It doesn't matter that Bush scares the hell out of me. What matters is that he scares the hell out of a lot of very important people in Washington who can't speak out, in the military, in the intelligence community.

Seymour Hersh’s quote, "It doesn't matter that Bush scares the hell out of me. What matters is that he scares the hell out of a lot of very important people in Washington who can't speak out, in the military, in the intelligence community," highlights Hersh’s concern about the political power and influence of then-President George W. Bush. Hersh, an investigative journalist known for his work exposing government wrongdoing, is expressing that his own fear of Bush is less significant than the fear felt by key figures within the U.S. government, particularly those in the military and intelligence sectors, who are often unable to publicly criticize the President or his policies.

The origin of this quote comes from Hersh’s investigations into the inner workings of U.S. government agencies, particularly in the aftermath of the Iraq War and the controversial policies of the Bush administration. Hersh, known for his critical reporting on government actions, especially around military and intelligence issues, is pointing out that while public dissent against the President might be limited, those in powerful positions within the military and intelligence communities might also feel a similar level of fear but are constrained by their positions and unable to speak out.

Hersh’s statement underscores the tension between power and accountability within the U.S. government. The idea that even those in crucial positions of authority are too intimidated to voice their concerns suggests a troubling level of control or influence exerted by Bush’s administration. It also reflects Hersh’s broader critique of the lack of transparency and the difficulties faced by those who might oppose the President’s policies but feel silenced by their roles.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a commentary on the political climate during the Bush presidency and the challenges of balancing governmental power with democratic accountability. Hersh warns that the fear and lack of dissent within powerful sectors like military and intelligence can have significant implications for both domestic and international policy, especially when the voices of those most affected by decisions are suppressed.