Jeb Unplugged [View all]

[H2O Man]

“ ….I’m going to answer your question by saying ‘probably nothing’.”
-- Jeb Bush, responding to a reporter’s question regarding what he would do for African-Americans if elected governor of Florida; 1994.


Like many Americans, I find even the possibility of a third member of the Bush clan serving as president to be revolting. This isn’t simply the discomfort that the concept of “ruling families” should cause those who believe in democracy. The Bush family represents every negative associated with hereditary rule.

I’ve long recognized that Jeb is “smarter” than his brother. Admittedly, George W. Bush set the bar rather low. Arguably, a fried clam is more qualified to occupy the Oval Office than W. Thus, the question is whether Jeb is closer in capability to his father, or brother?

There are some similarities in form between George and Jeb -- both have served in both the corporate world, and as governor of a state that is significant for the republican machine. More, there is a largely unreported (hence, understood or appreciated) background that was made possible from their father’s connections with the company. If Dan Rather had been allowed to follow-up on W’s undocumented periods during the Vietnam war, he would have nailed it. Add to that a “businessman” who drives an oil company into the ground (and isn’t “saved” early by Dad’s buds. It was, of course, a front -- and W failed in that, too.

When you have people stepping back-and-forth behind that curtain between corporations and government (rather than the more common post-retirement position that, say, generals get with the military-industrial complex, including the media), they hold positions that aren’t on their resume. But that could put Jeb in a terrible position if he is asked certain questions during the campaign.

It would be almost political justice, really. Forum members of a certain age remember Bush the Elder’s campaign dogging Michael Dukakis about Willie Horton. The Elder’s henchmen knew that Dukakis bore no responsibility; yet, they appealed to racism in the most vicious form in politics. Between that, and a question about the death penalty, Dukakis failed to respond in a strong, concise manner. It hurt his campaign in a big way with previously “undecided” voters.

Jeb has a close history with a group, many of whom reside in Florida, that includes Cuban exiles who were documented for being involved with violent and illegal acts. In fact, Jeb lobbied on behalf of Orlando Bosch, the late international terrorist. Jeb did his best to get this man, who was convicted for his active role in blowing a rocket-missile into a Polish ship. Jeb requested that then-President Bush pardon Bosch; once freed, Bosch was granted residency in the United States. (Younger former members are encouraged to read about the US military’s -- and corporate para-militaries’ -- role in the wars in Central America in this era.)

If Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Party’s nominee, and Jeb the republican’s, it’s possible that this topic will be raised, though not necessarily by our candidate. I know that Bernie Sanders doesn’t believe in aggressively negative campaigning, but he is surely aware of this business. But there are two candidates in our primary contests that might speak openly on it. And there are journalists, even in the mainstream media, who I’m confident will address it, should Jeb’s backers be able to buy the nomination for him.

Jebis best response would be silence. But, of course, that could hurt his campaign. Or he could try to say something to deflect attention. Yet, in the past week, when Jeb speaks, he comes across as incapable of answering questions. He can deliver a written speech, but little else that translates well in campaigns.

I read an OP/thread claiming that Jeb’s speech today beat up President Obama, and tied Ms. Clinton to Obama. Baloney. It is more likely that Pee Wee Herman would knock the crap out of Mike Tyson, and then bite his ear off.

Another forum member noted the attack was red, raw meat for Jeb’s supporters. Baloney, again! It is, to quote an old friend, “like ancient rancid bacon ….(or) …. rotten green ham,” that has poisoned our country, and caused “the moral scurvy which is eating itself into the life of the people around us.”

If Jeb should reach the White House, it would be -- like his brother -- not because of his message, but in spite of him.