George Bush often speaks against government employees acting "partisan", but he appears to think of himself as above this rule. In what is not only a major act of hypocrisy but also likely a major violation of the Hatch Act, (which bars government employees, including those in the executive branch, from using their office for political ends), posted to the taxpayer-supported White House website are his and Cheney's clearly political remarks during tens of Bush-Cheney fundraising events.

The transcripts, marked "For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary" and "Office of the Vice President" pointedly note the wealthy audience (the reception cost $2,000 per person)'s responses:

"AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! "

and include quotes such as

"With your help, the Bush-Cheney ticket in 2000 won big, and we're going to carry Virginia once again in 2004,"

and

"You're laying the foundation for what is going to be a great victory in November of '04."

The Center for Responsive Politics and other watchdog groups have condemned this breach of federal law, and the Democrats appear to have increasing backbone, their lawyers having prepared an extensive report.  It is sickening that the Bushies have reached a level where they can feel comfortable releasing, on a site paid for entirely by taxes, documents so openly advertising a use of government office for political ends.  Bush has gotten away with much worse violations of both national and international law in the past, but hopefully a violation this clear will be seized on, along with the issue of the Bush suppression of 9/11 air quality data, to finally defeat the Dark Side in 2004.

-Ben | Comments