Moral bankruptcy

I've been struck by the statements of many voters that they were voting for Bush based on "moral values." If "moral values" trump other considerations in the minds of the voters, then language has been emptied of all meaning.

What, precisely, is moral about a president and a vice president who have both actively avoided combat to start a war, based on twisted evidence, that has led to the deaths of innocent Iraqis and more than 1,100 American military service members?

What, precisely, is moral about the repudiation of the Geneva Convention and the sanctioned torture of prisoners, without penalty to those in authority who authorized such tactics?

What, precisely, is moral about unfunded mandates such as the much touted No Child Left Behind law, while at the same time working actively to undermine public education at every turn? About intrusion on private life choices such as marital partners or family planning?

What, precisely, is moral about blocking scientific research that may carry benefits for all, or practicing fiscal policies that favor the privileged, or allowing so many to suffer illnesses and injuries without benefit of health insurance?

This is moral bankruptcy at best and examples of the sad truth that under this administration language does not reflect reality, but rather creates it.

Orwell was right.