1
00:00:21,210 --> 00:00:24,210
Jimmy Carter: The implications
of the soviet invasion of Afghanistan
2
00:00:24,240 --> 00:00:27,880
Could cause a most serious
threat to the peace
3
00:00:27,910 --> 00:00:29,550
Since the second world war.
4
00:00:41,260 --> 00:00:43,260
Tear down this wall.
5
00:00:51,370 --> 00:00:54,240
Stone:
For a glorious moment in the late 1980s,
6
00:00:54,270 --> 00:00:57,210
The world was a hopeful...
even joyous... place.
7
00:00:57,240 --> 00:01:00,580
Protracted and bloody wars
were ending
8
00:01:00,610 --> 00:01:03,740
In Afghanistan, angola,
cambodia, nicaragua,
9
00:01:03,780 --> 00:01:06,680
And between iran and iraq.
10
00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:08,120
Plo leader yasser arafat,
11
00:01:08,150 --> 00:01:09,990
Under pressure from moscow...
12
00:01:18,360 --> 00:01:22,000
And implicitly recognized
israel's right to exist.
13
00:01:22,030 --> 00:01:26,900
In December 1988,
at the united nations,
14
00:01:26,930 --> 00:01:29,640
Mikhail gorbachev,
in the spirit of ending
the cold war,
15
00:01:29,670 --> 00:01:33,010
Asked for joint action
to eliminate the...
16
00:01:36,140 --> 00:01:39,080
He urged banning weapons
in outer space,
17
00:01:39,110 --> 00:01:42,920
And demanded
an end to exploitation
of the third world...
18
00:01:42,950 --> 00:01:44,950
Including a soviet...
19
00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:54,530
He called for a U.N.-Brokered
cease fire in Afghanistan.
20
00:01:54,560 --> 00:01:55,760
And offered...
21
00:02:02,170 --> 00:02:03,600
And the tactic of...
22
00:02:05,670 --> 00:02:07,900
"the new york times"
proclaimed that
23
00:02:07,940 --> 00:02:10,170
Not since roosevelt's and
churchill's atlantic charter
24
00:02:10,210 --> 00:02:12,980
Had a world leader
demonstrated a vision
25
00:02:13,010 --> 00:02:15,180
Like gorbachev's at the u.N.
26
00:02:15,210 --> 00:02:18,810
Breathtaking, risky,
bold, naive, heroic...
27
00:02:18,850 --> 00:02:23,590
His ideas merit
the most serious response.
28
00:02:30,710 --> 00:02:31,910
I support what
the president says.
29
00:02:31,950 --> 00:02:34,150
Stone: New president
george Bush
30
00:02:34,180 --> 00:02:36,180
Had not yet moved
into the white house
31
00:02:36,220 --> 00:02:40,420
After trouncing massachusetts
governor michael dukakis
32
00:02:40,450 --> 00:02:41,750
In the '88 election.
33
00:02:41,790 --> 00:02:44,420
Trailing by 17 points
that summer,
34
00:02:44,460 --> 00:02:48,360
Bush had struggled to overcome
the so-called "wimp factor."
35
00:02:48,390 --> 00:02:51,960
It's odd that the recipient of
the distinguished flying cross
36
00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:54,060
Who had flown
58 combat missions
37
00:02:54,100 --> 00:02:56,550
As a navy pilot
during world war ii
38
00:02:56,580 --> 00:02:59,140
And been shot down
in the pacific
39
00:02:59,170 --> 00:03:01,190
Would be derided as a wasp,
40
00:03:01,220 --> 00:03:04,560
Wimp, weenie,
every woman's first husband,
41
00:03:04,590 --> 00:03:06,260
Bland conformist.
42
00:03:06,290 --> 00:03:08,760
Peace through strength works.
43
00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:10,800
Stone: But because
of his nasally voice
44
00:03:10,830 --> 00:03:12,530
And his sheltered upbringing,
45
00:03:12,570 --> 00:03:15,330
Yale education
and oil money background,
46
00:03:15,370 --> 00:03:19,540
He appeared to be the ultimate
insider establishment
candidate.
47
00:03:19,570 --> 00:03:22,040
Most of his political offices
48
00:03:22,070 --> 00:03:23,740
Had been appointments...
49
00:03:23,780 --> 00:03:25,040
Ambassador
to the united nations,
50
00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:27,780
To china,
and c.I.A. Chief.
51
00:03:27,810 --> 00:03:30,580
But none of ronald reagan's
charisma
52
00:03:30,620 --> 00:03:32,450
Had rubbed off on him.
53
00:03:32,490 --> 00:03:34,350
Reagan hadn't wanted
him on the ticket.
54
00:03:34,390 --> 00:03:36,720
Reagan: And I am recommending
to this convention
55
00:03:36,760 --> 00:03:38,960
That george Bush...
56
00:03:38,990 --> 00:03:41,430
Stone: Seeking
to improve his changes,
57
00:03:41,460 --> 00:03:43,330
Bush followed the advice
among others
58
00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:46,060
Of his oldest son,
george w.,
59
00:03:46,100 --> 00:03:49,000
Adopting a more
aggressive strategy
60
00:03:49,030 --> 00:03:51,730
Against the reserved
and stoic dukakis...
61
00:03:51,770 --> 00:03:54,070
Who came from greek
immigrant roots
62
00:03:54,100 --> 00:03:56,910
And was reluctant
to counterattack.
63
00:03:56,940 --> 00:03:59,140
He questioned
dukakis's patriotism
64
00:03:59,180 --> 00:04:01,610
And openly played the race card
65
00:04:01,650 --> 00:04:05,850
In a campaign ad about
the furloughed murderer
willie horton.
66
00:04:05,880 --> 00:04:08,350
Man: Dukakis not only
opposes the death penalty,
67
00:04:08,380 --> 00:04:11,750
He allowed first-degree
murderers to have weekend
passes from prison.
68
00:04:15,390 --> 00:04:18,990
Stone: Like Nixon,
Bush appealed to voters' racism
69
00:04:19,030 --> 00:04:21,800
And fears of crime.
70
00:04:21,830 --> 00:04:23,530
His strategy turned the tide,
71
00:04:23,570 --> 00:04:26,530
And Bush took office
in January 1989,
72
00:04:26,570 --> 00:04:29,400
Placing the destiny
of much of mankind
73
00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:32,610
In the hands of two men
who had witnessed firsthand
74
00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:34,780
The ravages of war...
75
00:04:34,810 --> 00:04:36,210
Bush as a victor,
76
00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:38,280
Gorbachev as a young eyewitness
77
00:04:38,310 --> 00:04:42,700
To germany's brutal
destruction of the u.S.S.R.
78
00:04:42,750 --> 00:04:46,650
In the 1990s,
with america searching
for a new role
79
00:04:46,670 --> 00:04:48,860
In the rapidly-changing
world,
80
00:04:48,890 --> 00:04:53,060
The mass media began elevating
the world war ii generation
81
00:04:53,090 --> 00:04:55,480
To especially
heroic dimensions.
82
00:04:55,530 --> 00:04:59,450
At the 50th anniversary
of d-day in 1994,
83
00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:02,480
The greatest generation
was anointed.
84
00:05:02,520 --> 00:05:04,950
It became a nostalgic concept
85
00:05:04,990 --> 00:05:07,890
And sales of books,
movies, and tv boomed.
86
00:05:07,920 --> 00:05:09,270
32nd!
87
00:05:09,290 --> 00:05:12,180
Stone: D-day became
the climactic battle
88
00:05:12,210 --> 00:05:14,130
Of world war ii.
89
00:05:17,150 --> 00:05:18,550
Stone:
Even pearl harbor
90
00:05:18,580 --> 00:05:20,590
In glorious technicolor
91
00:05:20,620 --> 00:05:23,090
Was turned around
into a victory.
92
00:05:23,110 --> 00:05:25,090
Jimmy doolittle:
Victory belongs to those
that believe in it the most.
93
00:05:25,120 --> 00:05:26,820
Believe in it the longest.
94
00:05:26,860 --> 00:05:29,540
We're gonna believe.
95
00:05:29,590 --> 00:05:31,340
We're gonna make
america believe too.
96
00:05:31,380 --> 00:05:33,380
Stone:
Conveniently, the media
97
00:05:33,410 --> 00:05:35,850
Ignored or overlooked the fact
98
00:05:35,880 --> 00:05:39,420
That influential americans
opposed to roosevelt's new deal
99
00:05:39,470 --> 00:05:42,220
Had aided and abetted
the third reich
100
00:05:42,260 --> 00:05:46,290
After the true nature
of hitler's anti-semitic regime
101
00:05:46,330 --> 00:05:47,560
Was known.
102
00:05:47,590 --> 00:05:49,480
The motive...
whether hatred of communism,
103
00:05:49,510 --> 00:05:52,450
Fascist sympathies,
or simply greed...
104
00:05:52,480 --> 00:05:55,150
Was rarely openly discussed.
105
00:05:55,180 --> 00:05:59,020
Among these men was
president Bush's own father,
106
00:05:59,050 --> 00:06:00,390
Prescott Bush...
107
00:06:00,420 --> 00:06:03,890
German coal and steel magnate
fritz thyssen
108
00:06:03,930 --> 00:06:05,930
Had been one of hitler's
early backers,
109
00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:08,360
And much of his wealth
was protected overseas
110
00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:10,960
By the brown brothers
harriman investment firm
111
00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:14,330
Through the holding company,
union banking corporation,
112
00:06:14,370 --> 00:06:18,240
In an account managed
by prescott Bush.
113
00:06:18,270 --> 00:06:22,010
In 1942, the u.S. Government
seized union banking corp
114
00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:25,180
Along with four other
thyssen-linked accounts
115
00:06:25,210 --> 00:06:26,550
Managed by Bush.
116
00:06:26,580 --> 00:06:29,580
And after the war,
the shares were returned
117
00:06:29,620 --> 00:06:33,250
To the american shareholders
including Bush.
118
00:06:33,290 --> 00:06:36,090
I.B.M.'s legendary founder
thomas watson,
119
00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:39,760
Through his german
subsidiary dehomag,
120
00:06:39,790 --> 00:06:42,830
Helped the government
in tabulating its census
121
00:06:42,860 --> 00:06:45,950
With its punch card machines
that later proved effective
122
00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:50,540
In identifying jews and helping
make the trains run on time.
123
00:06:50,570 --> 00:06:54,240
On an even larger scale,
general motors' alfred sloan,
124
00:06:54,270 --> 00:06:57,070
Through his german subsidiary
adam opel,
125
00:06:57,110 --> 00:07:00,590
Built cards and transport
vehicles for the german army.
126
00:07:00,650 --> 00:07:03,660
Sloan, on the even of
germany's invasion of poland,
127
00:07:03,700 --> 00:07:06,300
Said his company
was too big to be affected
128
00:07:06,330 --> 00:07:09,000
By a petty international
squabble.
129
00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:11,310
Henry ford's german subsidiary
130
00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:14,370
Manufactured an arsenal
of military vehicles
131
00:07:14,410 --> 00:07:18,910
Throughout the war
with the consent of
the parent company in michigan.
132
00:07:18,950 --> 00:07:21,280
Ford himself
had earlier published
133
00:07:21,320 --> 00:07:23,950
A series of articles,
later a book,
134
00:07:23,980 --> 00:07:27,990
Titled "the international jew:
The world's foremost problem."
135
00:07:28,020 --> 00:07:31,060
Hitler hung a portrait of ford
136
00:07:31,090 --> 00:07:34,460
In his munich office,
and told the detroit news
137
00:07:34,490 --> 00:07:39,000
In 1931, "I regard henrich ford
as my inspiration."
138
00:07:39,030 --> 00:07:43,150
When the european war
was declared in 1939,
139
00:07:43,190 --> 00:07:45,970
Ford and g.M.,
despite subsequent disclaimers,
140
00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:49,410
Refused to divest themselves
of their german holdings
141
00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:52,160
And even complied
with german government orders
142
00:07:52,190 --> 00:07:56,380
To retool for war production
while resisting similar demands
143
00:07:56,420 --> 00:07:58,170
From the u.S. Government.
144
00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:00,270
Ford, g.M., standard oil,
145
00:08:00,300 --> 00:08:03,290
Alcoa, I.T.T.,
general electric,
146
00:08:03,320 --> 00:08:05,090
The munitions maker du pont,
147
00:08:05,120 --> 00:08:07,870
Eastman kodak, westinghouse,
148
00:08:07,890 --> 00:08:10,240
Pratt & whitney,
douglas aircraft,
149
00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:14,210
United fruit, singer,
and international harvester
150
00:08:14,230 --> 00:08:17,750
Continued to trade
with germany up to 1941.
