Ha Ha Ha...sucks to be Bush. Frankly, I think it would suck to be any president..."God Bless them" for doing it, as he might say. And it surely doesnt suck as much as those he's killed or families he has dessimated, right?
But to hear that (how many is it?) SIX retired generals are calling for Rumsfeld's dismissal? Bad news for CampBush! He's screwed. Frankly, he cant say "boo" without Rumsfeld. Although I'm no Rumsy Fan, I do think he has unflinchingly taken his positions...without apology. Again, while I dont like or agree with most anything to do with these guys, I do see the utility of that approach...especially in Bush's administration. Bush has made a career of taking a hard stand (right or wrong) and not moving from it, surrounding himself with like-unminded thinkers. Rumsfeld, and his media-ready straightface are PERFECT for that bill. In a word: Bush needs Rumsy.
Further, in a time of drowning ratings and war-disapproval, Bush cant afford to show things unraveling. Firing Rumsfeld would show a weakness Bush cant allow. The foundation might be dust, but he'll be damned before he admits any cracking, right?
But six military experts...high-ups, in the know, field-experienced but also politicos...they're kinda hard to ignore, arent they? And if you ignore them, its not going to help public approval any.
Yeah, it sucks to be Bush right now. Then again, Clinton didnt exactly give himself an easy ride, either, did he? These "great" men sow the seeds of their own undoing. I've always thought our political process had some major flaws in that it selected essentially flawed individuals. Women, anyone of ethnicity or alternative lifestyle could never succeed, regardless of ability. Really, its just a MARKETING race. Its a financial balance sheet victory...one of smear-avoidance and good soundbites. Americans arent smart, we're just a band of TV-watchers who want quick, easy results. We want a pretty, recognizable face.
I also think this is why Americans want out of Iraq...now. Forget that we're guaranteed to have done more harm than good if we give them a Cold Turkey goodbye! It will be a withdrawal like kicking cocaine...ugly.
Believe me, I was absolutely NO FAN of going to war. I am sickened by the thought of the world-wide harm to our country's integrity, not to mention the senseless pain brought to thousands...all in the name of "that's my story, and I'm sticking with it" GWB.
And I have no clue how we will undo this debacle. It likely wont be successful. But why would we opt for guaranteed failure? For once, I'm in CampBush...much as it pains me to admit it. And I'm again frustrated with Americans' shortsightedness.
Hey, we've been in Afganistan longer, but nobody remembers that. Parts of Africa are in SERIOUS jeopardy, but that isnt sexy. But lets be sure to get out of Iraq when it surely WILL be our present-day Vietnam, right? Yeah people are dying...but we think that's the only place? We think Civil War would be less bloody? We started this, shouldnt we try to fix it?
Yes, have a withdrawal plan...ANY plan. C'mon USA government, tell the world SOMETHING about goals, independence, autonomy, expectations, etc. I think this is the challenge on which we should focus our efforts. Its a mighty challence. And will we do it with or without Rumsfeld? HA!
And speaking of screwed: My husband is worn out. New baby, new job, new home...almost new marriage to a high maintenance whacky chick. CIO of a very dynamic, pre-IPO company with an agressive CEO and board. Budget constraints. Useless relatives. Crying and cholic. He's deservedly exhausted.
I planned to take the family camping this weekend. Its been hot (87' today), Baby hasnt been camping since last fall, its relaxing to just get.away.from.it.all. Frankly, I'm psyched about it. Then this morning I read this. And we were even talking about taking a week-long trip camping in the Smokies! Do I really want to bring an infant there? Then again, has the lightning already struck and now its safer than before? Why do I ponder (worry about) such abstract thoughts? I really need sleep...
I've seen black bears at one of the places that I backpack. I've seen people feeding them, right by their tents. Black bears are so much smaller than their bigger cousins, that people think they are safe. Sadly, that is not true. Even though they are smaller than a grizzly, they are much larger and heavier than a large dog. Something I didn't know about black bears is "black bears like to attack and eat dead creatures, which makes humans feigning death at bear attacks ineffective". I found that tidbit at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Black_Bear
Posted by: Monolith | April 15, 2006 at 07:23 AM
You what scares me Meg? I have a feeling that Iraq is just the tip of the iceberg as far as middle east debacles go. Wait till Iran happens. I hope we're not looking back at this in 5 years and saying, "Remember the good old days when we were complaining about Iraq? If we only knew..."
Posted by: Your Conscience | April 17, 2006 at 11:41 AM
You know what scares me Meg? I have a feeling that Iraq is just the tip of the iceberg as far as middle east debacles go. Wait till Iran happens. I hope we're not looking back at this in 5 years and saying, "Remember the good old days when we were complaining about Iraq? If we only knew..."
Posted by: Your Conscience | April 17, 2006 at 11:42 AM