Education Committee Carmina Honors Eighth Grader Burana is Page 3 World Class Page 2 Citrus Heights
M“Writtenessenger by the people, for the people” Volume 6 Issue 04 Serving the City of Citrus Heights and Sacramento County February 26, 2016 IT’S COOKIE TIME Get Free Tax Help! Firefighters Raise $137K 500 Sacramentans Receive Free Tax Help at Kickoff of Volunteer Largest Boot Drive in History Aids Burn Survivors Tax Assistance Program SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In one day, 500 local residents received free help with their tax return preparation, thanks to the kickoff of the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance effort, led by United Way. Page 8
BEING NEIGHBORLY
Free tax help continues through end of March. Photo courtesy Kristin Thébaud Communications, United Way
At the Jan. 30th event, IRS- certified volunteers provided free Page 4 basic tax return preparation with electronic filing and informed taxpayers about special tax cred- its for which they may qualify, DEADPOOL including the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, Child COMBINATIONS BLEND Tax Credit, and Credit for the INTO A NIFTY STEW Elderly or the Disabled. VITA is a national IRS program and offers free help to people who make a limited income and need help preparing their tax returns. More appointments are available through the end of March for local households that earned $54,000 or less in 2015. Visit www.yourlocal- unitedway.org/VITA or call 2-1-1. “We want to make sure as many households as possible in Story by Elise Spleiss $137,000 was raised to aid survivors of burns. Firefighters Tyler Craft and Ryan Gardner the Sacramento area are finan- Page 8 (top photo) display the total raised in Sacramento Metro Fire and Sacramento City four days from donations the public cially stable, and that starts with CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The unmistakable Fire were two of over 50 fire agencies through- dropped into their boots in Citrus Heights not spending unnecessary money out Northern and Central California holding during their 22nd Fill the Boot fundraiser. on tax preparation and making sound of bagpipes rose from the bucket of a Photo courtesy Rachel Crowell Soloist Rachel Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department boot drives to support burn programs and a Sprague sings the National Anthem at the sure they receive the maximum ladder truck high over Greenback Lane and new regional burn center. Their goal for 2016 opening ceremony for the 22nd annual refund to which they are entitled,” Firefighters Burn Institute (FFBI) Fill the said Stephanie Bray, United Way Sunrise Boulevard the morning of February is to raise over $500,000 collectively. Boot fundraiser in Citrus Heights. Members 12th. The 22nd annual Firefighters Burn This year firefighters from Sacramento of the Sac Area Firefighters Honor California Capital Region presi- Institute (FFBI) Fill the Boots fundraiser Metro Fire, Sacramento City Fire Department, Guard stand at attention. Also shown is dent and CEO. FFBI Executive Director Jim Doucette. Local households that made was held over Presidents Day weekend and Continued on page 4 Photo courtesy Hilary Ingram $62,000 or less in 2015 can qualify to file their state and federal taxes online for free at Scan our QR Code for a MyFreeTaxes.com, thanks to direct link to our online edition! At-Risk Youth Leadership Courses a national partnership between “Don’t let life pass you by! In who face socio-economic and United Way, Goodwill Industries what direction are you headed, life-choice challenges to partic- and the National Disability and where are you trying to go? ipate in a pilot PAL leadership Institute. MyFreeTaxes.com helps It’s time to wake up!” -Macte course. The 8 week program people save an average of $200 GOT MORE Animo beginning April 5th, 2016 is in tax preparer fees. The website designed to teach the teens a guides users through federal and CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The positive way to look at them- state filing using software pow- LOCAL Citrus Heights Police Activities selves and their lives and how to ered by H&R Block. Users need League (PAL) and Youth and interact with others while devel- a valid email address and income Family Services Division are oping leadership skills. NEWS? The 8 week program beginning April 5th, 2016 is designed to teach the forms. The eight-year-old pro- teens a positive way to look at themselves and their lives and how to seeking at-risk teenagers (ages Families are not raising teen- gram is available in all 50 states. interact with others while developing leadership skills. Photo courtesy Citrus 13-17) in the Citrus Heights area agers, they’re raising young Both the in-person and online Heights Police Department CALL 773-1111 adults. From confidence build- filing opportunities are designed ing to self-coaching to leading to help households receive the others; by teaching our youth to maximum Earned Income Tax LEGAL ADS FOR DINNER FOR 2 lead themselves and others, we Credits of $6,000, now avail- YOUR CHOICE OF TWO ENTREES SACRAMENTO aim to give them the self-con- able federally and through the Choose fidence to stand up and express state. This is the first year that FINE MEXICAN FOOD From DINE IN COUNTY? 