151
00:08:17,780 --> 00:08:21,270
American authorities
knew of the death camps
152
00:08:21,300 --> 00:08:23,310
By August of '42,
153
00:08:23,340 --> 00:08:25,440
But until
this could be clarified
154
00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:27,760
Said nothing to the public.
155
00:08:27,790 --> 00:08:30,660
Rabbi stephen wise
finally broke the silence
156
00:08:30,700 --> 00:08:32,900
In late '42.
157
00:08:32,930 --> 00:08:36,430
The story
was carried on page 10
in "the new york times,"
158
00:08:36,470 --> 00:08:38,170
And not much was made of it.
159
00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:41,570
Although the u.S. Declared
many of these business
activities
160
00:08:41,590 --> 00:08:43,790
Illegal under
the trading with the enemy act,
161
00:08:43,840 --> 00:08:45,490
Several corporations
still received
162
00:08:45,530 --> 00:08:49,230
Special licenses to continue
operations in germany,
163
00:08:49,260 --> 00:08:51,470
And in some cases,
shipped supplies
164
00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:55,000
Via fascist Spain
under flags of neutrality.
165
00:08:55,050 --> 00:08:58,070
After the war,
I.B.M. Fought and succeeded
166
00:08:58,110 --> 00:09:00,310
In recovering all of its
sequestered profits.
167
00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:04,610
Ford and g.M. Both reabsorbed
their german subsidiaries,
168
00:09:04,650 --> 00:09:08,780
Audaciously suing and winning
tens of millions of dollars
169
00:09:08,820 --> 00:09:10,820
In reparations
for european factories
170
00:09:10,820 --> 00:09:15,640
That had been destroyed
or damaged in allied
bombing raids.
171
00:09:15,670 --> 00:09:18,570
The subject of collaboration
is highly taboo.
172
00:09:18,610 --> 00:09:20,790
To facilitate such dealings,
173
00:09:20,830 --> 00:09:24,300
Of course, banks
and law firms were needed.
174
00:09:24,330 --> 00:09:27,520
The corporate powerhouse
law firm sullivan & cromwell,
175
00:09:27,550 --> 00:09:30,740
Whose managing director was
future secretary of state
176
00:09:30,770 --> 00:09:32,240
John foster dulles...
177
00:09:32,270 --> 00:09:35,470
With his brother
allen dulles as a partner...
178
00:09:35,510 --> 00:09:39,610
Had as clients many of these
powerful institutions
179
00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:43,950
Including the very important
bank for international
settlements...
180
00:09:43,980 --> 00:09:47,650
Which was set up
in switzerland in 1930
181
00:09:47,690 --> 00:09:50,290
To channel world war I
reparations
182
00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:53,060
Between the u.S. And germany.
183
00:09:53,090 --> 00:09:55,490
After the war was declared,
184
00:09:55,530 --> 00:09:58,130
The bank continued
to offer financial services
185
00:09:58,160 --> 00:09:59,760
To the third reich.
186
00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:03,170
And the majority of gold looted
during the nazi conquests
187
00:10:03,200 --> 00:10:06,270
Of europe ended up
in b.I.S. Vaults...
188
00:10:06,300 --> 00:10:09,240
Which allowed the nazis
access to money
189
00:10:09,270 --> 00:10:12,810
That would have normally been
trapped in blocked accounts.
190
00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:16,810
American lawyer and chairman
of the bank, thomas mckittrick,
191
00:10:16,850 --> 00:10:19,910
Claiming neutrality
in switzerland
192
00:10:19,950 --> 00:10:22,120
Managed this process.
193
00:10:22,150 --> 00:10:24,090
Roosevelt's secretary
of the treasury,
194
00:10:24,120 --> 00:10:26,120
Henry morgenthau,
unsuccessfully tried
195
00:10:26,150 --> 00:10:28,320
To close the bank down
after the war...
196
00:10:28,360 --> 00:10:31,730
Claiming it had acted
as an agent of the nazis.
197
00:10:31,760 --> 00:10:33,690
Morgan bank, chase bank,
198
00:10:33,730 --> 00:10:35,300
Union bank, and b.I.S.
199
00:10:35,330 --> 00:10:37,600
Were the four dominant
banks who succeeded
200
00:10:37,630 --> 00:10:42,440
In obfuscating their
collaborations with the nazis.
201
00:10:42,470 --> 00:10:45,260
William randolph hearst,
the newspaper baron
202
00:10:45,290 --> 00:10:49,560
Who had done
his best to provoke
the spanish-american war,
203
00:10:49,590 --> 00:10:53,400
Throughout the 1930s
in his vast media empire
204
00:10:53,430 --> 00:10:55,560
Demonized the soviet union...
205
00:10:55,600 --> 00:10:58,470
Depicting hitler
in a friendly light.
206
00:10:58,500 --> 00:10:59,940
And charles lindbergh,
207
00:10:59,970 --> 00:11:03,210
One of the most celebrated
americans of the 1920s,
208
00:11:03,240 --> 00:11:08,810
Became a poster boy
for the isolationist america
first movement.
209
00:11:08,840 --> 00:11:10,860
After hitler conquered France,
210
00:11:10,910 --> 00:11:14,070
Lindbergh openly feared
germany's ultimate defeat
211
00:11:14,120 --> 00:11:16,700
And implored
the american public...
212
00:11:16,740 --> 00:11:19,950
Hitler's destruction would
lay europe open to the rape,
213
00:11:19,990 --> 00:11:24,390
Loot, and barbarism
of soviet russia's forces,
214
00:11:24,430 --> 00:11:29,230
Causing possibly
the fatal wounding
of western civilization.
215
00:11:29,260 --> 00:11:32,750
Stone:
Thus, almost 50 years
216
00:11:32,780 --> 00:11:34,450
After the start
of world war ii,
217
00:11:34,490 --> 00:11:37,190
In January 1989,
218
00:11:37,220 --> 00:11:39,860
The past once more
echoed the present.
219
00:11:41,060 --> 00:11:43,660
I, george herbert
walker Bush...
220
00:11:43,690 --> 00:11:46,330
Stone: Could prescott Bush's
son george,
221
00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:50,230
Like john kennedy, repudiate
his father's murky past
222
00:11:50,270 --> 00:11:52,770
And partner with
the communist gorbachev
223
00:11:52,800 --> 00:11:54,540
In changing the world?
224
00:11:54,570 --> 00:11:57,010
Bush perhaps pondered
his options.
225
00:11:57,040 --> 00:12:00,040
But he was either
a deep or bold thinker.
226
00:12:00,080 --> 00:12:02,320
Several times he had
scorned what he called the...
227
00:12:04,410 --> 00:12:06,110
Distrusting
individualistic thinking.
228
00:12:06,150 --> 00:12:08,870
Like harry truman
after world war ii,
229
00:12:08,900 --> 00:12:12,600
He surrounded himself with
anti-soviet conservatives...
230
00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:16,140
Among them, Dick Cheney
as his defense secretary
231
00:12:16,170 --> 00:12:18,910
And as his deputy national
security advisor
232
00:12:18,940 --> 00:12:21,610
Robert gates, the man
who had made his stripes
233
00:12:21,650 --> 00:12:25,010
As deputy to the fanatic
william casey.
234
00:12:25,050 --> 00:12:26,980
They all agreed...
235
00:12:27,020 --> 00:12:30,820
Reaching out to gorbachev
would weaken western resolve.
236
00:12:30,850 --> 00:12:36,580
Whereas gorbachev was calling
for eliminating tactical
nuclear weapons in europe,
237
00:12:36,610 --> 00:12:39,030
An offer most europeans
applauded,
238
00:12:39,060 --> 00:12:42,460
The United States countered
that the soviet union
239
00:12:42,500 --> 00:12:45,300
Should remove 325,000 troops
240
00:12:45,330 --> 00:12:48,440
In exchange for a u.S. Cut
of 30,000.
241
00:12:48,470 --> 00:12:52,570
And while Bush neglected
to pursue real progress
242
00:12:52,610 --> 00:12:54,280
With the soviet union,
243
00:12:54,310 --> 00:12:57,510
He wavered when hundreds
of pro-democracy demonstrators
244
00:12:57,550 --> 00:13:00,610
Were slaughtered in beijing
at tiananmen square
245
00:13:00,650 --> 00:13:02,880
By the people's
liberation army.
246
00:13:02,920 --> 00:13:05,750
Condemning the crackdown
publicly,
247
00:13:05,790 --> 00:13:07,350
And banning military ties,
248
00:13:07,390 --> 00:13:09,760
But behind the scenes
making it clear
249
00:13:09,790 --> 00:13:11,830
That this would not
jeopardize relations
250
00:13:11,860 --> 00:13:15,160
Between china and the u.S.
251
00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:18,400
Gorbachev pursued the reform
of the soviet system,
252
00:13:18,430 --> 00:13:20,630
Rejecting the long-held view
253
00:13:20,670 --> 00:13:23,070
That controlling
eastern europe was necessary
254
00:13:23,100 --> 00:13:25,800
To soviet security.
255
00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:30,410
In a few extraordinary months
in 1989 and '90,
256
00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:34,850
All the eastern
and central european communist
governments fell.
257
00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:36,780
One by one.
258
00:13:36,820 --> 00:13:39,120
As the world watched
in disbelief.
259
00:13:39,150 --> 00:13:42,790
It was possibly the most
peaceful people's revolution
260
00:13:42,820 --> 00:13:44,860
Ever carried out
in recorded history.
261
00:13:44,890 --> 00:13:47,830
Poland, estonia, lithuania,
262
00:13:47,860 --> 00:13:50,390
Latvia, hungary,
czechoslovakia,
263
00:13:50,430 --> 00:13:53,660
East germany, and romania
changed their governments
264
00:13:53,700 --> 00:13:55,270
Without fear.
265
00:13:55,300 --> 00:13:57,230
On November 9, 1989,
266
00:13:57,270 --> 00:14:00,770
East and west berliners jointly
tore down the berlin wall...
267
00:14:00,810 --> 00:14:04,610
Desecrating the cold war's
most reviled symbol.
268
00:14:04,640 --> 00:14:07,340
It was a grand moment...
evidence of a new beginning.
269
00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:12,280
Yet many americans
hailed these actions
as the ultimate vindication
270
00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:16,290
Of the capitalist west
after decades of cold war.
271
00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:19,360
State department policy planner
francis fukuyama
272
00:14:19,390 --> 00:14:21,820
Made a name for himself,
declaring...
273
00:14:24,290 --> 00:14:26,760
Anointing western liberal
democracy
274
00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:29,100
As the final form
of human government.
275
00:14:29,130 --> 00:14:34,190
At yalta, in early 1945 on
the eve of germany's surrender,
276
00:14:34,220 --> 00:14:37,410
Roosevelt, stalin,
and churchill went a long way
277
00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,760
Towards dividing europe
and asia
278
00:14:39,790 --> 00:14:43,330
Into western and soviet
spheres of influence.
279
00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:46,300
This structure
essentially lasted
280
00:14:46,330 --> 00:14:49,700
Through proxy wars,
near nuclear conflagrations,
281
00:14:49,730 --> 00:14:53,020
Intense propaganda
and espionage activity
282
00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:54,840
For 45 years.
283
00:14:54,870 --> 00:14:57,640
Now this was all changing,
and quickly.
284
00:14:57,670 --> 00:15:00,340
Gorbachev hoped
that a new trust
285
00:15:00,380 --> 00:15:02,580
Might lead
to the dissolution of nato
286
00:15:02,610 --> 00:15:04,450
And the warsaw pact.
287
00:15:04,480 --> 00:15:07,320
And astonishingly,
he was even willing to allow
288
00:15:07,350 --> 00:15:09,890
East and west germany
to reunite
289
00:15:09,920 --> 00:15:14,060
On the understanding that
nato would not expand eastward.
290
00:15:14,090 --> 00:15:15,990
Bush led him to believe so,
291
00:15:16,030 --> 00:15:18,930
But would be out of power
by 1993.
292
00:15:18,960 --> 00:15:22,700
And gorbachev would pay
the price of trusting america
293
00:15:22,730 --> 00:15:25,630
As the clinton
and second Bush administrations
294
00:15:25,670 --> 00:15:29,240
Expanded nato
right up to russia's doorstep.
