Bovard: Waco, Epstein, & Washington's War On Truth

Thirty years ago, the federal government's abuse of power was on full display during the Waco siege, which resulted in the deaths of 76 people, including women and children. The incident began on February 28, 1993, when ATF agents launched an attack on the home of the Branch Davidians, leading to a 59-day standoff that ended with the FBI using tanks to collapse the building and a fire that killed those inside. Attorney General Janet Reno took responsibility for the decision, but later shifted the blame to others. The American public initially supported the FBI's actions, but as more information came to light, questions arose about the government's handling of the situation. In 1995, Congress held hearings to investigate the incident, but they were marred by a lack of transparency and accountability from government officials. Many Democrats and Republicans alike seemed more interested in protecting the government's image than in uncovering the truth. The hearings were marked by a lack of courage from lawmakers to challenge federal agents and a general lack of understanding of the issues at hand. Despite some efforts by a few Republican congressmen to push for answers, the hearings ultimately failed to deliver a full accounting of the government's actions. The Waco siege remains a dark stain on the federal government's record, and the lack of accountability and transparency in its aftermath is a testament to the power of government to cover up its own wrongdoing.