Intense pressure from the American public and the 9/11 Commission, prompted National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to testify publicly under oath on Thursday of last week. The White House denied that her appearance meant a buckling of knees by the administration. President Bush said that it was her intention to testify from the onset but ground rules had to be set. The agreement reached, allowed her to face the panel for two and a half hours. Unfortunately, the first 45 minutes was hers for the purpose of delivering the Bush doctrine. In reality, ten panelists divided 100 minutes of clock time. Translation: each member was allotted ten minutes to question the world’s second most famous gap toothed celebrity. Actress Lauren Hutton would win the title in a “Dental Floss” sponsored nationally televised smile off contest.

Dr. Rice used the term “historical” numerous times during her testimony. It was her goal to transfer the blame of 9/11 on previous administrations; most notably the Clinton regime. Her answers were long, deliberate and an impediment to the process. On one occasion, Washington Attorney Ben Veniste pleaded with the former professor to answer yes or no to his questions. His plea prompted a quick hard stare but no heed to his request. Throughout her questioning, it was easy to see why she is the star defender of the Bush Administration. The White House worries about what may come out of the mouth of Attorney General John Ashcroft but Ms. Rice can sell marbles to an amputee; so the president slept well after her session was over.

Most broadcast and print journalists agreed that her testimony didn’t harm the president’s poll numbers with his supporters but the performance did little to convert new constituents. Personally. I thought her performance was wooden. She seems incapable of exuding genuine emotion. Few people expected her to admit any wrongdoing during her administration’s 233 days prior to the horrific event. Instead she cited the administration’s relative newness as a reason why they should be deemed innocent. Her denial of wrongdoing is symbolic of the president’s inability to find fault with any action or policy exercised by the administration.

The 9/11 commission will continue it’s hearing through June and announce the findings, sometime in July. I am particularly interested in the testimony of Louis Freeh, former FBI Director during the Clinton Administration. Mr. Freeh and his boss rarely saw eye to eye and rumor has it that Freeh’s appointment was part of a “quid pro quo” deal.
Allegedly the director was able to keep his job because he had a lot of republican friends in congress. He was on board after the Bush transition but resigned shortly before 9/11. William Muller who remains the director replaced Freeh. Muller will testify at week’s end.

Freeh and his deputy director will most assuredly blame John Ashcroft for running a loose ship. They will cite his purposed departmental budget cut and his lack of attention to their warning of potential terrorist action on the horizon. Ashcroft will deny their contention and force the commission to determine the truth. The finger pointing could harm the credibility of the Bush Administration. Stay tuned!

Loyal Opposition
While the Republicans are defending their president, the Democrats are taking to the offense. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a key democratic component. Will visit “Wild Horse Pass” on May 27th and mingle with friends and stalwarts of the Democratic Party. Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Party Chairman Jim Pederson, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva and fellow legislator Ed Pastor plan to attend.

The event is scheduled to start 6-ish that evening and the goal is to raise “Bush” like amounts of money. They actually think that their party can pick-up two cong ressional seats. Randy Camacho and Paul Babbitt have a legitimate shot to win Congressional districts 2 and 1. Respectively. A chunk of cash might make the difference. Other democratic happenings include a May 6th visit from the Democratic Leadership Council. They will lodge at the posh Arizona Biltmore. Topics to be discussed could include the selection of a vice president for Mr. Kerry. Potential candidates include: Governors of Iowa, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Senator Ben Nelson. The junior senator from North Dakota may also be a contender.

2004 Diabetes Expo
Legendary performer Della Reese will visit phoenix May 1 and participate in the 8th annual Diabetes Expo at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. The event is billed as the nation’s largest educational program for the general public. 100+ exhibits and lots of information focused on the care of Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease can be obtained at the daylong Expo.

Ms. Reese, actor/singer/talk show host/author/, was born in Detroit and began vocalizing in her neighborhood church. By the age of 18, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson. A well-known ordained minister, Della found time to co-star in the hit series: “Touched by an Angel” for which she received an Emmy nomination. The popularity of the series added a new dimension to an already stellar career. Della is scheduled to address the crowd at 2pm. Doors open (halls D & E) at 8:30am. Event coordinator Tom Donohue wants prospective volunteers to call him at 602-861-4731 (Ext. 7097)

Also speaking at the Expo will be the famous “Galloping Gourmet” Graham Kerr. He will share his experience with Diabetes at noontime. We encourage everyone to go. Tickets are available at the civic Plaza Box-Office.

World of Vareka
The genius of Cirque Du Soleil is often imitated but never duplicated. Conceived some twenty years ago, the names of the performers have changed but the accolades continue to pour in from all over the world. On April 29th the world famous circus troupe will memorize fans with their presentation of “World of Vareka”. Described as visionary and surreal, the story line begins with a young man parachuting from the sky and into a beautiful forest. His adventures will capture the imagination of everyone and stir the “gypsy” in all of us. Performances will be held at the West World facility in Scottsdale through May 16th. The production includes spectacular aerial acts and acrobatic stunts. For show times and ticket information, call West World or Ticket Master outlets. During weekday performances, Children twelve and under receive a discount. Monitor Hispano is proud to suggest this show for the entire family. Enjoy!

Boxing Notes

Promoter/Trainer Joe Diaz reports brisk ticket sales for the Yory-Boy Campas Vs Selby Pudwill title fight on May 8th at the Dodge Theatre. 602-245-1774 is the number to call. Ticket prices start at twenty bucks, very reasonable.

On May 14th, undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., (6-0-2ko’s) will try to make it seven wins with an under card bout at the Dodge Theatre on May 14th. Local favorite Jesus Gonzalez is on the card also. Super-featherweight Miguel Cotto (22-0-15 ko’s) will face a “To be Announced” opponent in the main event. We will keep you posted. Do not be surprised if Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. is on hand to cheer for his son. See you there!

It’s The Law

Most 18 year-old males are concentrating on going to the prom or buying their first car. There is another ritual that is just as important. All 18-year-old males (citizens and Aliens) are required by law to register with the United States Selective System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Failure to do so could mean prison time, costly fine or denial of certain benefits. Teenagers who are morally opposed to registering must contact the service and express their reasons for not wanting to comply. For more information, call 1-888-655-1825 0r go online at www.sss.gov. Be wise like an owl and please register.