295
00:15:29,270 --> 00:15:31,370
The russians felt
thoroughly betrayed,
296
00:15:31,410 --> 00:15:33,440
And although the u.S. Officials
over the years
297
00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:36,840
Have insisted that no such
promises were ever given,
298
00:15:36,880 --> 00:15:40,580
Recently released statements
from the u.S. Ambassador
299
00:15:40,620 --> 00:15:42,320
To the soviet union at the time
300
00:15:42,350 --> 00:15:45,750
And previously classified
british and west german
documents
301
00:15:45,790 --> 00:15:48,120
Substantiate the russian claims
302
00:15:48,160 --> 00:15:50,690
That there was
a clear commitment.
303
00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:53,860
It was becoming
equally clear to some
304
00:15:53,890 --> 00:15:56,260
That the United States
was not changing its colors
305
00:15:56,300 --> 00:15:59,200
To celebrate
this new mood of peace.
306
00:15:59,230 --> 00:16:02,970
Barely a month
after the berlin wall fell,
307
00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:05,070
In December 1989,
308
00:16:05,100 --> 00:16:09,570
Bush and his administration
launched its invasion
of panama.
309
00:16:09,610 --> 00:16:14,010
Last night I ordered
u.S. Military forces to panama.
310
00:16:14,050 --> 00:16:16,450
Stone: Panamanian strongman
manuel noriega
311
00:16:16,480 --> 00:16:19,150
Had long been one
of the u.S.'s errand boys
312
00:16:19,180 --> 00:16:20,850
In central america.
313
00:16:20,890 --> 00:16:24,520
On the c.I.A. Payroll
since the 1960s,
314
00:16:24,560 --> 00:16:27,390
Corrupt and unscrupulous,
he profited
315
00:16:27,430 --> 00:16:30,430
Assisting colombia's
medellin drug cartel.
316
00:16:30,460 --> 00:16:33,260
His assistance to the contras
in nicaragua
317
00:16:33,300 --> 00:16:36,100
Won him protection
from top reagan officials
318
00:16:36,130 --> 00:16:38,300
Including casey
and oliver north.
319
00:16:38,340 --> 00:16:41,100
But a 1988 u.S. Drug indictment
320
00:16:41,140 --> 00:16:44,140
And his overturning
of panama's 1989
321
00:16:44,180 --> 00:16:45,970
Presidential election
322
00:16:46,010 --> 00:16:50,810
Convinced Bush that noriega was
more a liability than asset.
323
00:16:50,850 --> 00:16:54,880
He acted... operation
"just cause" he called it...
324
00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:59,520
Sending in 12,000 troops
to assist the 12,000 already
in country
325
00:16:59,560 --> 00:17:04,160
And leveling the impoverished
panama city neighborhood
of el chorillo,
326
00:17:04,190 --> 00:17:07,760
Which abutted the headquarters
of the panamanian
defense forces...
327
00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:11,970
Killing hundreds of civilians.
328
00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:15,670
This was justified
as the war on drugs
329
00:17:15,700 --> 00:17:19,110
Declared by Nixon in 1971
330
00:17:19,140 --> 00:17:20,910
And which was now being shifted
331
00:17:20,940 --> 00:17:22,880
To fight production
at the source
332
00:17:22,910 --> 00:17:26,150
Which meant,
among other things,
targeting foreign countries
333
00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:28,780
If need be for military action.
334
00:17:28,820 --> 00:17:30,750
Noriega would be sent to jail
335
00:17:30,790 --> 00:17:32,820
In the u.S.
For drug trafficking.
336
00:17:32,850 --> 00:17:36,760
To much of the world,
the invasion was shocking
and illegal,
337
00:17:36,790 --> 00:17:38,820
But to most north americans...
338
00:17:38,860 --> 00:17:42,060
Indoctrinated to the idea
of a "war on drugs"...
339
00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:44,760
It was business as usual
in their backyard.
340
00:17:44,800 --> 00:17:47,100
Congress further failed
to challenge
341
00:17:47,130 --> 00:17:49,470
Bush's flagrant violation
342
00:17:49,500 --> 00:17:51,900
Of the 1973 war powers act.
343
00:17:51,940 --> 00:17:54,040
The new message was clear.
344
00:17:54,070 --> 00:17:57,110
We have decapitated him
345
00:17:57,140 --> 00:18:00,010
From the dictatorship
of this country...
346
00:18:00,050 --> 00:18:02,650
Stone: Joint chiefs
chairman colin powell
347
00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:05,550
Declared, "we have to put
a shingle outside our doors
348
00:18:05,580 --> 00:18:07,650
Saying, 'superpower lives here'
349
00:18:07,690 --> 00:18:09,990
No matter what
the soviets do."
350
00:18:10,020 --> 00:18:14,730
Soviet hardliners, concerned
about gorbachev's reforms,
351
00:18:14,760 --> 00:18:17,990
Understood that their
concessions would not curb
352
00:18:18,030 --> 00:18:19,560
U.S. Bellicosity.
353
00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:22,170
They might, in fact,
embolden the u.S.
354
00:18:22,200 --> 00:18:24,370
To act more recklessly.
355
00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:26,900
It did...
within 14 months,
356
00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:29,970
Bush once again
showed how tough he could be.
357
00:18:30,010 --> 00:18:33,140
This time in the middle east.
358
00:18:33,180 --> 00:18:36,650
The reagan administration
had cozied up
during the iran war
359
00:18:36,680 --> 00:18:38,980
To iraq's saddam hussein...
360
00:18:39,020 --> 00:18:41,750
Turning a blind eye
to his repeated use
361
00:18:41,780 --> 00:18:45,020
Of chemical weapons, sometimes
against his own people,
362
00:18:45,050 --> 00:18:49,340
Made in part from
U.S.-Supplied chemicals.
363
00:18:49,370 --> 00:18:52,490
When tensions flared between
iraq and oil-rich kuwait,
364
00:18:52,530 --> 00:18:56,030
Which had been part of iraq
until 1961,
365
00:18:56,060 --> 00:18:58,770
The u.S. Ambassador
personally assured saddam
366
00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:01,100
That Bush wanted
better relations
367
00:19:01,140 --> 00:19:04,500
And had no opinion
on iraq's border dispute.
368
00:19:04,540 --> 00:19:07,470
Hussein took this
as a signal from Bush,
369
00:19:07,510 --> 00:19:08,910
And the following week...
370
00:19:08,940 --> 00:19:13,280
With estimates of 250,000
troops and 1,500 tanks...
371
00:19:13,310 --> 00:19:16,250
Took over kuwait
with little resistance.
372
00:19:16,280 --> 00:19:20,690
Long desiring a stronger
footprint in the middle east,
373
00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:23,640
The u.S. Sent
secretary of defense Cheney,
374
00:19:23,670 --> 00:19:26,140
General powell,
and general schwarzkopf
375
00:19:26,180 --> 00:19:28,580
To meet with saudi king fahd
376
00:19:28,610 --> 00:19:30,680
To convince him to accept
377
00:19:30,710 --> 00:19:33,850
A large american
military force as a buffer.
378
00:19:33,880 --> 00:19:35,680
When they showed the king,
379
00:19:35,720 --> 00:19:37,950
Apparently doctored photos
380
00:19:37,990 --> 00:19:41,860
Of iraqi troops and tanks
at the saudi border,
381
00:19:41,890 --> 00:19:43,320
And even across it,
382
00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:46,130
Became upset, reacted,
and asked for help.
383
00:19:46,160 --> 00:19:48,260
But at the same time,
384
00:19:48,300 --> 00:19:49,900
U.S. Satellite photography
385
00:19:49,930 --> 00:19:52,170
Had been edited to erase
all signs
386
00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:55,700
That iraqi forces were digging
in with fortifications
387
00:19:55,740 --> 00:19:58,310
And trenches nowhere close
to the border.
388
00:19:58,340 --> 00:20:01,440
There is no evidence
that hussein ever intended
389
00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:03,440
To invade saudi arabia.
390
00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:06,750
The deception was exposed
when a japanese newspaper
391
00:20:06,780 --> 00:20:10,780
Obtained photos taken
by a soviet commercial
satellite company
392
00:20:10,820 --> 00:20:14,090
Showing no military
activity near the border.
393
00:20:14,120 --> 00:20:16,120
Newsweek followed up,
calling it
394
00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:18,960
"the missing military
presence."
395
00:20:18,990 --> 00:20:21,530
Pressure, nonetheless,
mounted quickly.
396
00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:23,860
If hussein took saudi arabia,
397
00:20:23,900 --> 00:20:25,930
He'd have control
of at least 1/5...
398
00:20:25,970 --> 00:20:29,300
If not more...
of the world's oil supply.
399
00:20:29,340 --> 00:20:31,140
The israeli press
led the charge,
400
00:20:31,170 --> 00:20:34,710
Decrying u.S. Impotence
and the weakness of Bush...
401
00:20:34,740 --> 00:20:36,710
Who resembled,
one editorial said,
402
00:20:36,740 --> 00:20:40,610
"chamberlain in his knowing
capitulation to hitler."
403
00:20:40,630 --> 00:20:42,960
The ever-adaptable Bush
404
00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,900
Turned the tired analogy
on its head...
405
00:20:45,930 --> 00:20:48,770
Repeatedly comparing
saddam to hitler.
406
00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:51,270
We're dealing with hitler
revisited.
407
00:20:51,310 --> 00:20:54,570
A totalitarianism
and a brutality
408
00:20:54,610 --> 00:20:57,010
That is naked and unprecedented
409
00:20:57,040 --> 00:20:58,940
In modern times.
410
00:20:58,980 --> 00:21:01,780
And that must not stand.
411
00:21:01,820 --> 00:21:06,090
Stone: Concerned that
saudi arabia might come up
with an alternative solution
412
00:21:06,120 --> 00:21:08,250
To the crisis,
he quickly announced
413
00:21:08,290 --> 00:21:11,190
U.S. Troops were headed
to the persian gulf.
414
00:21:11,220 --> 00:21:12,790
Meanwhile, kuwaiti officials
415
00:21:12,830 --> 00:21:16,060
Hired the world's largest
public relations firm...
416
00:21:16,100 --> 00:21:18,430
Hill + knowlton...
to orchestrate
417
00:21:18,460 --> 00:21:20,500
The largest
foreign-funded effort
418
00:21:20,530 --> 00:21:24,070
Ever undertaken to manipulate
u. S. Public opinion.
419
00:21:24,100 --> 00:21:27,170
In October '90,
in a congressional caucus
420
00:21:27,210 --> 00:21:29,310
Organized by hill + knowlton,
421
00:21:29,340 --> 00:21:31,380
A 15-year-old
kuwaiti girl testified
422
00:21:31,410 --> 00:21:35,350
That she'd been a volunteer
in a kuwaiti hospital
423
00:21:35,380 --> 00:21:37,750
When iraqi troops burst in.
424
00:21:37,780 --> 00:21:40,550
They took the babies
out of the incubators.
425
00:21:42,990 --> 00:21:44,420
Took the incubators,
426
00:21:44,460 --> 00:21:46,920
And left the children to die
on the cold floor.
427
00:21:46,960 --> 00:21:49,360
Stone: It was a masterful
performance.
428
00:21:49,390 --> 00:21:52,930
Bush cited the story repeatedly
in making the case for war.
429
00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:55,630
Turns your stomach
when you listen to the tales
430
00:21:55,670 --> 00:21:58,200
Of those that had
escaped the brutality
431
00:21:58,230 --> 00:22:00,100
Of saddam the invader.
432
00:22:00,140 --> 00:22:01,600
Mass hangings.
433
00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:04,040
Babies pulled from incubators
434
00:22:04,070 --> 00:22:07,240
And scattered like firewood
across the floor...
435
00:22:07,280 --> 00:22:10,010
Stone: It was later discovered
that the young witness
436
00:22:10,050 --> 00:22:11,780
Had never been at the hospital,
437
00:22:11,810 --> 00:22:15,080
But was the daughter
of the kuwaiti ambassador
to the u.S.
438
00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:18,320
And a member
of the ruling family.
439
00:22:18,350 --> 00:22:20,350
By the time
the fraud was exposed,
440
00:22:20,390 --> 00:22:23,090
The u.S. Bombing
of baghdad had begun.
441
00:22:23,130 --> 00:22:26,490
The u.S. Public
was nonetheless divided.
442
00:22:26,530 --> 00:22:28,660
The leaders of saudi arabia
443
00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:31,870
And especially the loathsome
anti-semitic regime
444
00:22:31,900 --> 00:22:34,770
Of kuwait
were cruel despots...
445
00:22:34,800 --> 00:22:37,540
Hardly enamored of democracy
for their own people.
446
00:22:37,570 --> 00:22:40,110
Nor were crucial
u. S. Interests at stake
447
00:22:40,140 --> 00:22:42,740
When iraq and kuwait's
oil combined
448
00:22:42,780 --> 00:22:45,440
For less than 10%
of u.S. Imports.
