He Knew

The Buck Stops … Where?
The image of George Bush as an incurious oaf is disturbing enough, isn't it? Now we find out that he knew about the abuse in Iraq months ago and did nothing about it. Worse, he had several chances to take out Zarqawi--the guy who cut off Nicholas Berg's head on camera--before the war in Iraq ever started. Can you guess why he didn't?

That's right: Bush didn't go after the only terrorist camp in Iraq because eliminating it would have undermined his case for war there, and he was bound and determined to have that war no matter what. An attack on the camp in 2002 would have eliminated a dangerous threat--and potentially saved thousands of lives by allowing us to avoid war in Iraq.

Until now, I thought it would be appropriate for Rumsfeld to resign because he failed to recognize the importance of the abuse taking place in Abu Ghraib and had failed in so many other important ways during the run-up and aftermath of this war. Today, I'm forced to strengthen my position: President Bush, the blood of thousands of Americans and Iraqis is on your hands. You have failed the American people by your judgment and by your lack of judgment. You have lost our confidence. The time has come for you and Vice President Cheney to step down. And take Rumsfeld with you for good measure.