Mummy's Apron

Suburban Uniformity Vehicle, Todd Marcinkiewicz

Like the castle in his corner in a medieval game
I foresee terrible trouble but I stay here just the same

I don't want to do your dirty work, no more
I'm a fool to do your dirty work, oh yeah
--Dirty Work, Steely Dan


Even with a turkey that you know will fold
You may be stranded out in the cold
Still you wouldn't trade it for a sack o' gold
Let's go on with the show
--There's no Business Like Show Business, from Annie Get Your Gun
____________

Once again, the Decider hides behind a woman's skirt and daddy's cronies, this time in his bid to get Arab allies on board the sinking ship that is Iraq.

If it isn't Harriet doing his dirty work, then it is Condi. Ranger wants to know if it is the Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense that is formulating U.S. foreign policy. Of course, the two are synergistic, so Ranger wonders why our maximus minimus leader and Decider Guy does not/is not/or will not participate in this key event that could decide the fate of the U.S. in the Middle East.

Our policy should emphasize U.S. needs, wants and acquisitions as separate and distinct objectives from those required to stabilize Iraq. America and Iraq are not Siamese twins. Has this essential fact escaped U.S. leaders?

Clearly the Iraqis are cognizant of this truth, and are acting in their own best interests. America does not benefit from alienating Saudi Arabia, Jordan and most of all, Turkey. Long-term allies should be treated with respect that reflects long-term policy goals in the region.

Thankfully, GWB will come and go, but America will be required to stay the course in the region. This is what is best for America, but we're playing our bets on a losing hand, and our present policies are alienating all of our previous long-term regional allies.

The time for diplomacy is before an elective war, not after it has degenerated into a free-for-all. For someone accustomed to being bailed out, however, this delinquency is par for the course. It works for GWB stateside, having fall guys glean off the detritus of his failed and illegal policies. But for Iraq, the dead bodies lie squarely at the feet of this incompetent Commander-in Chief.

Heck of a job. Time to retire now behind nanny's skirt. Should be good for a Medal of Freedom for Ms. Rice.