449
00:22:45,480 --> 00:22:48,780
In late November, cheney warned
450
00:22:48,820 --> 00:22:51,950
That iraq could have
a nuclear device within a year
451
00:22:51,990 --> 00:22:53,550
And would likely use it.
452
00:22:53,590 --> 00:22:57,720
It was a card Cheney would
play again in coming years.
453
00:22:57,760 --> 00:22:59,620
N.S.C. Advisor
brent scowcroft
454
00:22:59,660 --> 00:23:02,360
Added a terrorist threat
for good measure.
455
00:23:02,390 --> 00:23:03,960
I've known for...
456
00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:07,530
Stone: Stung by the criticisms
of his illegal panama invasion,
457
00:23:07,570 --> 00:23:10,000
Bush took the measure
to congress.
458
00:23:10,040 --> 00:23:12,870
And though anti-war protesters
filled the streets,
459
00:23:12,900 --> 00:23:14,900
Congress narrowly
passed the resolution
460
00:23:14,910 --> 00:23:17,410
In January '91.
461
00:23:17,440 --> 00:23:22,710
By that time, over 560,000
u. S. Troops were in the region.
462
00:23:22,750 --> 00:23:24,590
The total would reach 700,000.
463
00:23:24,620 --> 00:23:28,280
Schwarzkopf claimed
the u.S. Was facing
464
00:23:28,320 --> 00:23:30,320
A million-man
iraqi land force
465
00:23:30,350 --> 00:23:33,160
With high-quality
soviet tanks
466
00:23:33,190 --> 00:23:35,890
And openly willing to use
chemical weapons.
467
00:23:35,930 --> 00:23:38,260
Operation: Desert storm...
468
00:23:38,300 --> 00:23:41,560
Which began on
January 17, 1991...
469
00:23:41,600 --> 00:23:44,430
By openly sending combat troops
470
00:23:44,470 --> 00:23:47,740
In huge numbers
into a middle-eastern country
471
00:23:47,770 --> 00:23:50,370
Marked the beginning
of a new era
472
00:23:50,410 --> 00:23:52,840
In american geopolitics.
473
00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:56,310
It would take the country
deeper into a rabbit hole
474
00:23:56,350 --> 00:23:58,650
It had never been before.
475
00:23:58,680 --> 00:24:01,780
For five weeks,
with new, awe-inspiring
476
00:24:01,820 --> 00:24:04,120
Television-friendly
high-tech weapons
477
00:24:04,150 --> 00:24:06,890
Including cruise
and tomahawk missiles
478
00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:09,120
And laser-guided bombs,
479
00:24:09,160 --> 00:24:13,490
U.S. Airstrikes pulverized
iraq's communications,
480
00:24:13,530 --> 00:24:16,560
Military, and industrial
infrastructure.
481
00:24:16,600 --> 00:24:19,400
On television,
the american population
482
00:24:19,430 --> 00:24:21,230
Had never seen firepower
like this.
483
00:24:21,270 --> 00:24:23,600
Arnett: The headquarters
of president saddam hussein
484
00:24:23,640 --> 00:24:26,670
And socialist ba'ath party
took a direct hit,
485
00:24:26,710 --> 00:24:28,970
And the u.S. Has been
bombing the periphery...
486
00:24:29,010 --> 00:24:32,040
Stone: It was the beginning
of the video game era.
487
00:24:32,080 --> 00:24:34,980
And it was dazzling
as iraq was reduced,
488
00:24:35,010 --> 00:24:39,720
According to the u.N.,
to a near-apocalyptic,
pre-industrial age.
489
00:24:39,750 --> 00:24:43,460
The ground invasion
lasted 100 hours
490
00:24:43,490 --> 00:24:47,020
With u.S. And saudi forces
routing demoralized,
491
00:24:47,060 --> 00:24:50,060
Poorly-trained iraqi troops
from kuwait.
492
00:24:50,100 --> 00:24:52,360
A new category of weapons
493
00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:56,100
Made out of depleted uranium
was born.
494
00:24:56,130 --> 00:24:58,540
Their radioactivity
and chemical toxicity
495
00:24:58,570 --> 00:25:01,370
Would produce cancers
and birth defects.
496
00:25:01,410 --> 00:25:04,910
Victims would include
u. S. Soldiers who suffered
497
00:25:04,940 --> 00:25:10,410
Mysteriously for years
from what became known as
"gulf war syndrome."
498
00:25:10,450 --> 00:25:13,680
Enough of the republican
guard escaped to slaughter
499
00:25:13,720 --> 00:25:17,620
To ensure that saddam
would retain his hold on power.
500
00:25:17,650 --> 00:25:20,420
Bush and his advisors
decided not to push
501
00:25:20,460 --> 00:25:22,560
To baghdad to overthrow
the regime.
502
00:25:22,590 --> 00:25:26,090
Such a move would bolster
iraq's enemy iran
503
00:25:26,130 --> 00:25:29,400
And might antagonize
america's arab allies.
504
00:25:29,430 --> 00:25:32,570
But american officials
urged the iraqis
505
00:25:32,600 --> 00:25:36,400
To rise up and topple
hussein themselves.
506
00:25:36,440 --> 00:25:39,770
When iraqi kurds
and shiites responded
507
00:25:39,810 --> 00:25:42,510
In large numbers,
the u.S. Stood idly by
508
00:25:42,540 --> 00:25:45,580
While the government
crushed the uprisings
509
00:25:45,610 --> 00:25:48,580
Using poison gas
and helicopter gun ships.
510
00:25:48,620 --> 00:25:52,390
Despite the slaughter,
Bush said...
511
00:25:52,420 --> 00:25:55,060
Bush: The specter of vietnam
has been buried forever
512
00:25:55,090 --> 00:25:57,920
In the desert sands
of the arabian peninsula.
513
00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:01,290
Stone: He called it
a "new world order."
514
00:26:01,330 --> 00:26:05,000
But among those who saw through
what he called
515
00:26:05,030 --> 00:26:06,900
A "burst of triumphalism"
516
00:26:06,930 --> 00:26:09,870
Was the notoriously
peevish conservative
517
00:26:09,900 --> 00:26:12,200
"washington post"
columnist george will
518
00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:14,040
Who wrote...
519
00:26:14,070 --> 00:26:16,180
"if that war,
in which the United States
520
00:26:16,210 --> 00:26:20,180
And a largely rented and
potemkin coalition of allies
521
00:26:20,210 --> 00:26:24,020
Smashed a nation
with a g.N.P. Of kentucky
522
00:26:24,050 --> 00:26:27,350
Could make america
feel good about itself,
523
00:26:27,390 --> 00:26:31,860
Then america should not
feel good about itself."
524
00:26:31,890 --> 00:26:33,620
More than 200,000 iraqis
525
00:26:33,660 --> 00:26:36,960
Died in the war
and its immediate aftermath.
526
00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:40,130
Approximately half of them
civilians.
527
00:26:40,160 --> 00:26:42,230
The u.S. Death toll
stood at less than...
528
00:26:42,270 --> 00:26:43,900
200.
529
00:26:43,940 --> 00:26:45,670
Privately, in his diary,
530
00:26:45,700 --> 00:26:47,670
Bush wrote
he was experiencing...
531
00:26:58,580 --> 00:27:01,380
Something was clearly missing.
532
00:27:01,420 --> 00:27:04,220
The laurels of victory
and a true peace
533
00:27:04,250 --> 00:27:07,920
Would be squandered,
not in the sands of kuwait,
534
00:27:07,960 --> 00:27:12,190
But in Bush's lack of foresight
and vision in acquiring
535
00:27:12,230 --> 00:27:14,760
A true ally
in the soviet union.
536
00:27:14,800 --> 00:27:19,430
Just a few weeks after signing
the start one treaty,
537
00:27:19,470 --> 00:27:22,440
As he prepared to move towards
greater autonomy
538
00:27:22,470 --> 00:27:24,270
For the soviet republics,
539
00:27:24,310 --> 00:27:26,710
Gorbachev was placed
under house arrest
540
00:27:26,740 --> 00:27:30,940
By communist hardliners
in August '91.
541
00:27:30,980 --> 00:27:33,910
Boris yeltsin, president
of the russian republic,
542
00:27:33,950 --> 00:27:37,750
Led a popular uprising that
returned gorbachev to power.
543
00:27:37,790 --> 00:27:39,290
But time was running out.
544
00:27:39,320 --> 00:27:41,820
For the people,
there had been too many changes
545
00:27:41,860 --> 00:27:43,160
Too fast.
546
00:27:43,190 --> 00:27:44,820
And not enough order.
547
00:27:44,860 --> 00:27:49,160
Condemned and rejected,
on christmas day 1991,
548
00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:51,830
Gorbachev,
one of the most visionary
549
00:27:51,860 --> 00:27:55,230
And transformative leaders
of the 20th century,
550
00:27:55,270 --> 00:27:58,640
Resigned in a form of disgrace.
551
00:27:58,670 --> 00:28:02,940
The russian people had no idea
what was in store for them.
552
00:28:02,980 --> 00:28:04,380
But neither did george Bush.
553
00:28:04,410 --> 00:28:07,550
His 91% approval rating
554
00:28:07,580 --> 00:28:09,880
At the end of
the persian gulf war
555
00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:14,120
Blinded leading democrats
to his electoral vulnerability,
556
00:28:14,150 --> 00:28:17,290
Leaving the door open for
little-known arkansas governor
557
00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:21,460
Bill clinton to run
as a new kind of democrat.
558
00:28:21,490 --> 00:28:23,290
The crowd that's running
washington today
559
00:28:23,330 --> 00:28:26,630
Has had 12 years
to test their economic theory,
560
00:28:26,660 --> 00:28:27,730
And it's failed.
561
00:28:27,770 --> 00:28:29,400
The charming compassionate man
562
00:28:29,430 --> 00:28:32,240
Who wanted to be all things
to all people,
563
00:28:32,270 --> 00:28:33,640
Clinton, with the help of
564
00:28:33,670 --> 00:28:35,570
Third-party
conservative independent
565
00:28:35,610 --> 00:28:38,240
Businessman ross perot
566
00:28:38,270 --> 00:28:41,480
Siphoning off 19%
of the popular vote,
567
00:28:41,510 --> 00:28:45,280
Surprisingly upset george Bush.
568
00:28:45,320 --> 00:28:47,120
It seemed like a golden moment.
569
00:28:47,150 --> 00:28:49,120
After all, the United States
had been blaming
570
00:28:49,150 --> 00:28:52,120
- Social and political upheaval
on the soviet union...
571
00:28:52,150 --> 00:28:55,120
For the previous 46 years.
572
00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:57,790
Now with a democrat
in the white house,
573
00:28:57,830 --> 00:29:00,800
How could we justify
the bloated military budget
574
00:29:00,830 --> 00:29:02,300
That for decades
had diverted resources...
575
00:29:03,830 --> 00:29:06,800
As in the soviet union,
from needed development?
576
00:29:06,840 --> 00:29:10,340
Would there at last be
the celebrated peace dividend?
577
00:29:13,310 --> 00:29:16,110
The euphoria over clinton
proved short-lived.
578
00:29:16,140 --> 00:29:18,310
Republicans wounded
579
00:29:18,350 --> 00:29:21,150
Clinton out of the gate
by blocking his plan
580
00:29:21,180 --> 00:29:24,320
For the open admission
of gays into the military.
581
00:29:24,350 --> 00:29:28,220
Also, questioning his avoidance
of service during vietnam.
582
00:29:28,260 --> 00:29:29,820
Even more damagingly,
583
00:29:29,860 --> 00:29:32,160
The republicans
went to political war
584
00:29:32,190 --> 00:29:33,830
With their business allies
585
00:29:33,860 --> 00:29:37,300
To frighten the public
and defeat clinton's
586
00:29:37,330 --> 00:29:40,400
Ambitious healthcare plan
to cover tens of millions
587
00:29:40,430 --> 00:29:42,500
Of uninsured citizens.
588
00:29:42,540 --> 00:29:45,240
Republicans called it
the "battle of the bulge
589
00:29:45,270 --> 00:29:48,070
Of big government liberalism."
590
00:29:48,110 --> 00:29:51,510
It's time to bring about
fundamental change...
591
00:29:51,540 --> 00:29:54,510
Control our nation's
soaring healthcare costs.
592
00:29:54,550 --> 00:29:56,610
Among advanced
industrial countries,
593
00:29:56,650 --> 00:29:59,480
Only the United States
and apartheid south africa
594
00:29:59,520 --> 00:30:02,490
Lacked a national
healthcare system.