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EXPIRES 2/29/2016 AVAILABLE (916) 409-9370 AVAILABLE Continued on page 7 Communications, United Way H CarmichaelTimes.com 2 • Citrus Heights Messenger February 26, 2016 Carmina Burana is World Class Story by Jeannie Brown
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - “The SCSO owns Carmina Burana!” This was the review immediately follow- ing the outstanding performance by the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra on their 2003 East Coast debut of Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall. Three standing ovations is no small feat in the music world, but this New York audience knew excellence when they saw it, so stand and applaud they did! The Carmina trilogy of 2003 included not only the performance at Carnegie Hall, but back here at home in Sacramento’s own Community Center Theater and UC Davis’ brand new Mondavi Center. The SCSO performance of Carmina put Sacramento on the musical world map and the first international tour soon followed with performances in Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. Since then, they have performed Carmina seven times and are in rehearsals now for the next performance scheduled for March 5th at the Sacramento Community Theater. What is the excitement of Carmina Burana all about? Literally translated as Songs of Beuren, the over 1000 songs and poems discovered were originally penned in Latin, German, and medieval French by defrocked clergy and other- wise fun-loving, ‘worldly’ sorts of the SCSO Conductor Don Kendrick. Photo courtesy SCSO 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. These poems were not discovered until 1803 Chorus. This year’s Sacramento per- Republic (respectively.) A dynamic in the library of the Benedictine Abbey formance features world-class soloists: not-to-be-missed pre-concert talk by just outside of Munich where the SCSO soprano Shawnette Sulker, tenor Conductor Donald Kendrick will set performed in 2003. It was not until 1934 Brian Staufenbiel, and baritone Lee the scene for the evening and projected that German composer Carl Orff chose Poulis. The large SCSO Team for the supertitle translations will add to both 24 of the secular poems and set them March 5th performance will be sure to the enjoyment and understanding of the to what he termed a “scenic cantata,” a please as the 160-plus members of the music performed. choral and orchestral masterpiece that SCSO, along with 60 members of the Tickets sales are robust and early depicted tales of love, springtime, glut- Sacramento State University Chorus, 40 purchases are encouraged to guarantee tony, and a bit of debauchery. members of the Sacramento Children’s seats. Ticket prices range from $35-$55 At 42, Orff became an overnight Chorus, and a full 62-piece orchestra, with a 50 percent discount for students. celebrity with the 1937 premier of promise to deliver the spine-chilling The SCSO is also offering a limited Carmina in Frankfurt, Germany. He was and soul-stirring rendition of Carmina special “SCSO VIP Experience” and quoted as saying, “Everything I have Burana. is available to student groups of 10 or written to date, and which you have, Along with the performance of more and includes admittance to the unfortunately, printed, can be destroyed. Carmina, the March 5th repertoire will Friday night rehearsal, exclusive pre- With Carmina Burana, my collected also include the American Premier concert meeting with conductor and works begin.” of Jonathan Dove’s Psalms for Leo, artistic director Don Kendrick, a com- The SCSO’s 2003 stunning premier performed entirely in Hebrew, Karl memorative name badge, and a Carmina of Carmina at Carnegie Hall included Jenkins’ Songs of Sanctuary, and Josef Burana CD. You can find out more at the New England Chamber Ensemble, Suk’s Towards a New Life. The night’s www.SacramentoChoral.com or by call- Carnegie’s resident orchestra, as well event will represent composers from ing the SCSO office at (916) 536-9065. as the Manhattan (NYC) Children’s Germany, England, Wales, and Czek Source: SCSO H SCSO’s debut performance of Carmina in Carnegie Hall, circa 2003. Photo courtesy SCSO What is the most important thing that seniors can leave
to their loved ones? Donald Kendrick, Music Director sCso 20 th season Carmina Burana
“The SCSO owns Carmina Burana!”
