Give President Bush his due for his bold surprise visit to Baghdad, which was something of a victory lap and confidence-building event after the killing of al-Qaida terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
The lightning visit and a high-profile Iraq strategy session before the trip were effective political theater, but they also signal some important policy changes, including a new plan to lock down and secure Baghdad — no mean feat in a city of 6 million, but essential to restoring order in the country — and a public shifting of authority to Iraq’s new government.
Still, that Bush had to keep his visit so secret until the last minute, even from his Iraqi hosts, indicates just how dangerous Iraq remains.
If securing Baghdad works to any degree — and that’s a big if — it could at least allow the new government to come out of the heavily fortified Green Zone, which would a huge symbolic step forward.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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59 Comments
Bush did little more than show-us what Prime Minster Olmert had told him in “locking-down Baghdad,” “You must be ruthless,” so how many Iraqis must die to pump-up the Bush ego?
Eric Bernie told us all about a Bush Type in the “Games People Plan” and age has not improved its line of thought or the methodology.
Although that applied to his upcoming treatment of the Mexicans defeating the “wall” between the US and Mexico, it signaled that brutality is better than peace.
“Dying for Democracy” is the theater behind this Iraqi debacle and all the circus in the world won’t change the spots on the Leopard.
Karl Rove got in his “cheap-shot” and that’s all that matters to the Bushco bunch.
That and piling-up the dead innocents for both Americans and Iraqis to grieve, along with the sane world’s good conscience.
Ruthlessness wins and peace suffers yet another day.
Not anytime soon soon will the world forget a family’s “beach party” being turned into a nightmare by an artillery shell fired from an off-shore Israeli Gunboat.
With a child’s scream heard around the world.
Should be: “Games People Play”
Thanks Bush for visiting our troops over there. I appreciate that.
Let’s not encourage this too much.He has a hard enough time staying at work.
Yes Joe, at least he made an effort to bring some badly needed moral to our troops. That is good.
“If you build a better mouse trap, the world will beat a path to your door.”
You don’t have to sell it.
He should have brought the troops home. That’s the best moral booster there is along with the right thing to do.
Without us there, the Iraqis will settle down.
But that’s not part on the “Project for the New American Century.”
Rumsfeld is our de facto President.
Today’s Bushism- Jan. 23, 2004, Washington, D.C.:” The illiteracy level of our children are appalling”.
Is this leading by “examplification”?
Bush has a hard time chewing gum { while not walking }.
Ed- That’s because he didn’t unwrap it before chewing.
OH!!! So you have to take off the bright shiny paper before chewing the gum! But it is so bright and shiny and as we all know – Bush likes objects that are bright and shiny. Look, over there – it’s another bright shiny object…and another…and another…
OMG- You mean there’s a difference between chewing bright and being bright?? Now you tell him!
I am pretty sure the word “bright” no matter what the context, isnt used in bush’s presence very often. Kinda rubs salt in the wounds of the preznit. He is sensitive about such things.
Doesn’t the White House know, that we all know, what this “trip” to see the troops was really all about.
I’m laughing too hard to be insulted.
Bush is underestimating us about as badly as he underestimated the Iraqis.
{ In Bush-speak: That’s “Disunderestimationed” }
That’s the first thing that came to mind, but I could’t resist the obvious.I guess I was being “disunrespectfullable”, huh?
Bush-speak hurts my mouth. And I must be very careful, as I have a reputation to live up to.
Ed- very good!
Maybe the “bounce” will be as big as the one he got for killing zarqawi.
One percent according the WSJ poll. From 36 to 37.
Cant you just hear the jets winding up on the runway? Cant you just hear the preznit?
“gas ‘er up karl. we have LOTS of trips to make before november at once percent bounce per trip.”
The real question is a bit longer-term. Will there be success in pacifying Iraq and in Iraqiization of the war? THAT will determine whether Bush and the GOP benefit from this trip and other recent events.
Thanks gster…..KFG, Good one!
Ben, I think I see a big one coming, as the Iraqis can’t stand our “puppet government.”
It feels as though they’re regrouping.