595
00:30:02,520 --> 00:30:05,290
Its defeat
in the conservative media
596
00:30:05,320 --> 00:30:07,930
And in the public perception
was exaggerated
597
00:30:07,960 --> 00:30:10,930
And gave momentum
to an even stronger
598
00:30:10,960 --> 00:30:12,600
Republican renaissance
599
00:30:12,630 --> 00:30:15,360
When the 1994 midterm elections
600
00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:17,270
Achieved republican control
601
00:30:17,300 --> 00:30:19,270
Of both branches
602
00:30:19,300 --> 00:30:21,300
Of congress for the first time
603
00:30:21,340 --> 00:30:22,640
In 40 years.
604
00:30:22,670 --> 00:30:24,810
Amazingly, at a time
when there were
605
00:30:24,840 --> 00:30:26,980
No international crises,
606
00:30:27,010 --> 00:30:30,210
Both parties lurched
further to the right.
607
00:30:30,250 --> 00:30:33,880
Clinton, without much
of a mandate and vulnerable,
608
00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:37,050
Ended aid to families
with dependent children,
609
00:30:37,090 --> 00:30:40,860
Which had helped poor families
since the great depression.
610
00:30:40,910 --> 00:30:42,870
He supported the war on drugs
611
00:30:42,910 --> 00:30:45,110
And tough-on-crime legislation.
612
00:30:45,140 --> 00:30:47,110
The u.S. Prison
population exploded
613
00:30:47,150 --> 00:30:50,010
From a half-million in 1980,
614
00:30:50,050 --> 00:30:52,020
To two million by 2000.
615
00:30:52,050 --> 00:30:54,350
Many of these
victimless drug crimes.
616
00:30:56,150 --> 00:30:59,790
Post-soviet russia moved
drastically to the right.
617
00:30:59,820 --> 00:31:01,780
Yeltsin turned
to harvard economist
618
00:31:01,790 --> 00:31:03,930
Jeffrey sachs
and other experts,
619
00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:05,900
Such as under secretary
of the treasury
620
00:31:05,930 --> 00:31:07,230
Lawrence summers,
621
00:31:07,260 --> 00:31:10,870
For help in privatizing
the economy.
622
00:31:10,900 --> 00:31:13,900
With them came the g/7,
623
00:31:13,940 --> 00:31:17,370
The international money fund
and the world bank,
624
00:31:17,410 --> 00:31:19,170
With a form of economic
"shock therapy"
625
00:31:19,210 --> 00:31:21,940
Yet unknown
to the russian people.
626
00:31:21,980 --> 00:31:25,310
The flirtation
with capitalism proved surreal.
627
00:31:25,350 --> 00:31:28,150
Yeltsin quickly
deregulated the economy,
628
00:31:28,180 --> 00:31:30,890
Privatized state enterprises
and resources,
629
00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:34,320
Eliminated desperately-needed
subsidies and price controls
630
00:31:34,360 --> 00:31:36,820
And established
privately-owned monopolies.
631
00:31:36,860 --> 00:31:39,330
The people called it
"the great grab,"
632
00:31:39,360 --> 00:31:42,260
As the nation's factories
were sold for a pittance
633
00:31:42,300 --> 00:31:45,500
To opportunistic
private investors
634
00:31:45,530 --> 00:31:48,470
Including former communist
officials who became
635
00:31:48,500 --> 00:31:50,470
Multi-millionaires overnight.
636
00:31:50,500 --> 00:31:52,270
While a newer money generation
637
00:31:52,310 --> 00:31:54,740
Was celebrating
its new freedoms,
638
00:31:54,780 --> 00:31:56,640
Most russians' life savings
639
00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:58,380
Were wiped out
640
00:31:58,410 --> 00:32:01,480
By hyper-inflation,
and tens of millions of jobs
641
00:32:01,510 --> 00:32:02,650
Were lost.
642
00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:04,020
Life expectancy plummeted
643
00:32:04,050 --> 00:32:08,350
From 67 to 57 years for men;
644
00:32:08,390 --> 00:32:10,890
76 to 70 for women.
645
00:32:10,920 --> 00:32:13,760
Russia's economy
shrank to the size
646
00:32:13,790 --> 00:32:15,890
Of the netherlands,
as it was rapidly becoming
647
00:32:15,930 --> 00:32:17,900
A second world power.
648
00:32:17,930 --> 00:32:19,360
The western aid and debt relief
649
00:32:19,400 --> 00:32:23,200
That sachs had promised
never materialized.
650
00:32:23,240 --> 00:32:25,870
Sachs later blamed Cheney
and paul wolfowitz
651
00:32:25,900 --> 00:32:29,840
For pursuing long-term
u. S. Military dominance
652
00:32:29,870 --> 00:32:31,540
Over russia.
653
00:32:31,580 --> 00:32:33,540
Gorbachev, in his recent memoir
654
00:32:33,580 --> 00:32:35,710
"alone with myself,"
655
00:32:35,750 --> 00:32:39,320
Reflected that yeltsin was
preferred by Bush's inner
circle
656
00:32:39,350 --> 00:32:41,720
And eventually Bush,
himself as...
657
00:32:49,760 --> 00:32:52,260
And that a...
658
00:33:02,300 --> 00:33:05,440
Anti-americanism came back
into vogue.
659
00:33:05,470 --> 00:33:08,610
Russians bristled as clinton
pushed u.S. Involvement
660
00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:10,950
In the energy-rich
caspian basin
661
00:33:10,980 --> 00:33:12,950
And expanded nato to include
662
00:33:12,980 --> 00:33:16,280
Hungary, poland
and the czech republic.
663
00:33:16,320 --> 00:33:18,450
92-year-old
cold war architect
664
00:33:18,490 --> 00:33:23,490
George kennan called this
an enormous and historic
strategic error.
665
00:33:26,530 --> 00:33:28,330
Many russians
were coming to believe
666
00:33:28,360 --> 00:33:31,660
The u.S. Was imposing
a "reverse iron curtain"
667
00:33:31,700 --> 00:33:32,730
On russia's border.
668
00:33:34,440 --> 00:33:37,070
Though clinton professed
himself a friend of yeltsin,
669
00:33:37,100 --> 00:33:39,570
Polls showed 77%
of the population
670
00:33:39,610 --> 00:33:42,580
Preferring order over the 9%
671
00:33:42,610 --> 00:33:45,840
Choosing this form
of democracy...
672
00:33:45,880 --> 00:33:49,380
Many pining for
the good old days of stalin.
673
00:33:49,420 --> 00:33:51,980
Perceiving the increasingly
unpopular yeltsin
674
00:33:52,020 --> 00:33:53,220
As a drunkard,
675
00:33:53,250 --> 00:33:55,390
They deplored
his illegal shut down
676
00:33:55,420 --> 00:33:59,060
Of an armed assault
on the elected parliament,
677
00:33:59,090 --> 00:34:01,760
Suspending the constitution
and ruling
678
00:34:01,790 --> 00:34:04,930
Primarily by decree
for the rest of the decade.
679
00:34:04,960 --> 00:34:08,270
Polling single digit
approval ratings,
680
00:34:08,300 --> 00:34:11,270
Yeltsin resigned
on the eve of the new century,
681
00:34:11,300 --> 00:34:14,000
To be replaced
by former kgb officer
682
00:34:14,040 --> 00:34:15,740
Vladimir putin, who brought
683
00:34:15,770 --> 00:34:18,580
Russia back from the brink
684
00:34:18,610 --> 00:34:21,980
By reinstating a strong
tyrannical centralizing
power...
685
00:34:22,010 --> 00:34:24,710
In the old russian style.
686
00:34:25,720 --> 00:34:26,720
Throughout the '90s,
687
00:34:26,750 --> 00:34:28,220
Clinton's administration,
688
00:34:28,250 --> 00:34:32,010
Eager to take economic
advantage wherever possible,
689
00:34:32,060 --> 00:34:36,340
Pushed for building pipelines
to ship the rich oil and gas
reserves
690
00:34:36,380 --> 00:34:39,340
Valued in the three to six
trillion dollar range
691
00:34:39,380 --> 00:34:42,350
From former soviet republics
in central asia
692
00:34:42,380 --> 00:34:46,990
Along routes that bypassed
iran and russia.
693
00:34:47,020 --> 00:34:51,940
Meanwhile, the fundamentalist
taliban took over Afghanistan
694
00:34:51,970 --> 00:34:54,610
And welcomed back
the wealthy saudi jihadist
695
00:34:54,640 --> 00:34:56,040
Osama bin laden
696
00:34:56,080 --> 00:34:59,950
To establish al qaeda...
"the base"... in their country.
697
00:34:59,980 --> 00:35:04,450
Although he had been a part
of the c.I.A. Netherworld
of the '80s,
698
00:35:04,490 --> 00:35:07,190
Bin laden was now
totally focused on driving
699
00:35:07,220 --> 00:35:10,690
The u.S. And its allies
out of the muslim world...
700
00:35:10,730 --> 00:35:14,760
Decrying especially the
presence of u.S. Troops
in saudi arabia...
701
00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:17,300
Islam's holiest land.
702
00:35:17,330 --> 00:35:20,800
Pointing as well
to u.S. Support for israel,
703
00:35:20,830 --> 00:35:24,800
In 1992 he issued his first
religious fatwa.
704
00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:28,470
Two mysterious bombings
followed in saudi arabia,
705
00:35:28,510 --> 00:35:32,810
Killing more than 20
u. S. Military personnel.
706
00:35:32,850 --> 00:35:36,150
Bin laden denied
al qaeda's involvement.
707
00:35:36,180 --> 00:35:38,820
And the saudi government,
with its close ties
708
00:35:38,850 --> 00:35:41,820
To the influential
bin laden family,
709
00:35:41,850 --> 00:35:45,160
Steered the fbi investigation
towards iran,
710
00:35:45,190 --> 00:35:47,190
A perceived u.S. Enemy.
711
00:35:48,560 --> 00:35:50,660
In '98, u.S. Embassies
712
00:35:50,700 --> 00:35:54,000
In kenya and tanzania
were bombed,
713
00:35:54,030 --> 00:35:56,030
Killing more than 200.
714
00:35:56,070 --> 00:35:59,370
In 2000, bin laden
claimed responsibility
715
00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:03,470
For al qaeda striking
the u.S. Navy ship cole,
716
00:36:03,510 --> 00:36:06,410
Killing 17.
717
00:36:06,440 --> 00:36:09,910
Since the gulf war,
u. N. Weapons inspectors
718
00:36:09,950 --> 00:36:13,450
Had been overseeing
destruction of iraq's wmd
719
00:36:13,480 --> 00:36:17,000
As u.S. And british enforced
no-fly zones
720
00:36:17,040 --> 00:36:22,170
And harsh u.N. Sanctions
had caused immense suffering.
721
00:36:22,210 --> 00:36:24,340
The clinton administration
falsely blamed
722
00:36:24,380 --> 00:36:27,010
The estimated deaths
of some half million children
723
00:36:27,050 --> 00:36:31,620
From disease and malnutrition
on dictator saddam hussein.
724
00:36:31,650 --> 00:36:33,950
You know,
is the price worth it?
725
00:36:33,990 --> 00:36:36,620
I think this is
a very hard choice.
726
00:36:36,660 --> 00:36:38,320
But the price...
we think the price
727
00:36:38,360 --> 00:36:39,390
Is worth it.
728
00:36:39,420 --> 00:36:41,560
Stone:
The tough-talking albright
729
00:36:41,590 --> 00:36:45,930
Insisted that hussein's use
of wmd was a greater threat
730
00:36:45,960 --> 00:36:47,700
To u.S. Security.
731
00:36:47,730 --> 00:36:50,870
And on another occasion,
she said quite openly,
732
00:36:50,900 --> 00:36:53,640
"if we have to use force,
it is because
733
00:36:53,670 --> 00:36:55,100
We are america.
734
00:36:55,140 --> 00:36:57,140
We are
the indispensable nation.
735
00:36:57,170 --> 00:37:00,530
We stand tall
and we see further
736
00:37:00,560 --> 00:37:02,800
Than other countries
into the future."
737
00:37:13,360 --> 00:37:16,490
Although the United States
faced no clear threat
738
00:37:16,530 --> 00:37:18,530
From hostile nations,
739
00:37:18,560 --> 00:37:21,700
The clinton administration
proved even more tough-minded
740
00:37:21,730 --> 00:37:25,000
On defense than their
republican adversaries
741
00:37:25,030 --> 00:37:27,670
And squandered the supposed
peace dividend
742
00:37:27,700 --> 00:37:29,500
In a new wave of spending.
