I watched President Bush's speech tonight.

He said (essentially) that the surge is working, that it is vital, and that's why we can now stop doing it.

This is an insult to informed, reasonable and intellegent people.

The reason that a drawdown will begin - MUST begin - is simple. The current level of troop strength cannot be maintained unless tours in Iraq are extended beyond 15 months (something the Pentagon has pledged not to do).

Admiral Mullen (soon to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in July. He admitted that regardless of conditions on the ground, the surge must end because we do not have adequate troops to continue it, barring a draft, further extension of tours, or further mobilization of reserves.

To say that the President's speech tonight was little more than spin, though perhaps an accurate enough assessment, is far kinder than he deserves given the gravity of the situation. I'll speak plainly and from my heart. George W. Bush is a liar, a scoundrel and an idiot. I chose these words carefully. I use them strictly, not as rhetoric, and without a trace of hyperbole. He has nothing of value left to offer this Republic.

It was of little comfort to hear the Democratic reaction (both official and unofficial), and downright terrifying to hear Republican Mike Huckabee state that we're in a "theological war."

It appears that the 2008 election may offer us little more than the choice between impotence on the one hand and psychosis on the other.
9:58:16 PM      comment []

Fair Use and Economic Growth

The Computer and Communications Industry Association says Fair Use Pays.

"To stay on the edge of innovation and productivity, we must keep fair use as one of the cornerstones for creativity, innovation and, as today's study indicates, an engine for growth for our country"
6:28:43 PM      comment []

Worth A Listen

September 11th: What's Changed?
6:23:19 PM      comment []