Barney Frank: “last week the Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of the United States, Karl Rove, a man who began as a political…”

“last week the Deputy Chief of Staff of the President of the United States, Karl Rove, a man who began as a political operator, and was rewarded for his political successes by being named to a very high position in the administration--indeed, he is clearly as influential in shaping the policies of the Bush Administration as anyone other than the President himself--made a speech which was harsh, as is his right, but which was thoroughly dishonest, which again is his right under the first amendment to the Constitution, but ought not to be a right which high officials of the Federal Government avail themselves of so freely. Mr. Rove lied. The speech consists of a number of conscious, deliberate lies, particular ones and general ones. Here is what he said in his effort to further the deep polarization of this country from which he believes his side will benefit if he is able to shape the way in which it is perceived. ``The most important difference between conservatives and liberals can be found in the area of national security. Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 in the attacks and prepared for war. Liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers.'' Mr. Speaker, that is a lie. It is a lie consisting of a number of lies. I am a liberal, Mr. Speaker.…”