NationStates Jolt Archive


BBC: Bush adviser charged with thefts

Gargantua City State
11-03-2006, 20:09
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4797400.stm



Bush adviser charged with thefts
President George W Bush with former adviser Claude Allen
Claude Allen was considered a rising Republican star
US President George W Bush's former political adviser has been charged with allegedly stealing more than $5,000 (£2,900) from department stores.

The president said he was "shocked" and "sad" on hearing the news about Claude Allen, who resigned abruptly as his domestic policy adviser in February.

Mr Allen, 45, has denied at least 25 thefts from Target and Hecht's stores.

The scam allegedly involved Mr Allen claiming refunds for merchandise that he did not buy.

Mr Allen was arrested on Thursday by police in Montgomery County, Maryland, following an investigation into an alleged incident at the Target store in Gaithersburg, Maryland on 2 January.

He reported the incident to White House staff the day after the incident, saying it was a misunderstanding related to his credit cards, a White House spokesman said.

"When I heard the story last night, I was shocked, and my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment - if it's true - that we were not fully informed," Mr Bush said.

"Shortly thereafter, I felt really sad for the Allen family."

"If the allegations are true, something went wrong in Claude Allen's life, and that is really sad."

I dunno, maybe these quotes were taken to make Bush sound like a moron... but don't his statements seem... kinda... what's the word... stupid?
I mean... "deep disappointment that we were not fully informed"? Did he think he was talking about Iraq again? Does he even try to make up speeches that differ from his normal mantra?
And what's with the "something went wrong in Claude Allen's life, and that is really sad" line? It doesn't sound like Mr. Hard-line, let's crack down on everything, president. I have a hard time picturing him saying something like that about anyone else who isn't a close advisor to him.
And should this latest near and dear advisor to the prez be found to take part in illegal activities... well, that should lower Bush's already abysmally low ratings. I heard that 70% of republicans and 90% of democrats don't believe him when he says Civil War in Iraq won't happen.
The Bush Boat finally seems to be sinking under the heavy shelling... several years too late, perhaps.