The Sacramento Bee
Proje CTed Su PerTiTLe TranSL aTionS Preserving Legacies Carl Orff | Carmina Burana Through Video Karl Jenkins | Songs of Sanctuary (selections) Share your story with a Goldenlynk Jonathan Dove | Psalms For Leo (West Coast Premiere) DVD package to preserve your Shawnette Sulker, Soprano Goldenlynk Videographer legacy for your family Cameron Fisher Brian Staufenbiel, Tenor Lee Poulis, Baritone
SaTurday, MarCh 5, 2016 at 8 pm 7:00 pm Pre-concert talk by Conductor donald Kendrick Sacramento Community Center Theater
Tickets $55, $45, $35 | Students 50% discount Call Today! (916) 224-9111 Community Center Box office | 916.808.5181 or TiCKeTS.CoM
www.goldenlynk.com SaCraMenTochoral.CoM February 26, 2016 Citrus Heights Messenger • 3 Eighth Grader Honored Take a Sentimental Journey via Cabaret
The River City Chorale has been presenting the Cabaret for many years and it is by far its most popular concert. Photo courtesy River City Chorale SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” keeping with the tradition of the The River City Chorale presents its Upon entering the hall you will cabaret you will be entertained ever-popular Cabaret on Saturday be greeted by the sounds of a tra- by small groups, soloists, a cham- and Sunday, March 5th and 6th, ditional jazz combo and escorted ber choir as well as the whole (L-R) Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, Citrus Heights Chamber Vice Chair of Education Rosa with two shows each day: 4 p.m. to your reserved place at decorated ensemble who will be perched— Umbach, Student of the Month Hannah Rausch of St. Mark Lutheran School, representing Senator Jim Nielsen’s and 6:30 p.m. It’s conveniently round tables seating up to eight per- cabaret style—on stools onstage. A office Landon Wolf, Citrus Heights City Council Member Sue Frost and representing Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s located at the Serbian Church Hall, sons. Hors d’oeuvres will be served office Jonathan Glatz. Photo courtesy St. Mark’s Lutheran School of Citrus Heights combo led by Richard Morrissey, 7777 Sunset Ave (between Sunrise at your table by the singers and you the director of the Chorale, with and San Juan), in Fair Oaks, Calif. can partake of libations at an open piano by the very talented Kathy Submitted by Matthew Bauer, Principal service opportunities every chance she gets. 95628. bar. You’ll also have the opportu- Earl Midgley, will provide the Hannah excels academically. She has a strong With the theme of Sentimental nity to purchase raffle tickets for accompaniment. CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights work ethic and makes the honor roll every quar- Journeys you will be transported one of four fun prizes, with winners So get your tickets early by going Chamber’s Education Committee honored Hannah ter. She has received the President’s Award for back to the era of such songs as to be announced at the end of the online at www.RiverCityChorale. Rausch, 8th grade student at St. Mark’s Lutheran Academic Excellence and has qualified to partici- “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Meet concert. org or call (916) 331-5810. School of Citrus Heights, as the February 2016 pate in school spelling and geography bees. Me in St. Louis,” “Route 66,” and Then the show begins! In Source: River City Chorale H Student of the Month. The award was presented at Hannah is active in school activities and strives the Chamber’s February 9th, 2016, luncheon held to be a well-rounded individual. She participates at the Citrus Heights Community Center. on our school’s volleyball and basketball teams. The faculty of St. Mark’s Lutheran School of She develops her musical talents taking piano Citrus Heights selected eighth grader Hannah lessons and singing in the Choir Club. She also Runner Responds to High Rausch for the Education Committee’s student enjoys participating in school talent shows and of the month for her Christian leadership, heart drama productions. for service, academic achievement, involve- Hannah is active in the community. Her fam- ment in school activities, and involvement in the ily sponsors a needy child in Rwanda with whom Speed Rail Change of Plans community. Hannah regularly takes the time to correspond. SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) construction