White House Office Fire Comes At A Perfect Time For Bush, Cheney

In 2008, a lame-duck Bush and Cheney won’t be able to count on GOP goodwill anymore. White House Office Fire Comes At A Perfect Time For Bush, CheneyBy Cliff Montgomery – Dec. 19th, 2007Waves of black smoke rose today from a blaze in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a principal structure of the White House complex.The fire appeared to be sweeping through Vice President Dick Cheney’s group of ceremonial offices located on the building’s second floor, presumably where he keeps some of his vice presidency’s most secretive papers.Neither Cheney nor George W. Bush were in the Executive Office Building at the time of the fire, but instead were across the street doing God knows what in the White House’s West Wing.Authorities evacuated hundreds of employees from the large grey building, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters, adding that the fire produced “no injuries that we are aware of.”District of Columbia firefighters could be glimpsed breaking windows and throwing chairs onto a balcony, presumably clearing a room and pouring water onto the flames.Firemen appeared to have put out the blaze within an hour. What started the fire is not yet known.Cheney’s public offices aren’t the only suites there which often handle highly sensitive, even classified, documents. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building–a huge edifice with a slate, cast iron and granite surface at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue–also houses the White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget.So let’s ask the billion-dollar question: Could the fire in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building have been deliberately set to destroy public documents in Dick Cheney’s office, or perhaps even some highly secretive papers of the National Security Council (NSC)?The NSC question should not be taken lightly. One should remember the power of the NSC in this Bush White House.Under most presidents, the NSC essentially appears to have maintained the mission set out in an August 1997 History of the National Security Council, 1947-1997:”The National Security Act of July 26, 1947, created the National Security Council under the chairmanship of the President, with the Secretaries of State and Defense as its key members, to coordinate foreign policy and defense policy, and to reconcile diplomatic and military commitments and requirements.”But it appears that the White House of George W. Bush has given the NSC a few expanded powers. On February 13, 2001, Bush issued “the first in a series of National Security Presidential Directives.”This first Bush security directive dealt with the organization of the National Security Council system.”National security includes the defense of the United States of America, protection of our constitutional system of government, and the advancement of United States interests around the globe. National security also depends on America’s opportunity to prosper in the world economy,” the directive stated.”The NSC shall advise and assist me in integrating all aspects of national security policy as it affects the United States–domestic, foreign, military, intelligence, and economics (in conjunction with the National Economic Council (NEC)).” [Emphasis added.]A discerning eye will note at least two apparently expanded NSC powers under George W. Bush: a special emphasis on presumed “domestic” threats to “our constitutional system of government,” as well a now-constant voice in intelligence matters.So who knows what may be found among NSC documents? Any unknown answers about the administration’s spying efforts on average Americans, or the lies which got America into Iraq–or even the recent administration lies concerning Iran–would almost surely be found in the NSC’s documents, if they could not be found among those being held in Cheney’s apartments.Of course any answer to this question is bound to be mere speculation, and should be taken as such. But what is not speculation is that the fire could not have come at a better time for this administration.2008 will be an election year. The presidency is one the public offices to be filled in the coming election cycle. This inevitably means that the Bush Administration will be a lame-duck presidency through much of next year.The only reason this most unpopular of presidents has so far escaped closer examination–and possible impeachment–has been the stubborn refusal of many congressional Republicans to speak ill of a fellow GOP member in office.Now Republicans may have little choice but to start holding this White House accountable for its treasonous actions, if they hope to have any real shot of winning either Congress or the presidency in 2008. Thus Bush and Cheney won’t be able to count on GOP goodwill anymore.So whatever is the cause of the blaze, it couldn’t have come at a better time for this White House.Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!