Lies and Threats

As important in last night's liefest by George W. Bush announcing his strategy of more of the same failed policies in Iraq that we've seen before, was what he left out -- and what he implied.

In passing the buck for responsibility, the Shrub said "mistakes have been made." Great, glad to hear him acknowledge that. But what he left out was who made those mistakes. It wasn't enough for him to say responsibility rested with him; any captain, general or manager is "responsible" for the screw ups of those below him, in the way that even though they happened on his watch he can still pass the blame for those screw ups onto the people around him and save face by arguing that simply replacing those people is enough to exonerate him of any culpability.

Never mind that in a job such as the presidency, which Bush illegally occupies, having the final say on what subordinates do really does mean you're the main guy responsible for mistakes that cost lives. Never mind that Bush failed at every opportunity to listen to anyone and everyone who knew how to prosecute a war, firing those who dared tell him what he didn't want to hear no matter how truthful or realistic. As long as he can say mistakes were made, but not by him, the Shrub can go on living in denial.

The rest of Bush's speech last night was full of the usual bullshit, which may explain why even a number of Republicans were not convinced sending 20,000 + troops to Iraq will make any significant difference for the better. But what should have been far more alarming than the mainstream media made it out to be was the thinly-veiled threat of widening the war in the Middle East to attack Iran and/or Syria.

With our military stretched to the breaking point in Afghanistan (remember that war?) and Iraq, it is sheer madness to even consider starting a military conflict with Iran.

Iran is far stronger militarily than Iraq was when the U.S. invaded the latter country. Tehran has also had ample time to prepare for a sustained war on the ground, something War Secretary Robert Gates should know. Retiring general John Abizaid sure knows, but because he dared to tell the truth before Congress he was shown the door. So now a Navy admiral has replaced him at Central Command, who is well schooled in aerial and naval bombing campaigns. There is only one practical reason for this move; a planned attack on Iran, which is sure to result in a declaration of war against the U.S.

Bush, in trying to salvage his ego last night, threatened to start what could escalate into World War III. It is now more important than ever for Congress to reign in this tyrant, and remove him.