to the Bay Area setbacks and delays. This isn't Hannah is a strong Christian leader. As an eighth Hannah enjoys babysitting and scorekeeping at her - Board of Equalization Vice amounts to nothing more than what Californians expected; grader, she is a fine role model for younger stu- brother’s Little League baseball games. Chair George Runner issued kicking the can down the alley. they clearly deserve another dents. Hannah has served on the Student Council The school faculty is thankful for the fine young the following statement in The Tehachapi Mountains chance to vote on the issue.” and was a captain on her school volleyball team. lady Hannah has become and looks forward to response to the High Speed won't disappear because the George Runner repre- Hannah’s faith shines brightly as she sets a fine watching her continue to shine. Rail Authority's 2016 business authority decided to change sents more than nine million example for her peers to follow. Lunches for the student and guests are sponsored plan: plans. Californians as an elected Hannah has a heart for serving others. She is by local businesses. Many thanks to our Student of “The High Speed Rail “As I warned in 2008, this member and Vice Chair of the regularly nominated as a “Lion for Others” for the Month lunch sponsor Safe Credit Union, courtesy Authority is desperate and project is now a far cry from State Board of Equalization. her acts of humble service around school. Hannah of Amanda Merz. And, thanks also to Paul Buchanan wants to lay as much track as what voters narrowly approved. For more information, visit spends her Saturdays helping with the St. Mark’s of B-West Marketing Group for providing a special possible so that it becomes The project is more than twice www.boe.ca.gov/Runner. Youth Basketball League and volunteers for memory t-shirt for the Student of the Month. H more difficult to stop the proj- as expensive as initially prom- Source: Office of George ect. The decision to switch ised and has suffered numerous Runner H
It’s River City Chorale’s Cabaret! “Sentimental Journeys”
Four Fabulous Performances! Saturday, March 5, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm Sunday, March 6, 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Tables seat up to 8 people. Open bar. Includes hors d’oeuvres served by smiling, singing servers. Serbian Church Hall 7777 Sunset Ave., Fair Oaks (Near Sunrise Blvd.) Tickets $25.00 Reservations www.RiverCityChorale.org or call 331 -5810
The Roseville Rock Rollers Gem and Mineral Society 501(C) 54th Roseville Gem, Jewelry, FREE Fossil & Mineral Show! Live Music & Entertainment PARKING! March 26 & 27 Certified Farmers & Organic (Easter weekend) Producers Saturday 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday 10 am - 4 pm Specialty Gourmet Foods Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds Chef Demos Artisans/Crafters The Big Show!! 60 Vendors Family Fun Exhibits EBT/WIC & SNAP Accepted • Crystals • Beads • Jewelry • Gemstones FREE PARKING • Gold Panning • Meteorites • Fossils Bring this flyer with Family • Minerals • Free Door Prizes • Fabulous Food! you to any market location and receive Fun! Kids & Scout’s FIVE raffle tickets “Education Station” to enter to win our General Admission $6.00 Monthly Farmers Seniors 60+ $5.00 Market Gift Kids 12 and Under FREE Basket!! (mpg) Rain or Shine • Inside & Outside $1 OFF ADMISSION WITH THIS AD www.rockrollers.com 4 • Citrus Heights Messenger February 26, 2016 Help Being Neighborly Firefighters Raise $137K Story and photo Citrus Heights.” Baldwin, who by Sal Arrigo, Jr. used to be a patrol officer in Largest Boot Drive in History Aids Burn Survivors some of the toughest neighbor- I had an issue recently with a hoods in Los Angeles, told me Continued from page 1 neighbor who needed to clean that Citrus Heights is a “unique and others, including Beale AFB, up an adjacent property, and city in terms of support for the Travis AFB, Consumnes Fire after several attempts to engage officers.” He mentioned he was Department, and the Sacramento this neighbor in a friendly con- driving around on patrol when Airport Fire Department joined versation, my efforts had failed. a total stranger “just started to together to raise funds for this Without much recourse, I wave to us!” It