743
00:37:31,140 --> 00:37:33,270
In January 2000,
his administration added
744
00:37:33,310 --> 00:37:35,280
115 million dollars
745
00:37:35,310 --> 00:37:39,150
To the pentagon's projected
five-year defense plan.
746
00:37:39,180 --> 00:37:42,480
It continued spending profusely
on missile defense.
747
00:37:42,520 --> 00:37:46,320
Clinton also refused to sign
the ottawa land-mines treaty
748
00:37:46,350 --> 00:37:50,320
And oversaw a significant
increase in u.S. Arms sales
749
00:37:50,360 --> 00:37:55,860
To almost 60%
of the world's market by 1997.
750
00:37:55,900 --> 00:38:00,370
Historian chalmers johnson
summed up these years in 2004,
751
00:38:00,400 --> 00:38:02,530
"in the first
post-cold war decade,
752
00:38:02,570 --> 00:38:04,370
We mounted many actions
753
00:38:04,400 --> 00:38:06,370
To perpetuate and extend
754
00:38:06,410 --> 00:38:07,870
Our global power,
including wars
755
00:38:07,910 --> 00:38:10,710
And humanitarian interventions
756
00:38:10,740 --> 00:38:13,210
In panama, the persian gulf,
757
00:38:13,250 --> 00:38:16,050
Somalia, haiti, bosnia,
758
00:38:16,080 --> 00:38:17,880
Colombia and serbia,
759
00:38:17,920 --> 00:38:21,720
While maintaining unchanged
our cold war deployments
760
00:38:21,750 --> 00:38:24,390
In east asia
and in the pacific."
761
00:38:24,420 --> 00:38:28,490
This emerging bipartisan
foreign policy seemed
set in stone.
762
00:38:28,530 --> 00:38:29,990
There would be no debate.
763
00:38:30,030 --> 00:38:31,830
Clinton saw u.S. Actions abroad
764
00:38:31,860 --> 00:38:34,500
Not as those of an aggressive
resource-hungry empire
765
00:38:34,530 --> 00:38:37,000
But as a necessary force
for stability
766
00:38:37,040 --> 00:38:39,470
In a new world order based on
767
00:38:39,500 --> 00:38:41,600
America's concepts of democracy
768
00:38:41,640 --> 00:38:42,940
And free markets.
769
00:38:42,970 --> 00:38:44,010
He did nothing in the end
770
00:38:44,040 --> 00:38:46,610
To challenge
the basic structures
771
00:38:46,640 --> 00:38:49,410
Of this empire.
772
00:38:49,450 --> 00:38:54,080
Although his last two years
were severely damaged by
a sex scandal with an intern...
773
00:38:54,120 --> 00:38:59,090
I did not have
sexual relations
with that woman.
774
00:38:59,120 --> 00:39:01,590
Stone: And an embarrassing trial
for impeachment
775
00:39:01,620 --> 00:39:05,890
That once more blurred
in a sensationalist media
776
00:39:05,930 --> 00:39:08,030
Far more significant events.
777
00:39:08,060 --> 00:39:10,370
"slick willie,"
as some called him,
778
00:39:10,400 --> 00:39:12,500
In his inestimable way,
779
00:39:12,530 --> 00:39:14,900
Avoided major disasters.
780
00:39:14,940 --> 00:39:18,410
Benefitting from a resurgent
global economy
781
00:39:18,440 --> 00:39:21,680
Favoring u.S. Markets
and finance,
782
00:39:21,710 --> 00:39:23,180
Clinton left behind
783
00:39:23,210 --> 00:39:25,850
A temporarily
prosperous country
784
00:39:25,880 --> 00:39:27,710
With a huge surplus.
785
00:39:27,750 --> 00:39:32,350
Expecting to capitalize
on parts of this legacy,
786
00:39:32,390 --> 00:39:36,360
His party nominated
vice president al gore in 2000.
787
00:39:36,390 --> 00:39:38,690
A forward-looking,
experienced man,
788
00:39:38,730 --> 00:39:42,790
Who repeatedly warned of
a world ecological disaster
789
00:39:42,830 --> 00:39:46,970
Looming in a changing climate
that needed controlling,
790
00:39:47,000 --> 00:39:49,630
He would back away
from this issue considerably
791
00:39:49,670 --> 00:39:51,800
During the final campaign.
792
00:39:51,840 --> 00:39:55,810
The here and now being
of more importance
to the average voter.
793
00:39:55,840 --> 00:39:59,410
Republicans countered
with a self-proclaimed
794
00:39:59,440 --> 00:40:02,250
"compassionate conservative,"
texas governor george w. Bush,
795
00:40:02,280 --> 00:40:07,020
Son of george h.W.
And grandson of prescott.
796
00:40:07,050 --> 00:40:08,550
People watching here tonight,
797
00:40:08,590 --> 00:40:11,060
They wanna base their vote
798
00:40:11,090 --> 00:40:13,490
On differences
between the two of you
799
00:40:13,520 --> 00:40:15,730
As president.
Is there any difference?
800
00:40:15,760 --> 00:40:19,400
I just think, jim, that this
is an absolutely unique period
801
00:40:19,430 --> 00:40:20,730
In world history.
802
00:40:20,770 --> 00:40:22,730
And we have
a fundamental choice to make.
803
00:40:22,770 --> 00:40:25,240
Are we gonna step up
to the plate as a nation,
804
00:40:25,270 --> 00:40:27,570
The way we did
after world war ii?
805
00:40:27,610 --> 00:40:29,910
The way that generation
of heroes said,
806
00:40:29,940 --> 00:40:32,070
"okay, the United States
is gonna...
807
00:40:32,110 --> 00:40:33,910
Is gonna be the leader."
808
00:40:33,940 --> 00:40:35,910
And the world benefitted
tremendously
809
00:40:35,950 --> 00:40:39,750
From the courage that they
showed in those post-war years.
810
00:40:39,780 --> 00:40:42,920
I think that in the aftermath
of the cold war,
811
00:40:42,950 --> 00:40:45,920
It's time for us
to do something very similar,
812
00:40:45,950 --> 00:40:48,760
To step up to the plate,
to provide the leadership...
813
00:40:48,790 --> 00:40:50,930
Leadership on the environment,
leadership to make sure
814
00:40:50,960 --> 00:40:54,260
The world economy keeps moving
in the right direction.
815
00:40:54,300 --> 00:40:56,600
Again, that means not running
big deficits here
816
00:40:56,630 --> 00:40:58,930
And not squandering
our surplus.
817
00:40:58,970 --> 00:41:01,440
It means having
intelligent decisions
818
00:41:01,470 --> 00:41:03,270
That keep our prosperity going
819
00:41:03,300 --> 00:41:05,110
And shepherds
that economic strength
820
00:41:05,140 --> 00:41:07,570
So that we can provide
that leadership role.
821
00:41:07,610 --> 00:41:09,410
Yeah, I'm not so sure
the role of the United States
822
00:41:09,440 --> 00:41:13,250
Is to go around the world
and say, "this is the way
it's gotta be."
823
00:41:13,280 --> 00:41:16,580
We can help.
And maybe it's just
our difference in government,
824
00:41:16,620 --> 00:41:18,420
The way we view government.
825
00:41:18,450 --> 00:41:19,590
I mean, I want
to empower people.
826
00:41:19,620 --> 00:41:21,750
You know, I wanna help people
help themselves,
827
00:41:21,790 --> 00:41:24,590
Not have government
tell people what to do.
828
00:41:24,620 --> 00:41:26,760
I just don't think it's
the role of the United States
829
00:41:26,790 --> 00:41:28,760
To walk into a country and say,
830
00:41:28,800 --> 00:41:30,710
"we do it this way,
so should you."
831
00:41:32,330 --> 00:41:33,800
I'm not exactly sure
where the vice president
832
00:41:33,830 --> 00:41:34,930
Is coming from.
But I think
833
00:41:34,970 --> 00:41:36,630
What we need to do is convince
834
00:41:36,670 --> 00:41:37,800
People who live
in the lands they live in
835
00:41:37,840 --> 00:41:39,300
To build the nations.
836
00:41:39,340 --> 00:41:41,140
Maybe I'm missing
something here.
837
00:41:41,170 --> 00:41:44,480
I mean, are we gonna have
kind of a nation-building
core from america?
838
00:41:44,510 --> 00:41:46,640
Absolutely not.
Our military's meant to fight
839
00:41:46,680 --> 00:41:47,980
And win war.
840
00:41:48,010 --> 00:41:49,480
That's what it's meant to do.
841
00:41:49,510 --> 00:41:52,180
And when it gets overextended,
morale drops.
842
00:41:52,220 --> 00:41:55,350
But I'm gonna be judicious
as to how to use the military.
843
00:41:55,390 --> 00:41:56,650
It needs to be
in our vital interest,
844
00:41:56,690 --> 00:41:57,650
The mission needs to be clear
845
00:41:57,690 --> 00:41:59,990
And the exit strategy obvious.
846
00:42:00,020 --> 00:42:01,990
Stone: As he embarked on
one of the country's
847
00:42:02,030 --> 00:42:04,990
Most ambitious periods
of nation-building,
848
00:42:05,030 --> 00:42:08,500
George Bush actually did more
in his eight years in office
849
00:42:08,530 --> 00:42:12,500
Than any other president
to bury the world war ii myth
850
00:42:12,540 --> 00:42:16,640
Of american power
moderated by fairness.
851
00:42:16,670 --> 00:42:19,810
In hindsight,
it was his capacity to conceal
852
00:42:19,840 --> 00:42:22,980
His reactionary intentions
that years later
853
00:42:23,010 --> 00:42:25,150
Still confounds and shocks
854
00:42:25,180 --> 00:42:29,380
Many americans from
the pre-2001 era.
855
00:42:29,420 --> 00:42:32,570
It stared with
the 2000 election itself...
856
00:42:32,590 --> 00:42:34,570
The most scandalous
in u.S. History,
857
00:42:34,590 --> 00:42:36,340
Wounding perhaps fatally
858
00:42:36,370 --> 00:42:40,840
The legitimacy of the
political process
in this country.
859
00:42:40,880 --> 00:42:43,210
Coming as it did
at the beginning
of a new century
860
00:42:43,250 --> 00:42:46,700
It felt to many
like an ominous oracle.
861
00:42:46,750 --> 00:42:51,870
Al gore won the popular mandate
by more than 540,000 votes.
862
00:42:51,910 --> 00:42:54,010
But lost florida
when more than 10%
863
00:42:54,040 --> 00:42:56,510
Of african americans
were disqualified
864
00:42:56,540 --> 00:42:59,050
By an antiquated
state voting system,
865
00:42:59,080 --> 00:43:02,220
Overseen by florida governor
jeb Bush,
866
00:43:02,250 --> 00:43:03,380
George's younger brother,
867
00:43:03,420 --> 00:43:05,280
And florida secretary of state
868
00:43:05,320 --> 00:43:09,050
Katherine harris,
Bush's state campaign manager.
869
00:43:09,090 --> 00:43:12,190
Behooving the shenanigans
of a banana republic,
870
00:43:12,230 --> 00:43:14,630
The u.S. Supreme court,
without precedent,
871
00:43:14,660 --> 00:43:18,960
Surprisingly intervened
in the florida election process
872
00:43:19,000 --> 00:43:22,400
And voted five-to-four
to stop a recount...
873
00:43:22,430 --> 00:43:25,170
Thus handing Bush the election.
874
00:43:25,200 --> 00:43:28,040
The majority of these justices
had been appointed
875
00:43:28,070 --> 00:43:30,540
In administrations
in which Bush's father
876
00:43:30,580 --> 00:43:33,080
Was either president
or vice president.
877
00:43:33,110 --> 00:43:35,410
If it had happened
in another country
878
00:43:35,450 --> 00:43:39,180
It would had been denounced
as a coup by the United States.
879
00:43:39,220 --> 00:43:41,690
The dissenting judges wrote,
880
00:43:41,720 --> 00:43:43,290
"although we may never know
881
00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:45,960
With complete certainty
the identity of the winner,
882
00:43:45,990 --> 00:43:48,730
The identity of the loser
is perfectly clear.
883
00:43:48,760 --> 00:43:52,060
It is the nation's confidence
884
00:43:52,100 --> 00:43:57,400
In the judge as an impartial
guardian of the rule of law."
885
00:43:57,430 --> 00:43:59,520
On a drizzly January day
886
00:43:59,540 --> 00:44:02,020
In 2001, george w. Bush,
887
00:44:02,040 --> 00:44:05,870
The 43rd president,
was given the oath of office.
