November 29, 2005

In Texas, close only counts in "horse shoes." When it comes to war profiteering, it appears President Bush only takes seriously those ethical lapses that actually break the law.

"Any member of Congress, Republican or Democrat, must take their office seriously and the ethics seriously," Bush said to reporters during a trip to Texas.

"The idea of a congressman taking money is outrageous. And Congressman Cunningham is going to realize that he has broken the law and is going to pay a serious price, which he should," Bush said.
[Bush says congressman taking bribes 'outrageous' - Reuters - 11-29-05]

Of course, if President Bush were to begin speaking out on those who dishonored "the spirit as well as the letter of all rules governing ethical conduct," he'd be quite a busy man.

Bush is requiring his executive office staff to attend refresher courses on ethics and handling classified materials, according to a White House memo.

"The President has made clear his expectation that each member of his Executive Office of the President (EOP) staff adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of all rules governing ethical conduct for EOP staff," states the memo sent to Bush's staff.
[Bush sends staff back to ethics class - CNN - 11-05-05]