certainly was important cause. turned to the Code Enforcement welcoming to his new tour of Donations from drivers, Division of the Citrus Heights duty, and one that he enjoys. pedestrians, and others will Police Department (CHPD). Code Enforcement works be used to improve burn treat- After having an educational to maintain the aesthetic envi- ment and to fund life-altering conversation with Sgt. Jason ronment of Citrus Heights and burn recovery programs includ- Baldwin, I quickly learned there maintain property values for ing Firefighters Kids Camp is much more to “cleaning up a its citizens. In case you want to for young burn survivors ages neighbor’s property” than meets know what some of the viola- 6 to 17, and the Little Heroes the eye. tions are (and have time to clean Preschool Burn Camp for chil- Code Enforcement Officer them up), below are a few of the dren ages three to six years and Leah Buck, a nine-year vet- most common, according to the their families. eran of the CHPD, told me, “We Leah Buck, Code Enforcement CHPD: Officer for the Citrus Heights Citrus Heights is the birth- don’t go looking for violations, it Police Department, and a nine year • Weeds and debris place of the Firefighters Boot is complaint generated.” Officer veteran of the force. Drive and thanks to the Citrus Buck—a member of the Problem • Neglected landscaping have a resident clean up their Heights community is now the Oriented Policing Unit, or POP property. In fact, some of the • Inoperable/unregistered number one Fill the Boot event as the department is known— violations may be discovered vehicles in all the United States and flashed her winning smile, her by an officer going to make an • Substandard rental housing Canada, and raising $137,000 trademark when she approaches arrest, and they uncover property this year is the highest amount in a city resident regarding a • Unsafe/dangerous buildings code violations that need to be the history of the boot drive. Bagpipes blare at the opening ceremony in Citrus Heights for the 22nd complaint. addressed. • Occupied recreational vehicles The opening ceremony took annual Fill the Boot for Burns fundraiser over the Presidents Day weekend. “I smile, I approach, and I $137,000 was raised to help survivors of burns. Photo courtesy Hilary Ingram The success rate for volun- place Friday, February 12th, educate,” Leah said. “Once a • Business licenses—(or lack tary compliance is “extremely complete with Posting of the center was to experience Sacramento Area Firefighters resident realizes they are in vio- thereof) high,” according to Buck, and Colors by the FFBI Honor renowned fire fighters’ cuisine at Local 522 in 1973 following the lation of the city code, they tend • Auto repair that includes people who want Guard, members of the FFBI the Sac City Fire Reserve’s only fiery 1972 crash of a F86 Saber to fix the situation.” Baldwin to fix their cars in their drive- As I concluded my inter- Pipes and Drum Band. The fully equipped mobile kitchen jet into the Farrell’s Ice Cream mentioned that many issues are ways or decide the front lawn is view, it was apparent the Code National Anthem was sung by unit in the greater Sacramento Restaurant across the street from easy to deal with, but they do a good place to leave their sofa. Enforcement Division of the Citrus Rachel Sprague, daughter of area. Reserve volunteers pro- the Sacramento Airport during have times when residents resist According to the CHPD, Code Heights Police Department is com- Retired Sac Fire Captain, Charlie vided their specialties for the an airshow. Twenty two people any government intervention. It Enforcement “is here to main- mitted to maintaining a community Sprague. day: omelets, burritos, and much were killed, many of them chil- is rare, Baldwin said, when they tain a high quality of life for the where being neighborly is taken Jim Doucette, FFBI Executive more. In the field the Reserve dren, and twenty four injured. have to go to court and forcibly citizens who work and live in seriously. H Director and master of cere- provides food and drinks and In response to this tragedy monies for the opening event, EMT standby at the scene of the burn center was created emphasized the immense amount fires and other emergencies. to establish a local burn treat- of work that