Colin Powell's presentation to the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday was an important step for the Bush administration in making its case against Iraq.
It was also a giant step forward for President Bush and his administration.
Slowly but surely, the 43rd President of the United States might be learning a lesson about his office - the same lesson he seemed determined to deny. Bush's willingness to declassify evidence might very well indicate that he realizes that to lead a country for the people, by the people, he must let the people know what is going on.
Or he could just be trying to weasel his way into a war any way he can get it.
But, in a break from tradition, let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
There's no room for argument, though, that the Bush administration has been secretive to the point where it is surprising historians. Before Sept. 11 came along to give him an excuse, the president encouraged public agencies to reject public requests for documents under the Freedom of Information Act if they found any way to do so. This was a complete reversal of the Clinton administration's policy: Err on the side of openness.
After Sept. 11, in a move that caused quite a stir in Washington, Bush decided to allow only eight senior members of Congress to receive classified briefings. Those eight would be forbidden from passing along that information.
In his book "Bush at War," Bob Woodward reported that Nick Calio, the White House chief of congressional liaison, tried to warn the president of the implications and the backlash he would receive for such a policy.
The President's answer to Calio: "It's tough shit."
Now, certainly, Sept. 11 gave us all some jitters. Also, those who defend the secrecy of the Bush administration do so by explaining that Bush and company want to strengthen the power of the executive office, which is an admirable intent.
But there's a reason they call it "The People's House."
It seems Bush is beginning to realize that he can't do everything in secret. That includes leading America into its very first preemptive war while telling frustrated citizens to trust him on it.
That is one reason his approval rating dropped to 58 percent last month. That also might be one reason that, in a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll taken between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, only 54 percent of Americans said they approve of the way Bush is handling the situation with Iraq.
But it was a pleasant surprise when the Bush administration announced that it would declassify some of its evidence against Iraq. The truth is, Powell's presentation was very compelling, and made for one of the more interesting sessions held at the United Nations in quite a while. It was clear while watching the presentation that a crucial moment in the campaign against Iraq was occurring. The Bush administration, if it didn't make it clear that a strike was needed, definitely moved its case forward.
But more importantly, No. 43 grew up a little bit. He matured. He learned a lesson about America.
The United States is a land of freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of information. The citizens of this nation will tolerate secrecy only so long.
The truth is too crucial. And whatever happens, it will come to the surface, no matter who tries to hold it back.
Write to Jon at jcseidel@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
