For those old enough to remember the first Dick and his Watergate - the arc of

[TooBigaTent]

recent events regarding McClelland and his book are a blast from the past.

Nixon's cabal fell apart when insiders (esp. John Dean) had decided that they just could not take the shit anyymore. One thing led to another and Milhous was forced out.

We have another "trusted crony" who willingly participated in the crimes and propoganda but now, for his own reasons, has decided to come clean (at least, part way). As with any whistle-blower (and we have seen a few in the last eight years), he is now under extreme attack from his old friends.

Whether this escape from the cult will be successful and have any consequences to the administration is still to be seen.

But (1) is anyone surprised that someone who was part of the junta would betray their team for personal gain? Sure, a primary criterion for membership was loyalty, but at their core, the pukes are selfish assholes out for themselves and Scotty is simply being true to the GOP mantra of "I am the only one that matters."

(2) What role should Dems play in this little drama? We will be called hypocrites for supporting the "traitor" now that he is saying things that are supportive of our side. Much as Nixon's takedown was due to the fact and perception (by the American people) that his own party wanted him gone and not exclusively a Democratic revenge trip, a similar scenario is needed now. With the GOP control of the corporate media, they will be able to push that meme with greater force and influence than occurred in the '70s. Dems will have to be careful and smart in how we use this and support its further progression.

We can all hope that "justice prevails" and we can rid America of the scourge called republicanism. Whether it actually happens and we get to see the entire gang marched off to prison is IMO doubtful. But there should be some plusses coming out of this, eventually. We can hope.

[ladjf]

1. But, the "nail was not in the coffin" until it was discovered that

Nixon's oval office conversations had been taped and that the tapes were available. So far, we don't have that type of hard evidence.

[zanne]

2. Yup. They've learned how not to get caught.

Or, if they are found out, to deny it legally.

[Mountainman]

4. The rats are jumping ship. They have evidence. I heard it on NPR that

a lot of insiders talk to others who take down the information and store it. That's done so the insiders don't incriminate themselves.

My guess is that a lot of people feel like this administration is as evil as we feel it is and will turn on them because they are no longer any kind of threat.

There is a national need to take a long hot bath and wash the last 7 years out of our lives.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. you are right

the ones who will take down Bush are members of the GOP. Only way it won't be spun and misperceived.

[blondeatlast]

5. It would be interesting to hear Dean's take on this; KO, it's time to invite him back on Countdown.

[islandmkl]

6. for reference...see what george steppinalloverus did in clinton's white house:

relayed his information to a friend for future access...books, etc...

one never knows when they will be ushered (possibly suddenly) out of the WH, leaving any 'juicy' material behind and unavailable for any purpose...