Plame Game

This year's “State of the Union Address” showed Bush’s swash-buckling swagger had, for a moment, been abandoned for an affected humility. There was, however, a rare morsel (mistakenly included?) from this speech concerning the War that smelled surprisingly like Truth: “This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we're in”. Come, dear reader. Take the hem of my robe as I, the Ghost of State of the Union Past, amble down to the address of 2003 Memory Lane a.k.a. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

"The British Government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of Uranium, from Africa.”
-W., 2003 State of the Union.

What Bush neglected to mention when presenting this hysteria inducing tidbit to the American Public was that these infamous ‘16 words’ heard ‘round the world had been debunked before he spoke them. A minor detail to Bush’s speechwriter’s, perhaps, but one that would affix a hoax to the deployment of US troops to Iraq. The following July the New York Times published ‘What I Didn’t Find In Iraq’ a first-hand account by Joseph Wilson describing his investigation into the matter at Dick Cheney's request. What he ‘didn’t find’ was evidence of a transaction of yellowcake purchased by Iraq from Niger, the case alluded to in Bush’s speech. Wilson was rewarded for his service to his country by those closest to (and including?) the president outing his wife, Valerie Plame, a CIA operative. This act of savage vengeance breached national security, likely violated the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 and reeks of Treason .

While erroneous claims are a staple of political rhetoric seldom are they injected into legislation. Once again, dear reader, take the hem of my robe as we corrupt the laws of physics and travel through time. Destination: 2002. The Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution lists as an excuse for invasion that Iraq was “actively seeking a nuclear weapons capability”. If Bush's reference to Niger is what is being alluded to (no other "evidence" has been given to explain its inclusion) then the hasty 107th Congress voted on a resolution that was constructed, in part, with misinformation. Democrats have mysteriously omitted this fact from their explanations for giving a ‘yeh’ to the vote for this piece of plastic legislation. Mass Media has also conspicuously neglected to acknowledge this behemoth detail.

In his now historic article Wilson observes that “America's foreign policy depends on the sanctity of its information”. A War that has cost more than 3,000 American lives has been, in part, justified by an invention of the Bush Cabal. Domestically, the version of the ‘16 words’ that found its way into legislation has repercussions which will likely effect elections to come. The most significant piece of evidence contradicting the White House's claims of yellowcake in Iraq is the one that doesn’t exist; since the occupation of Iraq no Weapons of Mass Destruction have been found in Iraq. “This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we're in.” Indeed, George. Indeed.

Holiday Edition

What follows is a holiday message posted exclusively for the world-wide audience of Planet America: Both of you probably know the profile section of this blog exposes me as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. You’re also likely aware that Christmas in America simply isn’t possible without the Post. No doubt a boost to the ego. But since I’m the one delivering all of this stuff I have little time for gift-buying and merry-making of my own much less pecking out articles for Planet America. Therefore, at the Official Planet America Christmas Party I announced that I’m sending the entire staff, Argus and myself, on hiatus until the New Years hangover has decimated. (Okay, so sitting at home killing off a bottle of Kentucky's best while the mystery mutt, Argus, drinks as much Guinness as is given him may technically not qualify as a Christmas party but, in the parlance of our times, that’s how I roll.)

This brings me to the crux of this holiday message: Fuck Santa Clause. That fat bastard gets all the credit for the labor of the proletariat, i.e., me. I guess he... kids, cover your eye-drums... is too busy not existing to bring you your Christmas Crap. Another myth perpetuated by Mass Media. Jusso ya know, it takes a bit more than a twinkle of the nose to deliver those packages, cards, etc. folks wait to the latter half of December to cram into a mailbox, flag raised. Really the only thing keeping me from ‘going postal’ is time restraints. By the time I would’ve gotten off work, made my way to Crack City Pawn and waded through half of the form-filling to begin the pre-requisite ‘waiting period’ I would’ve cooled to a simmer. I sit here yet another victim of the Brady Bill. Should the FBI be reading this I feel obligated to clarify as to the amount of sincerity contained in the above reference to my ‘going postal’: I’m completely serious.