I’m inclined to agree with you Ed. That said, however, I would greatly like to see some sort of reconciliation take hold in Iraq. If that means Bush gets credit then that is fine with me.
On the other hand, if this thing continues to go sour then the Bushdabeast and his BushBots deserve to have it hung around their necks.
Also, Bush has Iran backed into a corner. If they let him take Iraq, then they know that they’re next.
Rumsfeld supposedly just put 10,000 troops into Afghanistan. That number might be much higher, but that’s putting them into position to attack Iran, or keep the Taliban from backing-up Iran.
The bombing in Iraq right now must be horrific and not being reported.
From what I’m gathering, the attack into Iran is “planned” for July. But that may be based on how things are going in Iraq.
CSM
“US in Iraq greatest danger to global peace”
So why does that fool Bush have us in Iraq?
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0615/dailyUpdate.html
“Bushdabeast and his BushBots deserve to have it hung around their necks.”
heheh Ben, as a “wack job liberal” (so defined by nathan) I wonder if you know why I am laughing?
The old timers used to hang a dead chicken around the dog’s neck and let it stay until it rotted off as shame and punishment for killing the chickens.
Ya know, once they get the taste of fresh blood in their mouths, it is hard to break ‘em of doing it again.
Like bush getting to chase and kill the chickens in iraq. And now we cant break him from going to iran since he finds he likes the taste of warm blood?
Put ‘em on a short chain and tie that dead chicken around their necks. I bet even THAT wont break ‘em.
Face it, the dog is ruined. :)
Ed – I wonder if cooler heads in Tehran might decide that the better path for them would be to work with European countries to defuse the situation in the ME. As a part of that use their limited influence in Iraq to help foster a reconciliation government bringing together Shiites, Sunni, and Kurds. I think that Iran’s interests would be best served by a stable Iraq – and that they know that. Remove any excuse for the US to continue its occupation of that country.
It was Europe that brought Libya out of its shell. Maybe they can accomplish a miracle in Iran and Iraq.
Good post, KFG. I wasn’t a farm kid, but remember hearing that one, too.
You know how TeamBush defines the giddy heights of popularity?When less than two thirds of the country loathe you.
Yeah DD. The preznit even joked about how when his numbers were at 32%, dead eye dick wanted to know what his SECRET was, since darth cheney’s numbers were ONLY higher (at 18%) than paris hilton’s.
heheheheh
Where’s Nathan, Heckler, Hankie-Poo, Outlander, and BlowJoe to gloat over this latest superb showing by Great Leader? Tres’ strange.
…and on THAT subject CF….
did you ever wonder where some of these one hit wonder posters come from?
ya know, nick,ruby,gerite,barb,etc.
or the two names, like joeblow,oneshot,sotheysaid, etc?
Do you ever wonder why they have identical positions, spout the conservative republican talking points, take a shot and then leave until the NEXT RNC talking point comes out?
heheheh. Ya might wanna check out this trend in cyber spying:
http://agitprop.typepad.com/agitprop/2006/06/get_out_your_ti.html
…and an even BETTER link on these guys:
http://www.cybersoc.com/2006/05/behind_netvocat.html
Explains a lot about some strange postings here…
Why you EVIL, EVIL lefties!!Wait till Hank and Nathan get here to give you all the punishment you deserve!They are the deciders, and will decide what’s best for ya’ll.(Just kidden’ Hank & Jr.)I had to say that just kidden part just in case I ever come to one of the meets.
KFG,Read the second link. Interesting.
I have often wondered how some people could be so perfectly alligned with the assigned talking points. What if they aren’t real people? I don’t know which alternative creeps me out more.
“I had to say that just kidden part just in case I ever come to one of the meets.”
Dont worry Tracy, I got yer back.
And I have guns too…hehehe. Big ones.
Ben
That’s not a part of the total commitment Bush has been sworn to and if it’s suggesting straying from the global conquest thing these jerks are on, then it’s not going to happen.
These people are crazy: Rumsfeld/Bush/Rove/Rice and you’ll need to imagine their thoughts, or what it’s like to be crazy to figure what they’re doing.
They either rigged 9/11 or it fell into their laps and the PNAC thing that Cheney and Rumsfeld cooked-up was underway.