goes into the 4-day On Saturday a hugely suc- ment facility, providing recovery Saint Francis event, which would not be pos- cessful Safety Fair was held in programs for burn survivors. sible without the volunteers, the the Sunrise Mall parking lot. They also provide fire and burn firefighters that came from all Over 500 men, women, and prevention through public edu- Episcopal Church over the Sacramento Region, children watched demonstra- cation. Donations help provide and the city government, busi- tions by fire rescue dogs, arson education for burn team pro- ness sponsors and residents (accelerant sniffing) dogs, the fessionals, firefighters and burn welcomes you of Citrus Heights. Doucette Jaws of Life, a Sheriff’s helicop- survivors, and support burn remarked, “This year we set an ter, the Community Emergency treatment and rehabilitation Sundays at 9 am, worship with music all-time record, $9,000 more Response Team (CERT), and the research. than 2015. This event would not City of Sacramento Drowning For additional information Mondays at 10 am, Heart and Soul exist without the total support of Accident Response Team contact the Firefighters Burn Tuesdays at 10 am Senior produce Market the wonderful community out (DART). Institute at (916) 739-8525 there.” The FFBI is a non-profit or visit their website at www. Another highlight for those organization founded by the ffburn.org. H 11430 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628 www.saintfrancisfairoaks.org visiting the weekend’s operation Union Gospel Mission Sacramento For more than 50 years, Union Gospel Mission has been serving Sacramento’s homeless with shelter, meals, clothing, a rehabilitation program and a life-changing Gospel message. Founded in 1962 by concerned Christians for men in need, the Mission also serves women and children. The Mission is an amazing testament to the good Matthew 25:40 that comes with committed volunteers, inspired leadership and the community’s support. “Caring for the Least”
50+ Years of Service We accept donations, clothing and goods, 7 Days a week... and prayers always! (916) 447-3268 400 Bannon Street • Sacramento, CA 95811 Exec. Director, Pastor Tim Lane • P.O. Box 1108, Sacramento, CA 95812 Tune in our Radio Program: KFIA 710 AM, Sun & Mon 3 PM listen online & visit us at: www.ugmsac.com Facebook.com/UGMSAC
Serving Citrus Heights and Sacramento County Since 2006 It is the intent of the Citrus Heights Messenger to strive for an objective point of view in the reporting of news and events. It is understood that the opinions expressed on these pages are those of the authors and cartoonists and are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or our contributors. The Citrus Heights Messenger is not responsible for unsolicited Publisher, manuscripts or materials. The entire contents of the Citrus Heights Paul V. Scholl Messenger are copyrighted. Ownership of all advertising created and/or composed by the Citrus Heights Messenger is with the Citrus Heights Messenger publishing company and written permission to reproduce the same is a member of Messenger must be obtained from the publisher. Publishing Group Subscriptions should be mailed to Citrus Heights Messenger, To submit your articles, 7405 Greenback Lane, #129, Citrus Heights, CA 95610. Subscription information, announcements rate is $28 per year in Citrus Heights. Citrus Heights Messenger or letters to the editor, please is published twice monthly. Call (916) 773-1111 email a Microsoft Word file to: for more information. (ISSN # 1948-1918). [email protected]. Be sure to place in the subject field “Attention to Publisher”. We are proud members of these newspaper associations. If you do not have email access, please call us at (916) 773-1111. February 26, 2016 Citrus Heights Messenger • 5 Donald Trump on Bush’s WMD ‘Lie’ were going conspiratorial,” said and crew—when they bombed In short, all of that very recent Hannity, “suggesting that they Iraq because of its ominous WMD Of course, we did discover history was forgotten by an emo- knew that there were no weapons threat. The last such occasion was tional, angry political left after our of mass destruction.” December 1998, after Saddam some WMDs in Iraq after 2003 troops didn’t find the WMD stock- Trump answered: “No. I don’t again kicked out