Upside being that, also due to lack of time, I’ve existed in a pleasant, rose colored bubble induced by the phenomena I refer to as a Self-Imposed Media Blackout. Tragically I’m without both cable TV or internet at home which does help. Still, it's only a matter of time before the ubiquitous nature of the Mass Media robs me of the bliss with which ignorance is so often associated. Until the bubble bursts happy New Year and don't forget to tip your bartender.

Elephantiasis of the Head

A study involving elephants and their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror was conducted at the Bronx Zoo earlier this month. With varying degrees of success, the pachyderms reacted to various stimuli designed to detect their ability to recognize themselves in a reflected image. The ability to do so suggests that these magnificent beasts claim a characteristic most rare in the animal world: self-awareness.

The Congress of Elephants (note to those blessed with a dirty mind: NOT a reference to the Kama Sutra) have spent the last six years of their time in office supporting the president and the War in Iraq. Had they not they might still enjoy reserved seating at the capitol. Instead, they huddled beneath the cape of King George only to scurry away from him like rats when the pollsters flicked on the light revealing the dissidence of the Common Good. They were too late. Bloated by arrogance and an underestimation of the American Voter they were unable to distance themselves far enough from Bush and his War.


Moreover, the Bush Administration has been more loyal to itself than it has been to this country. The most glaring example of this is the president’s prolonged refusal to recognize the incompetency of the now former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, in conducting the war in Iraq. Even Rumsfeld himself realized his expiration date had come and gone yet Bush repeatedly refused to accept his resignation. Until now Bush had saved face, meanwhile, US casualties mount. Only after the election was Rumsfeld tossed overboard like dead weight. Again, too late. Despite Bush’s denials this is a blatant admission, through action rather than words, of some of the colossal blunders of his administration. Maybe now this ship will float. Maybe not. No matter. Shit floats but it still stinks.

A patriot is loyal to his country not to its leaders. Now that The People have spoken what will the surviving Republicans see when they peep into the looking glass? Are the elephants on capital hill, like those found in the Bronx, self-aware, and if so, enough to realize that a White House built on loyalty has been swallowed by it? Will they see a Pat? Or will they see a Rat?

Meet & Flee

I had lunch today at Nashville's best meat&3, 'Arnold's' on 8th. Sawing away at some roast beef I became aware and then annoyed at a presence in my peripheral. A short, gray man in a L.L. Bean-ish sweater was drooling over my crazy-delicious turnip greens and saying as much. Just as I looked over to ask the gentleman to kindly 'step off' he stuck his hand between me and my chow declaring, "Hi. I'm Bob Corker. I'd like to ask you to consider voting for me". I shook his hand and agreed to consider it, with emphasis on the word 'consider'. He then greeted the random fellow I was sitting with who before lunch was a stranger to me. Random Guy informed Corker that his support was already with him but then, in the form of a two minute plus rant, told the candidate that he was 'pissed off' about the now infamous TV ad bashing opponent Harold Ford. Corker responded by claiming that the ad was placed without his consent. He added that supporters can spend their money as they choose and added, in an effort to scrape some sympathy from the controversy, that those behind the sophomoric spot have put his campaign in jeopardy. With that Corker swerved post-haste across the room to shake hands with a guy in a John Deer cap. He drifted hummingbird-like from handshake to handshake for a few minutes and then, after having gawked at my greens, left without eating. With cornbread I moped my plate of the remaining gravy while listening to the diners around me talk about Mr. Corker. They weren't discussing his platform. They were describing their disgust of the ad-in-question. Once again the Tactics of the Desperate distract from Issues of Significance. Oh, and one more thing: Hey Corker! Back up off a man’s greens why don’t ya!

Moral Capital?