Bush’s dad knows how serious and dangerous this thing is and did his best to stop it.
But “little boy Bush wanted his way” { that’s where that “decider comment came from }.
The hard-line Israelis are playing this gruesome foursome for suckers, while allowing them to do all the dirty work.
Bush is too stupid to know what’s really happening.
Ed – my scenario would be for Iran to go with Europe, not the US. That is the road Libya took.
Libya surrendered. Actually that happen when Reagan bombed his tent, killed his wife and kid.
PNAC has their oil.
Welcome to the Project for the New American Century. { PNAC }
Welcome to Hell.http://www.newamericancentury.org/
You’re right, KSFrmGrl–
I tell you the truth, I’m not eager to let anybody know any personal information about me . . . Why?
Because the mean-spirited right-wingers throw it up in your face–
Look at what Hank Price did to JR, making fun at him “living with his mom” when in fact he’s supporting his mom who needs assistance.
Then there’s Mr. Boy Christian, his son Nathan, blowing the guy shit about the kind of car he drives.
No thanks. I’ve seen how these scum-bags treat posters who reveal the least little personal detail around here.
Screw em.
DING DING DING!
Zeitgeist!
DING DING DING!
Just a little reminder about who the mean spirited is around here.
Looks like you have the bad case of the hates.
There is nothing to worry about. Don’t get all self-important, just because you’re a leftist. It doesn’t matter.
As long as you’re not trolling, it’s all good.
Zeitgeist,
If you actually read the blog I was not making fun of what JR drives. I was saying he didn’t drive the most fuel efficient car. More to the point I was specifically wondering (don’t remember who know) was driving.
It was not about JR at all, more of a reference to my knowing what he drove and that other person didn’t.
But don’t let the little things like the truth get in your way.
Oh, and to go along with the typical response to anytime I say a word about what someone says being uncivil…
Why don’t you stop your whining?
Oh no you don’t Nathan.”Don’t let little things like the truth get in your way”
Just when was “the Truth” your province Nathan?
Nathan is taking a trick out of his Dad’s book and hitting at me when he thinks I won’t answer back.
I’ll do a bonedig and expose you lying Prices yet again.
You said I drove an SUV!
And if you questioned just who was driving you sure did not do it at the meetup or on the tread in question as I will show.
JR,
I was saying that whoever that person was probably drove an SUV.
I was saying I knew what you drive, I wondered what that oterh person did.
I am not a liar. It was poorly written and misunderstood.
It is no trick JR. However, you are not the brightest bulb on the tree, so I won’t hold it against you.
Lie on me and just NOW half ass apologize…. and then insult my intelligence.
Wow Nathan, how hollow your calls for civility ring.
No Nathan it is your own words I’ll bring back to haunt you.
Civility… what is that JR?
As everyone around here seems to say…
Stop your crying.
If you wouldn’t make it so darn easy JR, I might not say stuff about your intelligence.
My father pointed out what I meant, I think I did too. Yet you want to drag it back up to try to prove I was doing something I was not.
And what is even dumber is that I don’t care.
So what if I did make fun of what you drive? Apparently whatever call for civility we had is gone now, so I am not going to lose any sleep over what you want to misunderstand me saying.
Here are your own words Nathan.
“I know what JR drives. It isn’t any of the more fuel efficient hybrids or electric cars either.Typical liberal I will suspect. Driving around in your SUV’s flying in your private jets while preaching about oil.”
There is much need for more civility on this blog.
It IS telling that it is the left that fights for this. I see no right wingers calling down their own. Even as just recently a left wing “civil war” raged as to one of “ours” who went “over the line”.
On another thread, Hank and Joe Williams troll for me and accuse me falsely respectively.
Why?
Is the single dad, webtv outta “work” guy just the easiest target when your ideals are found wanting?
Or am I just the easiest target when you get us to turn on our own?
Nathan you best tend to yourself and your own in your calls for civility.
Great posts JR. The bots just wanted tb out of here because he kicks their asses. Same with me and others.