U.N. inspectors (everyone forgets this), and piles we all expected. have—you know, I can’t tell you as they demanded entry to clan- “ Of course, we did discover that. I can only tell you that get- destine WMD sites. By 2003, chief inspector David Kay found some WMDs in Iraq after 2003 ting into the war was a disaster.” inspections had not occurred in (everyone forgets this), and chief That was all that Trump said. Iraq in five years, which con- both Iraqi “infrastructure and inspector David Kay found both No further elaboration. Was he cerned George W. Bush and his intent” to ramp up WMD pro- Iraqi “infrastructure and intent” to backing down a bit? Maybe, but team greatly in the post-9/11 ramp up WMD production once it was hardly a major retraction or world. duction once Saddam later Saddam later figured he was in the apology. In my lectures on Iraq still clear. We did not, however, find Either way, Trump’s initial today, I quote lengthy articles figured he was in the clear. the warehouses of WMD stock- assertion should be dealt with. from The New York Times to — PAUL G. KENGOR piles we expected. (The better The idea that George W. Bush lied Newsweek that detailed Saddam’s PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE question is why not and what hap- about WMDs is an old, ludicrous frightening covert biological ” pened to the WMDs.) canard that needs to be dispatched and nuclear programs. Check Finally, aside from these facts, to the ash-heap of history. It is a the Washington Post (Barton imagine strictly for the sake of I used to show my students an governor let alone president. The Commentary very unfair smear. Gellman, “Iraq Works Toward argument that George W. Bush amazing video of Clinton’s secu- press was unanimous in report- by Paul G. Kengor Let’s recall the history leading A-Bomb,” September 30, 1998); did lie about WMDs. That would rity team—Cohen, Sandy Berger, ing daily that Iraq was producing up to 2003: The London Times (“Defectors mean that he and his adminis- and Madeleine Albright—being if not harboring WMDs in defi- “George Bush made a mistake,” The war debate was not over say Iraq tested nuclear bomb,” tration went to war in 2003 for a shouted down by extremely rude ance of the 1991 U.N. ceasefire. said Donald Trump in the South whether Saddam Hussein had February 25, 2001, and “Iraq ‘will fallacious if not treacherous rea- students in a forum at Ohio State There were never-ending reports Carolina debate last week. “We WMDs. Everyone was convinced have nuclear bomb in months,’” son they knew would be exposed University in February 1998, that Saddam was months away should have never been in Iraq.” he did, including Democrats, September 16, 2002); The the moment we got to Iraq and which CNN broadcast as an (estimates ranged from six to 18 Trump added that “we destabi- Bill and Hillary Clinton, Kofi New Yorker (Jeffrey Goldberg, found no WMDs. They would “International Town Meeting.” months) from a nuclear bomb, on lized” the larger Middle East. Annan at the U.N., the French, the “The Great Terror,” March 25, have pursued this self-defeat- Despite the embarrassing behavior top of his equally alarming bio Those are legitimate points of Russians, the world’s intelligence 2002); U.S. News & World ing tactic realizing it would be of the students, the Clinton team and chemical weapons arsenals, contention—though Trump should agencies, and on and on. Report (Richard J. Newman, revealed as a farce very soon, cer- hung in there, urging that America which he previously employed not exclude President Obama’s The debate was not if Saddam “Stalking Saddam,” February 23, tainly by the next year, meaning “must get those WMDs.” I also against “enemies” ranging from decision to prematurely pull had WMDs but how to best go 1998); Newsweek (John Barry, the very year (2004) that Bush regularly showed my students Kurdish children to the Marsh troops from Iraq. That move by about disarming him. The debate “Unearthing the Truth,” March 2, ran for re-election. It would have the November 1997 CNN special Arabs to the Iranians and Israelis. Obama in 2011 was disastrous, as within the international commu- 1998); or Time, the Los Angeles been a mission of political suicide, report, “Showdown with Iraq.” He promised to “scorch half of so many (including Bush himself) nity