888
00:44:05,910 --> 00:44:09,260
Thousands of protestors
were isolated in zones
889
00:44:09,290 --> 00:44:10,600
Far from the cameras.
890
00:44:10,630 --> 00:44:12,430
Befitting a roman emperor,
891
00:44:12,460 --> 00:44:15,070
Surrounded by an entourage
of true believers,
892
00:44:15,100 --> 00:44:17,570
Bush held fewer
press conferences
893
00:44:17,600 --> 00:44:19,970
Than any other president
in history.
894
00:44:20,010 --> 00:44:22,460
Compassion would be
in limited supply,
895
00:44:22,490 --> 00:44:26,790
As most of his top appointees
hailed from a little-known
group called the...
896
00:44:30,330 --> 00:44:33,470
Spearheaded by
william kristol
and robert kagan,
897
00:44:33,500 --> 00:44:35,800
Which had been organized
in 1997
898
00:44:35,840 --> 00:44:38,800
To rekindle
the neoconservative vision
899
00:44:38,840 --> 00:44:41,970
Of an unchallenged
u. S. Hegemony.
900
00:44:42,010 --> 00:44:45,650
It included defense secretary
donald rumsfeld,
901
00:44:45,680 --> 00:44:50,220
His deputy paul wolfowitz,
and vice president Dick Cheney.
902
00:44:50,250 --> 00:44:52,880
They deplored the fact
that the u.S. Had lost its way
903
00:44:52,920 --> 00:44:55,920
Under clinton
and called for a return
904
00:44:55,960 --> 00:45:00,260
To moral clarity
and reagan's military strength.
905
00:45:00,290 --> 00:45:02,530
They demanded increased
defense spending,
906
00:45:02,560 --> 00:45:04,130
Complete domination of space,
907
00:45:04,160 --> 00:45:06,800
Deployment of a sweeping
missile defense system
908
00:45:06,830 --> 00:45:11,970
And the ability to "win
multiple, simultaneous
major theater wars."
909
00:45:12,000 --> 00:45:15,370
And to police
"critical regions,"
910
00:45:15,410 --> 00:45:17,210
Especially the oil-rich
middle east,
911
00:45:17,240 --> 00:45:18,710
Their first order of business
912
00:45:18,740 --> 00:45:21,210
Was circumventing the u.N.
Security council
913
00:45:21,250 --> 00:45:25,150
And toppling saddam hussein.
914
00:45:25,180 --> 00:45:27,320
Gloomy and pathologically
secretive,
915
00:45:27,350 --> 00:45:29,990
Dick Cheney would dominate
the administration
916
00:45:30,020 --> 00:45:33,990
To an extent no vice president
had ever done before,
917
00:45:34,020 --> 00:45:36,430
And made it clear,
with republicans controlling
918
00:45:36,460 --> 00:45:39,700
Both houses of congress,
the u.S. Was playing
919
00:45:39,730 --> 00:45:41,360
By a much tougher set of rules.
920
00:45:41,400 --> 00:45:45,030
Bush 41 and bill clinton
had made efforts
921
00:45:45,070 --> 00:45:47,300
At diplomacy
and coalition-building,
922
00:45:47,340 --> 00:45:48,640
But Bush the younger,
923
00:45:48,670 --> 00:45:51,640
In his sense of defiance
towards his father,
924
00:45:51,670 --> 00:45:54,310
Came to resemble more
a degenerate heir
925
00:45:54,340 --> 00:45:56,810
To an admired roman emperor.
926
00:45:56,850 --> 00:45:58,810
In Bush's mind, both his father
927
00:45:58,850 --> 00:46:02,780
And the sexually undisciplined
bill clinton were weak.
928
00:46:02,820 --> 00:46:05,490
Ronald reagan
was his idea of strength
929
00:46:05,540 --> 00:46:06,970
And a higher father.
930
00:46:08,990 --> 00:46:11,340
After all, Bush and the neocons
931
00:46:11,380 --> 00:46:14,140
Believed that reagan
beat the russians.
932
00:46:14,180 --> 00:46:17,460
Ironically, in early 2001,
933
00:46:17,500 --> 00:46:20,770
"gladiator" was named
best film of 2000...
934
00:46:22,370 --> 00:46:24,170
A worldwide success celebrating
935
00:46:24,200 --> 00:46:26,120
Rome's harsh militarism,
936
00:46:26,160 --> 00:46:29,760
And depicting
a perverted leadership
937
00:46:29,780 --> 00:46:31,530
That spelled the fall
of the roman empire.
938
00:46:31,540 --> 00:46:32,530
Commodus:
All I've ever wanted
939
00:46:32,550 --> 00:46:35,230
Was to live up to you...
940
00:46:37,370 --> 00:46:38,630
Caesar.
941
00:46:38,670 --> 00:46:41,620
Your faults as a son
942
00:46:41,670 --> 00:46:43,790
Is my failure
943
00:46:43,840 --> 00:46:45,790
As a father.
944
00:46:45,840 --> 00:46:47,960
I would butcher
the whole world...
945
00:46:49,180 --> 00:46:51,350
If you would
only love me!
946
00:47:00,740 --> 00:47:04,720
Stone: Neoconservative contempt
for the united nations
947
00:47:04,760 --> 00:47:07,230
Had always been a given,
948
00:47:07,260 --> 00:47:09,730
But now it seemed
they were isolating themselves
949
00:47:09,760 --> 00:47:12,800
Almost entirely from
the world community.
950
00:47:12,830 --> 00:47:14,300
The u.S. Withdrew from
951
00:47:14,330 --> 00:47:16,330
The international
criminal court treaty
952
00:47:16,340 --> 00:47:19,140
That clinton and virtually
every other western democracy
953
00:47:19,170 --> 00:47:21,710
Had negotiated.
954
00:47:21,740 --> 00:47:24,040
They rejected the comprehensive
test ban treaty,
955
00:47:24,080 --> 00:47:26,740
Which 150 nations had signed.
956
00:47:26,780 --> 00:47:30,920
Bush repudiated the kyoto
protocol on global warming,
957
00:47:30,950 --> 00:47:32,750
And to the shock
of the russians,
958
00:47:32,790 --> 00:47:38,090
Abrogated the crucial 1972
anti-ballistic missile treaty
959
00:47:38,120 --> 00:47:42,790
In order to revise the unproven
missile defense program.
960
00:47:42,830 --> 00:47:44,290
In general,
the media asked few questions
961
00:47:44,330 --> 00:47:47,650
About these abrupt
reversals in policy.
962
00:47:47,680 --> 00:47:51,920
Bush disavowed
the middle east peace process
963
00:47:51,950 --> 00:47:53,420
And suspended talks
with north korea
964
00:47:53,450 --> 00:47:56,390
On its long range
missile program.
965
00:47:56,420 --> 00:47:59,890
His administration was
"marinated in oil,"
966
00:47:59,930 --> 00:48:02,310
Cheney putting together
a highly secretive
967
00:48:02,350 --> 00:48:04,810
Energy task force
that laid out plans
968
00:48:04,850 --> 00:48:07,980
To control the world's supply.
969
00:48:08,020 --> 00:48:10,490
He'd made his intentions
clear in '99
970
00:48:10,520 --> 00:48:13,320
To oil industry executives
when he said,
971
00:48:13,360 --> 00:48:16,490
"the middle east with 2/3
of the world's oil
972
00:48:16,530 --> 00:48:18,240
And the lowest cost is still
973
00:48:18,290 --> 00:48:21,760
Where the prize
ultimately lies."
974
00:48:21,800 --> 00:48:23,770
Signs of an impending attack
975
00:48:23,800 --> 00:48:26,640
Abounded in the summer of 2001.
976
00:48:26,670 --> 00:48:29,800
Intercepted al qaeda messages
said that
977
00:48:29,840 --> 00:48:33,140
"something spectacular
was about to happen."
978
00:48:33,170 --> 00:48:35,640
Counter terrorism chief
richard clark
979
00:48:35,680 --> 00:48:38,210
Testified that c.I.A.
Director george tenet
980
00:48:38,250 --> 00:48:42,220
Was running around washington
with his "hair on fire,"
981
00:48:42,250 --> 00:48:45,050
Trying to get the attention
of national security advisor
982
00:48:45,090 --> 00:48:48,190
Condoleezza rice
and president Bush.
983
00:48:48,220 --> 00:48:51,360
But defense secretary rumsfeld
and rice,
984
00:48:51,390 --> 00:48:53,460
A former chevron board member
985
00:48:53,490 --> 00:48:57,130
With a double-hulled
oil tanker named after her,
986
00:48:57,160 --> 00:48:58,600
Were preoccupied with
987
00:48:58,630 --> 00:49:00,200
Ballistic missile defense
988
00:49:00,230 --> 00:49:02,470
And reforming the pentagon.
989
00:49:02,500 --> 00:49:05,470
Threat reports
with headlines like,
990
00:49:05,510 --> 00:49:08,310
"bin laden threats are real,"
991
00:49:08,340 --> 00:49:11,580
Or "bin laden determined to
strike inside the us"
992
00:49:11,610 --> 00:49:13,250
Were issued.
993
00:49:13,280 --> 00:49:14,880
But Bush could not
focus his attention,
994
00:49:14,910 --> 00:49:18,380
As he spent more time away
from washington
995
00:49:18,420 --> 00:49:20,220
Than any recent president
996
00:49:20,250 --> 00:49:23,370
At his sequestered
crawford, texas ranch
997
00:49:23,410 --> 00:49:25,210
Chopping wood.
998
00:49:25,240 --> 00:49:27,220
He did not enjoy riding horses,
999
00:49:27,260 --> 00:49:30,560
Unlike his hero reagan.
1000
00:49:30,600 --> 00:49:33,710
At his presidential daily
briefing on August 6th,
1001
00:49:33,760 --> 00:49:36,070
Where the threat of
al qaeda operatives
1002
00:49:36,100 --> 00:49:39,570
Hijacking planes was discussed,
1003
00:49:39,600 --> 00:49:42,740
Bush disdainfully
told his c.I.A. Briefer...
1004
00:49:42,770 --> 00:49:46,410
George w. Bush: All right,
you've covered your ass now.
1005
00:49:46,440 --> 00:49:48,080
Stone:
Yet with a straight face,
1006
00:49:48,110 --> 00:49:51,250
Bush told a news conference
in April 2004...
1007
00:49:51,280 --> 00:49:53,250
Had I had any inkling
whatsoever
1008
00:49:53,280 --> 00:49:55,920
That the people were gonna
fly airplanes into buildings,
1009
00:49:55,950 --> 00:49:59,090
We would have moved
heaven and earth to
save the country.
1010
00:49:59,120 --> 00:50:01,260
Stone: Rice was equally
disingenuous.
1011
00:50:01,290 --> 00:50:04,760
I don't think anybody
could have predicted
1012
00:50:04,790 --> 00:50:07,100
That they would try to use
an airplane as a missile,
1013
00:50:07,130 --> 00:50:09,360
A hijacked airplane
as a missile.
1014
00:50:09,400 --> 00:50:12,070
Stone: Although the fbi
was issuing reports
1015
00:50:12,100 --> 00:50:14,740
Of individuals taking
flying lessons
1016
00:50:14,770 --> 00:50:18,410
Who had no interest in
learning how to land.
1017
00:50:18,440 --> 00:50:20,560
As dissatisfaction was mounting
1018
00:50:20,590 --> 00:50:23,560
Over Bush's incompetent
governance,
1019
00:50:23,590 --> 00:50:25,560
The terrorists
struck the u.S.A.
1020
00:50:25,600 --> 00:50:28,730
In a highly ingenious
and dramatic fashion...
1021
00:50:28,770 --> 00:50:32,940
9/11 it was
forever to be called.
1022
00:50:32,970 --> 00:50:37,610
As the hijackers, 15 of them,
born in saudi arabia,
1023
00:50:37,640 --> 00:50:40,310
Flew planes
into the premier symbols
1024
00:50:40,340 --> 00:50:42,280
Of u.S. Imperial power...
1025
00:50:42,310 --> 00:50:44,780
Wall street and the pentagon.
1026
00:50:44,820 --> 00:50:47,950
More than 3,000 people
lost their lives.
1027
00:50:47,980 --> 00:50:51,420
In new york, more than
2,700 people were killed,
1028
00:50:51,450 --> 00:50:56,320
Including some 500
who hailed from 91
different countries.
1029
00:50:56,360 --> 00:50:58,560
The nation watched in horror
1030
00:50:58,590 --> 00:51:00,560
As flames engulfed
the twin towers
1031
00:51:00,600 --> 00:51:03,560
Before their stunning collapse.
1032
00:51:03,600 --> 00:51:05,570
How could this happen
to the u.S.?
