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11/24/2003 Archived Entry: "Franks' strange statements"

Today's cartoons: Gary Varvel's charming "W in a Hat"; and, Matt Davies' "Rush Job".

I would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to Brad -- a new and regular contributor to McBlog -- who will bring technological savvy (especially with respect to computer science) to the libertarian opinions expressed here.

A few days have passed since I read of recent remarks made by retired General Tommy Franks...and I still don't know what to think. Franks stated that if another terrorist attack with high casualties occurs in the U.S., then the constitution will likely be scrapped in favor of a military dictatorship. His comment was made during an extensive interview with the men's lifestyle 'zine Cigar Aficionado (Dec. '03). So many documents have been strategically leaked over the past few weeks that I have to wonder why he would become the first high-ranking official to openly speculate on an American dictatorship? Especially since Franks -- leader of the military campaign to take over and occupy Iraq -- is usually so camera-shy. Especially since the speculation is reportedly coupled with glowing praise for Bush from whose service he so abruptly retired in July. And why drop such a bombshell in such an odd, unlikely venue. I have been thinking about it nonstop and something just feels wrong about Franks' interview, as though a trial balloon was being floated to see where the wind would blow it. At least, this will probably be the way some foreign governments will interpret Franks' comments unless they are contradicted by the Bush administration. (After all, how would Americans interpret similar comments from a high-ranking, ultra-prominent foreign general?) Political and military leaders have taken an oath "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Just repeating the oath that allowed them to assume office would be sufficient. But there has nothing but official silence.

I am not a conspiracy theorist -- tho' I am sure conspiracies do exist -- but...something feels wrong here. I cannot find the full interview online, at least not for free, as Cigar Aficionado requires a subscription before it renders the goods -- alas! The fullest account of the interview, complete with excerpts, seems to come from the far-right NewsMax. According to NewsMax, Gen. Franks also stated that Hussein's regime had an intent to "do harm" to the United States. I wonder what Franks' intent is.

From the What a Conincidence Department: Just as I was finishing up the preceding speculation, the following rant popped up in my email from McBlog's unofficial co-blogger, Gordon P. who ponders...you got it!...a conspiracy. Gordon writes, "O.K., so for those who like Conspiracy Theories surrounding Kennedy's assassination, _here's_ something that should twist their knickers: _Whatever happened to Kennedy's brain_ ??? Kennedy's body was buried without his brain. Kennedy's brain was turned over to the _National Archives_ (of all places!) for "safekeeping." They didn't do a very good job of keeping it "safe," because they almost immediately "lost" it. Since then, no one has been able to locate Kennedy's brain. (Hmmm... I wonder if Ashcroft would like the Nationmal Archives to "lose" a few _other_ inconvenient items --- such as The Constitution and the Bill of Rights... :-/) At this point, I'm sure the Conspiracy nuts will say: <*!gasp!*> Why, somehow, something about Kennedy's brain must be able to _EXPOSE THE CONSPIRATORS_ !!! And the REAL nuts will say: <*! double gasp !*> Why, maybe Kennedy wasn't _REALLY_ dead, and Kennedy's brain is in a jar on life-support somewhere, _SECRETLY DIRECTING THE TRILATERAL COMMISSION_ !!! Yeah, _that's_ the ticket !!! ;-I" Hmmm...I think Gordon is drinking caffeine again.
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Best to all,
mac