist in promoting the principles of individual liberty in America.

Read Next