1033
00:51:05,600 --> 00:51:08,900
Who would dare attack us
in the heart of our empire,
1034
00:51:08,940 --> 00:51:11,570
So nakedly, so low-tech?
1035
00:51:11,610 --> 00:51:14,070
Where was this new world order?
1036
00:51:14,110 --> 00:51:17,080
Had we as a nation
not gotten it right?
1037
00:51:17,110 --> 00:51:18,910
Were we not good enough?
1038
00:51:18,950 --> 00:51:20,580
Had we not contained the evil
1039
00:51:20,610 --> 00:51:23,920
For 60 years
since world war ii?
1040
00:51:23,950 --> 00:51:27,270
Had we not restrained ourselves
from dropping the bomb
1041
00:51:27,300 --> 00:51:30,260
Since hiroshima and nagasaki?
1042
00:51:30,290 --> 00:51:32,860
And now, to some very powerful
american leaders,
1043
00:51:32,890 --> 00:51:36,260
It was as if they,
the outliers of empire,
1044
00:51:36,300 --> 00:51:39,830
These terrorists had dropped
hiroshima on us,
1045
00:51:39,870 --> 00:51:42,500
At the very least pearl harbor.
1046
00:51:42,540 --> 00:51:44,770
All-out war was called for.
1047
00:51:44,800 --> 00:51:47,770
On that day, an anger
and justification
1048
00:51:47,810 --> 00:51:50,840
For that anger
was unleashed on the world.
1049
00:51:50,880 --> 00:51:54,350
An enormous pandora's box
of dark energy
1050
00:51:54,380 --> 00:51:57,010
And pent-up fear of chaos,
1051
00:51:57,050 --> 00:52:00,850
Reminiscent of the late
19th century french revolution,
1052
00:52:00,890 --> 00:52:03,850
All came together in
a self-righteousness
1053
00:52:03,890 --> 00:52:07,190
That would spawn
a crusade against not only
1054
00:52:07,220 --> 00:52:09,360
Bin laden and his followers,
1055
00:52:09,390 --> 00:52:13,510
But all evil
in the world itself.
1056
00:52:13,550 --> 00:52:15,010
may u.S. And a kill
1057
00:52:15,050 --> 00:52:17,300
Every single terrorist.
1058
00:52:22,110 --> 00:52:25,090
May george Bush drink the blood
1059
00:52:25,110 --> 00:52:28,860
Of every single man,
woman and child of iraq!
1060
00:52:28,900 --> 00:52:30,030
Yeah!
1061
00:52:30,060 --> 00:52:32,030
Stone:
For Bush, it was not only
1062
00:52:32,070 --> 00:52:35,100
His destiny to be
a war president,
1063
00:52:35,130 --> 00:52:38,440
But this was a great awakening
1064
00:52:38,470 --> 00:52:39,900
On a global scale.
1065
00:52:39,940 --> 00:52:41,140
Bush declared...
1066
00:52:41,170 --> 00:52:43,120
George w. Bush:
Our responsibility to history
1067
00:52:43,160 --> 00:52:45,360
Is already clear...
1068
00:52:45,390 --> 00:52:47,550
To answer these attacks
and rid the world of evil.
1069
00:52:47,580 --> 00:52:50,030
The world, for the most part,
1070
00:52:50,070 --> 00:52:52,730
Responded with great empathy
for america.
1071
00:52:52,770 --> 00:52:55,970
Vladimir putin of the u.S.S.R.
Was one of the first
1072
00:52:56,000 --> 00:52:58,470
To offer help.
1073
00:52:58,510 --> 00:53:01,340
Major islamic figures
denounced the attacks
1074
00:53:01,380 --> 00:53:02,840
As a crime against humanity
1075
00:53:02,880 --> 00:53:05,180
And osama bin laden as a fraud,
1076
00:53:05,210 --> 00:53:08,680
A person who had no right
to issue religious edicts,
1077
00:53:08,720 --> 00:53:10,820
And no religious training.
1078
00:53:10,850 --> 00:53:14,150
Chris hedges, a veteran
middle east journalist,
1079
00:53:14,190 --> 00:53:15,990
Wrote several years later:
1080
00:53:16,020 --> 00:53:17,320
"the tragedy was that if
1081
00:53:17,360 --> 00:53:19,960
We had the courage
to be vulnerable,
1082
00:53:19,990 --> 00:53:21,560
If we had built on empathy,
1083
00:53:21,590 --> 00:53:23,730
We would be far safer
and more secure today
1084
00:53:23,760 --> 00:53:24,960
Than we are.
1085
00:53:25,000 --> 00:53:26,300
We responded exactly
1086
00:53:26,330 --> 00:53:27,970
As these terrorist
organizations
1087
00:53:28,000 --> 00:53:29,630
Wanted us to respond...
1088
00:53:33,170 --> 00:53:35,010
In the recent past,
american leaders,
1089
00:53:35,040 --> 00:53:39,230
Especially harry truman
at the end of world war ii,
1090
00:53:39,260 --> 00:53:40,710
Lyndon johnson,
1091
00:53:40,750 --> 00:53:43,050
Richard Nixon and ronald reagan
1092
00:53:43,080 --> 00:53:47,150
Had reacted radically
to the appearance of
vulnerability.
1093
00:53:47,190 --> 00:53:49,800
Johnson, most dramatically,
pointing to his
1094
00:53:49,840 --> 00:53:51,640
Sacrifice of the great society
1095
00:53:51,670 --> 00:53:55,140
To his fear of failure
in vietnam.
1096
00:53:55,180 --> 00:53:56,810
Perhaps this is
the achilles heel
1097
00:53:56,840 --> 00:53:58,760
Of the american
political process.
1098
00:53:58,780 --> 00:54:02,750
Compassion or empathy
is in short supply
1099
00:54:02,780 --> 00:54:03,870
And easily dismissed by those
1100
00:54:03,900 --> 00:54:07,790
Who are tougher
as naivete or softness.
1101
00:54:07,820 --> 00:54:10,620
Yet it is compassion
for the other
1102
00:54:10,660 --> 00:54:12,420
That, in the end,
has distinguished
1103
00:54:12,460 --> 00:54:14,180
Our greatest leaders...
1104
00:54:14,210 --> 00:54:15,610
Be it washington, jefferson,
1105
00:54:15,650 --> 00:54:17,280
Lincoln, roosevelt
1106
00:54:17,310 --> 00:54:18,780
Or on other fronts,
1107
00:54:18,810 --> 00:54:21,420
People such as
martin luther king.
1108
00:54:21,450 --> 00:54:23,100
Had al gore been in office
1109
00:54:23,140 --> 00:54:25,440
Instead of being derided
by the media
1110
00:54:25,470 --> 00:54:28,370
As a know-it-all
who annoyed them,
1111
00:54:28,410 --> 00:54:30,540
Might he not have
emotionally connected
1112
00:54:30,580 --> 00:54:34,650
To a world that had hardened
in its hatred of u.S. Policies?
1113
00:54:34,680 --> 00:54:38,080
Might he not have acted
in humbler fashion
1114
00:54:38,120 --> 00:54:39,550
And pursued the terrorists
1115
00:54:39,580 --> 00:54:41,120
With the traditional structures
1116
00:54:41,150 --> 00:54:43,790
Of diplomacy,
intelligence services
1117
00:54:43,820 --> 00:54:45,720
And firm police action?
1118
00:54:45,760 --> 00:54:48,220
Would not the same results
have been achieved
1119
00:54:48,260 --> 00:54:51,560
Without making new enemies
that could be perceived
1120
00:54:51,600 --> 00:54:54,000
As martyrs
to a young generation
1121
00:54:54,030 --> 00:54:55,430
Of emerging radicals?
1122
00:54:55,470 --> 00:54:57,100
Would he have kicked off
1123
00:54:57,130 --> 00:55:00,600
A truly virtual world war iii?
1124
00:55:00,640 --> 00:55:03,110
George Bush instead
put the world on notice.
1125
00:55:03,140 --> 00:55:06,440
Every nation and every region
1126
00:55:06,480 --> 00:55:09,440
Now has a decision to make.
1127
00:55:09,480 --> 00:55:11,950
Either you're with us
1128
00:55:11,980 --> 00:55:14,080
Or you are with the terrorists.
1129
00:55:15,320 --> 00:55:16,580
Stone: And framing his right
to do so
1130
00:55:16,620 --> 00:55:19,920
As a monumental struggle
between good and evil.
1131
00:55:19,960 --> 00:55:23,420
Imagine any citizen
of any country in the world
1132
00:55:23,460 --> 00:55:26,260
Being told by a man like this,
1133
00:55:26,290 --> 00:55:29,430
"you're either with us
or against us."
1134
00:55:29,460 --> 00:55:33,330
And imagine how you would feel
about america.
1135
00:55:33,370 --> 00:55:35,840
Chalmers johnson wrote,
before his death,
1136
00:55:35,870 --> 00:55:38,340
That "americans like to say
the world changed
1137
00:55:38,370 --> 00:55:40,610
As a result of September 11,"
1138
00:55:40,640 --> 00:55:42,610
But that it was
more accurate to say
1139
00:55:42,640 --> 00:55:44,240
That america was becoming
1140
00:55:44,280 --> 00:55:47,730
"a new rome, the greatest
colossus in history
1141
00:55:47,760 --> 00:55:50,580
No longer bound
by international law,
1142
00:55:50,620 --> 00:55:52,250
The concerns of allies
1143
00:55:52,290 --> 00:55:55,320
Or any constraints
on its use of military force."
1144
00:55:55,360 --> 00:55:58,320
The american people were still
largely in the dark
1145
00:55:58,360 --> 00:56:00,330
About why they had
been attacked
1146
00:56:00,360 --> 00:56:02,660
Or why their state department
began warning them
1147
00:56:02,700 --> 00:56:03,960
Against terrorism
1148
00:56:04,000 --> 00:56:06,630
In an ever-growing list
of foreign countries.
1149
00:56:06,670 --> 00:56:10,340
But a growing number finally
began to grasp
1150
00:56:10,370 --> 00:56:12,540
What most non-americans
already knew
1151
00:56:12,570 --> 00:56:16,870
And had experienced over
the previous half-century.
1152
00:56:16,910 --> 00:56:19,640
Namely that
the United States
was something other
1153
00:56:19,680 --> 00:56:21,650
Than what it professed to be,
1154
00:56:21,680 --> 00:56:25,570
That it was in fact
a military juggernaut
1155
00:56:25,600 --> 00:56:26,930
Intent on world domination.
1156
00:56:26,970 --> 00:56:28,530
Instead of explaining
1157
00:56:28,570 --> 00:56:30,700
The real reasons
for the attacks,
1158
00:56:30,740 --> 00:56:32,670
Al qaeda's fierce opposition
1159
00:56:32,710 --> 00:56:34,840
To u.S. Troops
in saudi arabia
1160
00:56:34,880 --> 00:56:36,840
And to u.S. Support
for israel
1161
00:56:36,880 --> 00:56:40,380
In its ongoing struggle
with the palestinians...
1162
00:56:40,410 --> 00:56:43,380
Bush mouthed platitudes,
asking...
1163
00:56:43,420 --> 00:56:45,020
Why do they hate us?
1164
00:56:45,050 --> 00:56:46,720
He answered for us:
1165
00:56:46,750 --> 00:56:49,050
They hate our freedoms...
1166
00:56:49,090 --> 00:56:53,060
Our freedom of religion,
our freedom of speech,
1167
00:56:53,090 --> 00:56:54,390
Our freedom to vote
and assemble
1168
00:56:54,430 --> 00:56:56,190
And disagree with each other.
1169
00:56:56,230 --> 00:56:58,360
How ironic that Bush 41
1170
00:56:58,400 --> 00:57:01,400
Had actually squandered
world peace
1171
00:57:01,430 --> 00:57:03,630
By unleashing in panama
1172
00:57:03,670 --> 00:57:06,300
And the first iraq
the furies of war.
1173
00:57:06,340 --> 00:57:08,810
And that his son,
striking out blindly
1174
00:57:08,840 --> 00:57:11,680
And virtually bankrupting
his nation
1175
00:57:11,710 --> 00:57:14,610
Precisely as bin laden
hoped he would,
1176
00:57:14,650 --> 00:57:17,180
Had now found his destiny
1177
00:57:17,210 --> 00:57:20,050
In his father's ancestral genes
1178
00:57:20,080 --> 00:57:22,050
As "america's war president"...
1179
00:57:22,090 --> 00:57:25,050
In a war that
by Dick Cheney's reckoning
1180
00:57:25,090 --> 00:57:26,960
Could "last forever."