Their calls for civility were merely calls for mercy. They just wanted people out of here so THEY could control the insults, the lies, the “poorly written, misunderstood” posts that are really lies and smears.
And they wonder why some of us clearly have such a poor opinon of the extreme conservatives, the bushbots, and the dominionists on this blog.
They’ve earned it.
“Typical liberal I will suspect. Driving around in your SUV’s flying in your private jets while preaching about oil.”
Typical Nathan – gives himself just enough wiggle room so when it is pointed out that we have neither SUVs nor private jets he can deny having implied otherwise.
For the record: I do not nor have I ever owned either an SUV or a jet.
Of course, this is the same BushBot you loves to say “I bet you … ” and then when that is shown to be false denies that he really said it.
Yeah Ben, and if you bone dig and repost his own words, he denies he said it, claims he didnt mean it that way even if he said it, and then he delares victory, claims to be amused, and encourages you to try again.
“That is not a pipe” can be said with the pipe in his hand. And with a straight face. Amazing.
And as for his little dance with words, his “hooked on semantics” way of posting…
…the only one who thinks he is cute, clever, or smart is his dad. Or his church homies.
Tell dad and terry and joe and fred that they need to quit giving you the faulty talking points nathan. They either need to come up with something better, or you will continue to look like the lying, simple minded patsy you are!
..and who could forget his refusal to answer questions, (he only asks them) or post links.
I guess when you think you ARE god, you dont need facts or sources. They are so, well, for the little people.
“I bet his dad beat him when he was a baby”
See, I can say that and if it is not true than I can claim it was just a hypothetical.
“I know what JR drives. It isn’t any of the more fuel efficient hybrids or electric cars either.”
This is exactly what we’re all talking about, Nathan.
I didn’t buy a hybrid because I need a pick-up truck and they don’t have them available as hybrids. I did buy a four cylinder instead of a bigger engine to get better mileage.
But it’s a total cheap-shot to use this line of reasoning and you know it. People drive the cars they drive for a hundred different reasons–usually affordability is the main one.
Not everybody can afford a shiny new Prius even if they really want one.
Your inability to admit it was a cheap-shot when you know it, JR knows it, and everybody reading the post knows it says a lot about your willingness to lie your way out of a tight spot.
But you had a good teacher.
Ben,By saying “I bet” you are admitting that you aren’t 100% positively sure that what you are saying is a fact. Therefore if confronted with hard evidence to the contrary you can in your defense state that you did not post your opinions as fact but as a possiblity that excuses yourself from any potential liability for backing yourself up.Don’t you just love semantics?
It’s Friday, so RAMEN!!!!!
Thought some of you might like this. hehehe
Some of my favs from the page:
I never said, “Thou shalt not think.”—God
If you seek to know my ways, read a damn science book.—God
Excuse me? Where do you see my name on the front of the Bible?—God
If you didn’t hear it straight from my lips, take it with a grain of salt.—God
http://www.saysgod.com /
I like these ones
Okay, you’ve got multiplying down. Now let’s try replenishing for a while.—GodI don’t care who started it. Just stop it.—GodYou’d better have stopped fighting by the time I get back, or you’re all grounded.—GodI gave you a bigger brain for a reason. Start using it.—GodI don’t blame video games when my children start shooting each other.—GodThere is no such thing as killing in my name.—GodStop smirking, America. I’m talking to you, too.—God
Stop smirking, America. I’m talking to you, too.—God
That’s the BEST one Julie!
(waiting for the “why do you hate america” chorus boys to get here)
you know the ones, the artists formerly known as the castrati
For the record and you can quote me on this one for future bonedigsI do not hate America!!!!!!! I love America!!!I do not agree with all decisions that our ‘leaders’ make. Therefore I publically voice my opinions to see if there are better ways of handling things. It is conceivable that I may be wrong in my opinions but that is the great thing about opinions everybody has one.
You know if you see on tv, Bush in Iraq it is pre-recorded, and he’s sitting back at the White House before it airs. When the Senators go, especially the Democrats, it is always known in advance. Guess Hillary just doesn’t have Bush’s balls!
The world may soon see the Free Republic of Baghdad, joining the Free Republic of Kabul, wow that’s progress!