After years of lies, the White House has finally admitted that they made the “Mission Accomplished” banner. While Bush has tried to make the banner go away by cropping it from photographs on the White House web site, this, the 5th year anniversary of his appearance on an aircraft carrier off of the coast of California has focused attention once more on the blunder, born in hubris and self-congratulation.

The White House has been in spin mode regarding the subject for five years, but now finally admits that, despite Bush’s denials, the White House did create the banner:

“He [Bush] said the White House had nothing to do with the banner; a spokesman later said the ship’s crew asked for the sign, and the White House staff had it made by a private vendor.”

So Bush just lied to us about the banner, and that is acceptable? Remember when a President was supposed to conduct himself/herself with honor, or at least make a pretense of honor by telling us lies that respect our intelligence?

The lying is horrible, but the disrespect Bush has for the American people and the other branches of government is what has rightfully earned him the title of America’s worst President. Some go so far as to say that it is not possible for there to be another President in the future who will perform this badly, and label Bush: Worst. President. Ever.

Now his press conferences resembles those of a man who feels he no longer has to look or act presidential. He has become the class clown, and is unapologetic, stating that “History” will judge his lies that got us into war much more kindly than we do now.

By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - The White House said Wednesday that President Bush has paid a price for the “Mission Accomplished” banner that was flown in triumph five years ago but later became a symbol of U.S. misjudgments and mistakes in the long and costly war in Iraq.

Thursday is the fifth anniversary of Bush’s dramatic landing in a Navy jet on an aircraft carrier homebound from the war. The USS Abraham Lincoln had launched thousands of airstrikes on Iraq.

“Major combat operations in Iraq have ended,” Bush said at the time. “The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on Sept. 11, 2001, and still goes on.” The “Mission Accomplished” banner was prominently displayed above him — a move the White House came to regret as the display was mocked and became a source of controversy.

After shifting explanations, the White House eventually said the “Mission Accomplished” phrase referred to the carrier’s crew completing its 10-month mission, not the military completing its mission in Iraq. Bush, in October 2003, disavowed any connection with the “Mission Accomplished” message.

He said the White House had nothing to do with the banner; a spokesman later said the ship’s crew asked for the sign and the White House staff had it made by a private vendor.

At least 49 U.S. troops died in Iraq in April, making it the deadliest month since September when 65 U.S. troops died.

Now in its sixth year, the war in Iraq has claimed the lives of at least 4,061 members of the U.S. military. Only the Vietnam War (August 1964 to January 1973), the war in Afghanistan (October 2001 to present) and the Revolutionary War (July 1776 to April 1783) have engaged America longer.

Bush, in a speech earlier this month, said that “while this war is difficult, it is not endless.”

White House admits fault on ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner - Yahoo! News.