Six years ago, right before an important election, the Bush Administration suddenly decided that authorization for the Iraq War was so important that it couldn’t wait. Accusations and threats greeted any senators and legislators who balked at abdicating Congress’ constitutional duty to decide when wars are declared. History will decide whether it was the right decision, but most experts agree that the administration did not present Congress or America with all the facts needed to make an informed choice.

Now, right before an important election, the Bush Administration has suddenly decided that an unprecedented blank check should be written by the taxpayers, and it can’t wait. Senators and congressmen who balk at giving $700 billion to the same administration that failed to foresee this mess are greeted with threats that they will be blamed for the pending economic meltdown. Congress will be foolish if they capitulate without having questions answered.

Why, for instance, did no one raise this issue before it became so immediately important? Ten days ago, Bush was repeating his statements that the fundamentals of the economy were strong. What information changed the administration’s minds so quickly, and why has that information not been presented to the American people? If this bailout is so immediately important, why is the administration delaying its passage by fighting to protect multi-million dollar severance packages for the CEOs of these failing companies?

The crisis is probably real, but Congress should insist on transparency and accountability before the administration gets a dime.

Charlie McAlpin

Calais