Why does Bush have so many secret programs if he likes transparency and openness so much?

Question

From a press conference in Vienna:

QUESTION: And to the president, Mr. President, you said this is absurd. But you might be aware that in Europe, the image of America is still falling and dramatically in some areas. Let me give you some numbers. In Austria, in this country, only 14 percent of the people believe that the United States — what they are doing is good for peace; 64 percent think that it is bad. In the United kingdom, your ally, there are more citizens who believe that the United States policy under your leadership is helping to destabilize the world than Iran. So my question to you is why do you think that you’ve failed so badly to convince Europeans, to win their heads and hearts and minds?

BUSH: Well, yeah, I thought it was absurd for people to think that we’re more dangerous than Iran. I - you know, it’s - we’re a transparent democracy. People know exactly what’s on our mind. We debate things in the open. We’ve got a legislative process that’s active.

So why did Bush want to keep Cheney's notes from the Energy Metting secret. Why did Bush not want FISA warrants for his wire tapping? Why is Bush upset about the NY Times story on financial transactions? Tranparency is good, right?

coombs1973: So you are saying Bush lied to the Europeans about ours being an open transparent society? Interesting.

matt: I don't recall mentioning details of weapons systems. Perhaps you should read questions more carefully before answering.

Nuke Lefties: Actually, I am very disappointed by how weak and ineffectual Bush's response to 9/11 has been. Bush himself admitted that he doesn't really care about catching Bin Laden. How much would you trust a police chief who said he didn't want to catch a serial killer?

netjr: You assume that I am in favor of President's having secret meetings with environmentalists, but that just isn't the case.

Answer 1

I don't think Bush knows what transparency means...People in our nation have got to wake up and realize the true patriotism is never afraid to question its government!

Answer 2

I suspect your opinion is formed, but you asked the questions at the end;

Why didn't they want the energy meeting notes revealed; because those notes were wanted by a bunch of anti industry environmental groups. I find it odd that a liberal presidency can bring in the Sierra Club for private meetings on the environment but a Republican administration can't have a meeting with Exxon about enviromental issues?

You asked why note get a warrant for the wire tapping? There was no call for such a warrant on calls coming into the country from areas of the world where al queda is at work. They didn't tap your call - well I hope not - but if they did I worry more about you then them.

They are naturally upset because they NY Times released the data on their scoping of al queda money. Now al queda will move its money differently. Its going to be harder to track them, harder to stop another 9/11, and the worse thing is the data was often bought and sold between companies anyway.

Answer 3

So idiots like you are free to rant your crap. Do you remember 9/11 or did you just agree with it? Maybe your one of those people on the phone with the Middle East. It's too bad OUR President has to keep you safe also.

Answer 4

I can't answer the way you want, so I will not waste my time explaining the need for confidentiality in the Government & Military. I believe it is so far over your head that you would need oxygen to get to it.

Answer 5

Because he would be impeached if we knew half of what was going on.

Yay for the Supreme Court today!!

Answer 6

should we go ahaead and publish all our secret weapons systems and when our satellites will be able to be shot down from any counrty? i beleive they call it national security.

Answer 7

Because he is a lying hypocrite. That simple.