Bush Sees the (artificial) Light

...there was rejoicing (well, there would have been without the curfew, but the few people I saw on the streets were excited) when the power came back on for blocks on end. [...] The mini-mart, long ago cleaned out by looters, was nonetheless bathed in light, including the empty, roped-off gas pumps. The motorcade route through the district was partially lit no more than 30 minutes before POTUS drove through. And yet last night, no more than an hour after the President departed, the lights went out. The entire area was plunged into total darkness again, to audible groans. It's enough to make some of the folks here who witnessed it... jump to certain conclusions.

msnbc

I assume the conclusion was that this was simply a press opportunity for Bush. "Look at the progress!".

But rather possibly I think that it was done to fool Bush into thinking the situation was better than is really was. Why assume Bush has any idea of what is going on other than what his ear piece tells him?

Can Bush read?

One of these days we should not be surprised when an insurgent force breaches the Green Zone and takes some U.S. diplomats hostage.

Ragin' lefty anti-bush zealot?

Our departure will likely lead to a brutal civil war, but such a war creates opportunities for the United States where it can rebuild its credibility with those forces who represent modernity and secular progress.

Those traitors Cindy'ists?

Staying the course and enduring further casualties while the insurgency grows stronger is an insane policy.

...

Rosy scenario does not live in Iraq. Until we come to grips with this truth American soldiers will continue to be killed and maimed for no good reason.

No, it is Larry Johnson, a former CIA analyst and counter terrorism official at the State Department.

Read a better article than mine on the matter here.

When the Reality of the Situation Sets In

Then:

the police said Mr. Menezes wore a bulky jacket on a hot day, began running from officers despite commands to halt, vaulted the ticket turnstile and ran stumbling onto the subway train [and was shot while fleeing].

Now:

he was killed even though he walked into the subway station wearing a light denim jacket, did not vault the turnstile and was sitting on the train when the officers moved in

Sick. It is just sickening.

New York Times on the Matter

Bob Novak Lost his Cool (Live)

It seems as if the pressure on the humble reporter is getting to be a bit much. Poor guy.

Post at Eschaton. Check about any other link on the right side of the page for other views on the issue.