George Bush used the National Security Agency to secretly spy on U.S. citizens, and now that he’s been caught, he tells us it was necessary in order to “protect American citizens.” This administration has never been interested in protecting American citizens. That is why their first order of business once they took office was to put al-Qaida at the bottom of their priority list.

That is why their progress on actual homeland protection received flunking grades from the 9-11 Commission. That is why they sent brave young soldiers into a premeditated disaster on the other side of the world, and an unfit crony to the front lines of a natural disaster at home.

For our protection they invaded a country that was no threat to us. For our protection they have raised mercury levels in the air we breathe. For our protection they lower fuel subsidies and Medicare benefits. Have you ever felt more vulnerable and betrayed? Hearing this administration talk seriously about protecting American citizens is like hearing the Marx Brothers talk seriously aboutthe virtues of proper etiquette. Who are these clowns?

The virtues of accountability and impeachment need to be our own serious consideration, and meanwhile the next time anyone from this administration speaks seriously about “protecting American citizens,” someone in the live audience should have the good sense to toss him a well-deserved cream pie.

Rebecca McCall

Blue Hill