George H.W. Bush: War Criminal, CIA Spy, Oil Tycoon, Embodiment of US Elite

Summary

The video script critiques the legacy of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, arguing against the mainstream portrayal of him as a moderate statesman. It highlights his involvement in war crimes, from the Iran-Contra scandal to the Gulf War, and his family's ties to the oil industry and the CIA. The script also suggests that Bush's actions set the stage for the rise of right-wing extremism and the current political climate, emphasizing his refusal to apologize for U.S. actions and his commitment to capitalism and empire.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ George HW Bush, despite being portrayed as a hero, is accused of leaving behind a legacy of war crimes and imperialism.
• 🗣️ The media's depiction of Bush as a statesman is challenged, with the script suggesting his patriotism was more about capitalism and empire than the average American.
• 🕊️ Bush's infamous quote 'I'll never apologize for the United States of America ever, I don't care what the facts are' is highlighted as emblematic of his imperial hubris.
• 🛑 The script outlines Bush's family history, including ties to the CIA, oil industry, and controversial actions such as grave-robbing and profiting from the Holocaust.
• 📜 Bush's political career is detailed, from his involvement with the CIA to his presidency, where he is said to have facilitated the Iran-Contra scandal and supported right-wing military dictatorships.
• 💥 The invasion of Panama and the Gulf War under Bush's presidency are described as brutal, with the latter causing significant civilian casualties and long-term damage to Iraq's infrastructure.
• 🗝️ The script suggests that Bush's actions set a precedent for future presidents, including his son George W. Bush, in terms of foreign policy and military engagements.
• 📉 The economic policies of Bush's administration are criticized for leading to 'shock therapy' neoliberal reforms that caused significant suffering and death in the former Soviet Union.
• 🔍 The script argues that Bush's presidency was not just about setting the stage for his son or Trump, but also about establishing the neoliberal era that has had lasting global impacts.
• 🚫 The portrayal of Bush as a principled moderate is contested, with the script highlighting instances of racism and exploitation of fear during his 1988 presidential campaign.
• 🌐 Bush is presented as a key figure in the establishment of American global hegemony and the promotion of capitalism, with his actions having far-reaching implications for the world order.

Q & A

When did former United States President George H.W. Bush pass away?

Former United States President George H.W. Bush died on November 30th, 2018.

What is the criticism against the portrayal of George H.W. Bush by the corporate media after his death?

The criticism is that the corporate media lionized Bush as a statesman who committed his life to his country, while ignoring his involvement in war crimes and his role as an elite custodian of capitalism and Empire.

What infamous statement did George H.W. Bush make regarding the United States never having to apologize?

George H.W. Bush made the infamous statement 'I'll never apologize for the United States of America ever, I don't care what the facts are' in response to the U.S. shooting down an Iranian civilian plane in 1988.

What is the historical significance of Prescott Bush's actions during the Holocaust?

Prescott Bush, George H.W. Bush's father, was reported to have profited from the Holocaust by working for and profiting from companies closely involved with German businesses that financed Hitler's rise to power.

How did George H.W. Bush's involvement with the CIA and the oil industry influence his political career?

George H.W. Bush's involvement with the CIA and the oil industry helped him build a fortune and establish political connections, which he later leveraged in his political career, including his role as Vice President under Ronald Reagan and as the 41st U.S. President.

What was the Iran-Contra scandal, and how was George H.W. Bush involved?

The Iran-Contra scandal involved the Reagan administration selling weapons to Iran to fund right-wing Contra death squads in Nicaragua. George H.W. Bush, as Vice President, was implicated in the scandal and later pardoned the conspirators, preventing an investigation into his own activity.

What was the impact of the U.S. invasion of Panama under George H.W. Bush's administration?

The U.S. invasion of Panama led to the overthrow of dictator Manuel Noriega and resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and mass civilian casualties, with bodies of dead Panamanians reportedly shoveled into mass graves.

What false testimony was used to justify the Gulf War against Iraq under George H.W. Bush's presidency?

A 15-year-old Kuwaiti girl falsely testified before the U.S. Congressional Human Rights caucus about Iraqi soldiers removing babies from incubators, which was later revealed to be a PR stunt orchestrated by a PR firm on behalf of the Kuwaiti monarchy.

What were the consequences of the Gulf War for Iraq's civilian infrastructure?

The Gulf War led to the deliberate targeting and destruction of Iraq's civilian infrastructure, reducing the country's power generation level by 96%, and causing widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis.

What is the 'Highway of Death,' and how is it connected to the Gulf War?

The 'Highway of Death' refers to the massacre of thousands of fleeing Iraqi soldiers and civilians on February 26th and 27th, 1991, during the Gulf War, as they tried to escape Kuwait and return to Iraq under heavy bombing by the U.S. and its allies.

How did George H.W. Bush's policies contribute to the rise of far-right movements and the current state of global politics?

George H.W. Bush's policies, including his war crimes, support for right-wing dictatorships, and neoliberal reforms, set the stage for the rise of far-right movements and the current challenges in global politics, including the election of Donald Trump.