In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 911, the Bush administration refused to call for an independent investigative panel. It was forced to do so by relatives of those killed at the Twin Towers and by rising public concern.

Since that time Bush has been complicating matters by refusing to answer questions the panel needs. Plus agencies under his control have been very slow to provide information and documents.

Since the Administration and its agencies has been foot dragging and lying the Commission's work is not complete. However recently, Bush said he supports a two month extension for the Commission to complete its work.

Curiously, the Republican controlled Congress has failed to approve an extension.

Bush went on to say he would speak to the commission regarding the events before and after 911. He also said to Tim Russert on Meet the Press, that he wanted the truth known and would give the commission access to intelligence briefings. This was certainly positive news to commission co-chairmen, former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean and former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton.

No access to these documents has been granted.  Probably never will be.

To the public, Bush is cooperating. He says the right words but his actions show he is lying and obstructing.

So far, Bush has not backed away from his promise to meet with the commission. However, as usual he is obstructing by putting conditions on the pending interview. He now says he will speak in private and only to only a couple of commission members he selects. Further those members will not be able to share any information they get from him with the rest of the committee.

Incredible.

This obstruction is expected from Bush. He is continuing his pattern of secrecy, lies and no shame. Incredibly most Americans believe him.

What does Bush have to hide? No one knows for sure.

What is known is that his administration was warned repeatedly about an imminent catastrophic attack in the months before 911. These warnings came from intelligence agencies in The Philippines, Israel, Germany, Russia and Egypt. All of them provided intelligence to the CIA and the White House about bin Laden and his allies, about airplanes as bombs  and potential targets.

History will judge Bush harshly. It will say he was to blame for 911, that he knew and did not stop the attacks on 911. History will say his family's financial associations with the Saudi royal family blinded him to reality. That plans to invade Iraq, which started in January 2001, was more important than preventing a likely an attack on America.

His obstructionist actions will support these accusations. Only the truth will dispel them. But Bush can't tell the truth and maybe Americans can handle it either.