The Republicans exploitation of faith for political gain is beginning to back-fire. A party whose political strategy is built on the "moral high ground” has at last found a serious problem in the Foley scandal. It appears its reach goes beyond one man and has become increasingly difficult to sweep under the rug. As a result some are finally predicting that the Republican's reign is in its twilight. Why, after 6 years of bi-weekly scandals, does it take salacious text messages for the media to proclaim this rug has been pulled from under the elephant? The answer lies in the Republican’s ability to justify their agenda by connecting it with the religious right. I mean not to dilute the significance of Foley's transgression but there are other issues with the Republicans that effect millions of other people domestically and abroad. Among them are the war in Iraq and the Katrina debacle. Moral issues have been the Republicans' stratigical bread and butter during the last 2 elections. If the same voters who have been swayed by this tactic are still paying attention then the Republicans chances of retaining 'both high ground' and capital hill are going stale.

The GOP's growing rash of desperation, further irritated by the unfolding Foley scandal, has been exposed by their emphasise on 'moral issues'. Included on the ballot this November in Tennessee will be a vote to amend the state’s constitution to make same-sex marraige illegal. There is already a law forbidding it. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed 10 years ago. Why, then, put it on the ballot? ‘Tis the season. Election season. Simply the mention of this issue is enough to strip a conservative of their American Apathy and get them off their couch and into a voting booth. Someone who isn’t gay and wouldn’t otherwise vote would be less likely to go out of there way to do so. Conversely, someone who supports making gay marriage unconstitutional would be more likely to go to the poll with this only in mind. In other words; churches will now fill their buses to the polls. Repugnance is a greater motivator than empathy. Any guesses as to which side of the fence these car-poolers will vote once the curtain is drawn? You know. And so do they. The tactics of the desperate destract while significant issues remain neglected...

A Double Whammy

Saturdays at 1:03 PM means a panic-juiced jab at pre-set number 3 on the car stereo. This is where 1430 am lives. This week's 'This American Life' was titled 'Not What I signed Up For' and was in part about Marion Fontana who’s husband was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11th. She is the president of the 9-11 Widows' and Victims' Families Association and, as a result, she has met the president four times. The final time was at a White House dinner commemorating the second anniversary of the attacks. Ms. Fontana was surprised to find herself seated next to Donald Rumsefield. Conversation eventually turned to the war in Iraq. Rumesfield asked Mrs. Fontana what she thought about it. "You needlessly invaded a country and used my husband’s death as the excuse", was basically her response. Later in the evening she was introduced to George Bush as a widow of 9/11 who’s husband, adding more dark significance to the tragedy, had perished on their wedding anniversary. Bush’s response upon learning of her plight was to declare it, “A double whammy”. No need to refresh this page. You read that right. A double whammy. That is what is our president said to this recently widowed mother. Ms. Fonatana then describes how the secret service followed her around the halls of the White House as she wept.

How can George Bush pretend to be concerned with the quality of life of the unwilling people of Iraq when he has no regard for the American standing in front of him? The Aministration owes the people of this country a guileless explanation that's longer than what will fit on a bumper sticker or serve as a headline and, if ever they do, they should give it first to the widows of this war.

'‘This American Life'’ is, unfortunately, not a free download but is well worth the price this and every week I’ve heard it. Marian Fonatana’s story can also been found in her book 'Widow’s Walk: A Memor of 9/11''.

Chavez Hearts Chomsky

In addition to ruling a country Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has made time to start a book club and has chosen the podium of the United Nations to launch it. The inaugural title to be read is Noam Chomsky's "Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance" and, according to the New York Times, sales of the book "hit No. 1 on Amazon's best-seller list yesterday, and the hardcover edition, published in 2003, climbed as high as No. 6. At both Borders Group and Barnes & Noble, sales of the title jumped tenfold in the last two days". The Associated Press released the above photo of Chavez recommending some summer reading to the General Assembly. The woman who appears to be 'losing it' in the background might have already read it. I haven't although I have read some of Chomsky's work (""The Common Good"") and find it a curious mix of solid ideas and unfounded, ultra-radical theories which border on the ridiculous. Rumor at the UN is that next month Chavez will be recommonding "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. Oprah, best start looking over your sholder...