Back in the early days of the Iraqi war, we were treated to what sounded like a silly joke daily by Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf, or as he was come to be known “Bagdad Bob.” The Iraqi Information Minister, would on an almost daily basis provide a quote or a statement on behalf of the Iraqi government that was so out of touch with reality, nobody really questioned whether he was lying. Of course he was, everybody knew it, and it was entertaining to listen and laugh at. Some of his best quotes include:

“We are not afraid of the Americans. Allah has condemned them. They are stupid. They are stupid” (dramatic pause) “and they are condemned.”

“I triple guarantee you, there are no American soldiers in Baghdad.”

“They’re not even [within] 100 miles [of Baghdad]. They are not in any place. They hold no place in Iraq. This is an illusion … they are trying to sell to the others an illusion.”

“We made them drink poison last night and Saddam Hussein’s soldiers and his great forces gave the Americans a lesson which will not be forgotten by history. Truly.”

“I speak better English than this villain Bush”

(OK, so maybe sometimes he had a point)

We watched, and laughed, knowing that nothing he was saying was anything but propaganda (and not very good propaganda at that).

So, now tell me this… How is this any different than listening to Dana Perino? I mean especially for those living outside this country, is this any different? How? She continues to push forth lies as instructed by the Bush administration. Things that are so incredibly inane, that you can’t help but laugh, because she can’t honestly believe any of the crap she puts forth can she?

“This president has said that we did interrogate terrorists, and we did so to protect the country from possible imminent terrorist attack. We did not torture.”

“Unfortunately, the president’s position on stem cells has been misconstrued over the years, with the suggestion that President Bush put a ban on research for embryonic stem cell research. That is not true.“

When asked if we were in a recession back in October:

“You know I don’t think that we know. … So I couldn’t say. The classic definition of a recession is not something that we could determine now, or forecast. It’s something that people look back on.”

“I’ve been fortunate to work for a president who I consider to be the first gender blind president.”

(As Bush was threatening to veto the Paycheck Fairness Act)

So, is there a difference? Does being an unbelievable liar just come with the position? Or did they actully believe anything they were saying?

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