On 7/27/2015 2:40 PM, MaryL wrote:
n the history of the American Republic, perhaps no political family has
been more protected from scandal than the Bushes.

When the Bushes are involved in dirty deals or even criminal activity,
standards of evidence change. Instead of proof "beyond a reasonable
doubt" that would lock up an average citizen, the evidence must be perfect.

If there's any doubt at all, the Bushes must be presumed innocent. Even
when their guilt is obvious to anyone with an ounce of common sense,
it's their accusers and those who dare investigate who get the worst of
it. Their motives are challenged and their own shortcomings are cast in
the harshest possible light.

For decades -- arguably going back generations -- the Bushes have been
protected by their unique position straddling two centers of national
power, the family's blueblood Eastern Establishment ties and the Texas
oil crowd with strong links to the Republican Right. [For details on
this family phenomenon, see Robert Parry's Secrecy & Privilege.]