was whether an American-led Times, the Wall Street Journal probably even impeachable. This is just the tiniest sam- Israel” with “chemical gas.” warned it would be. It unques- invasion should be pursued to or other publications. Some of In short, Donald Trump can ple of what was always fresh and It was because of Saddam’s tionably helped enable the surge disarm Saddam (the approach these articles laid out not merely legitimately question Bush’s deci- available. obstruction, remember, that the of ISIS and its establishment of favored by George Bush and nuclear programs but supposed sion to invade Iraq. But his charge I began collecting such mate- Clinton administration unceas- a self-proclaimed “Islamic State” Tony Blair) or whether sanc- secret nuclear tests conducted by that George W. Bush lied about rial at CSIS. I maintained the ingly bombed suspected Iraqi caliphate. tions and arms inspections should Saddam. Peruse transcripts from WMDs is outrageous. briefing book (actually, literal WMD sites throughout the 1990s, But then Donald Trump went be pursued to disarm Saddam major TV news broadcasts: CBS, This is an old smear that needs briefing boxes) on this subject so often that Thomas Friedman of way overboard. (the French-Russian approach), ABC, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, to be ended, not resurrected by for our senior analysts, who were the New York Times quipped that “I want to tell you, they lied,” but never whether Saddam had CBC. Check the BBC and NPR. the Republican front-runner for CNN’s regular analysts, and most Saddam Hussein was the reason said Trump. “They said there were WMDs. And don’t neglect the full-blown president. of whom voted for Bill Clinton. God invented the cruise missile. weapons of mass destruction. For years, since at least 1990, books published by top houses, Dr. Paul Kengor is Professor In one case, we discovered and Thus, by 2003, President There were none. And they knew the world was certain that the like Khadhir Hamza’s Saddam’s of Political Science and blew the whistle on a suspected George W. Bush had correctly there were none.” Iraqi dictator was ever-assuredly Bombmaker. Executive Director of The Center Iraqi WMD site near Kirkuk. calculated that Saddam’s WMD The “they” means George W. securing WMDs. Watch the terrifying November for Vision & Values at Grove Dan Rather grabbed the story and arsenal, after at least five years of Bush, and (we must assume) basi- If I may, my personal experi- 23, 1997 clip of Bill Clinton’s City College. His latest book made it his lead in an October no inspections, was an intolera- cally Bush’s administration and ence is instructive: secretary of defense, Bill Cohen, is “11 Principles of a Reagan 1992 “CBS Evening News” ble, unacceptable risk in the wake entire security and foreign-policy I began working this issue on “Meet the Press with Tim Conservative.” His other books broadcast. Yes, that was way back of 9/11. and intelligence team. at the Center for Strategic & Russert,” laying out the Clinton include “The Communist: in 1992, when even then we were This was a fully legitimate Trump’s accusation is International Studies (CSIS) in administration’s horrifying pro- Frank Marshall Davis,” “The being told that Saddam was on fear, with Bush’s suspicion of outrageous. 1991, and then continued in grad- jections on Saddam’s WMD Untold Story of Barack Obama’s the cusp of an operational nuclear Saddam’s stockpiles first informed Given a chance to walk-back uate school, as a professor, and production in the absence of Mentor,” and “Dupes: How weapon. not by his advisers but, instead, by that remark in an interview with as a researcher for various think- inspections. Russert, usually mer- America’s Adversaries Have George W. Bush, like all of the media that informed all of us Sean Hannity, Trump seemed tanks. All along, I supported the ciless in grilling people, naturally Manipulated Progressives for a us, first heard about suspected in the 1990s, years before Bush unwilling. Democrats in the White House— accepted Cohen’s details; there Century.” H Iraqi WMDs from the media in became president. “Some people felt like you that is, Bill Clinton and Al Gore was no reason to doubt them. the 1990s, long before he was
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