Surge without End

Yesterday, two stories struck me as illustrative of the fiasco that we are continuing to engage in and perpetuate in Iraq. One was the report that we are sending over 13,000 more National Guard troops to Iraq without proper training or rest or even proper equipment. The second story that caught my attention were the remarks made by an increasingly delusional and mad Dick (Darth) Cheney in which he tried once again to link Sadam to Al-Qaeda. It was interesting to me that these remarks were made on the same day that the Pentagon released yet another report that shed even more doubt on this dubious connection and in fact stated clearly that no such ties ever existed. On a side note, the right-wing newspaper, the New York Sun also launched a campaign to encourage Mr. Cheney to get into the race for the White House. While I think that this is an excellent idea, it is not because I think Cheney would do any better with the title of President rather than just remaining in his shadowy, behind-the-scenes, pulling-the-strings presidential role, but rather it may be one of the few ways to demonstrate to Cheney how irrelevant and out-of-touch he has become. I think it would be genius for the Republican Party to stake their political future on a man who repeatedly garners around 17 - 18% approval ratings in the polls. It just might once and for all hold the Neo-Cons up as the complete power-hungry, authoritarian, greedy ideologues that they are.

Back to the Surge-without-end: this war is so clearly a complete and utter failure wrapped in a delusion of potential victory, that no number of U.S. lives heading over to Iraq can save the horrendous mess we've created there. What upsets me more than anything else is the way that Bush (National Guard AWOLer) and Cheney (five deferments, count 'em five) send our brave men and women over to Iraq and Afghanistan not unlike disposing of used Kleenexs. Requiring them to go back time and time again, until they die or are so badly injured that they physically can't go on another tour. Where are the Bush twins? As much as I hate to see a draft reinstated, I am in favor of any tactic that would bring this senseless war to an end. The folks who are going over and fighting in Iraq are for the most part undereducated, people of color, or from rural communities with few job propects. I'd like to see how fast Congress would engineer an exit from Iraq if Senators' and Representatives' sons & daughters were faced with the prospect of a tour of duty in Iraq. The following story speaks volumes about the price we are paying in human lives by continuing this illegal and immoral war: Injured in Iraq, a Soldier Is Shattered at Home.

These are just a few thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head over the last few days, and I thought I'd share them with whoever reads this blog. Feel free to comment on this post or any others on this blog.
Later, MFaye

Other related articles:
Bush's War Mantra Criticized (MiamiHerald.com)

Rest in Peace Poo Bear

Dear Momma,
I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved doggie, Poo Bear. I know how much you love her, and I'm sure that the fact that she survived as long as she did with the horrible disease that is cancer is a testament to the love and care you gave her. My heart goes out to you today. Take good care.
Love,
Faye

Steph requests that donations be made to Gentle Giants Rescue in honor of Poo Bear.

Stephanie Miller weds Keith Olbermann in weekend ceremony

Keith and Stephanie Tie the Knot

Have all you Steph-heads been wondering what Momma was doing on Friday when she didn't show up for work? (We must say that we love Elayne Boosler - the SMS Substitute Teacher.) Well, wait no more for an explanation as to what Ms. Miller (now Mrs. Olbermann) was up to. That's right - Momma and the fabulous Mr. Keith Olbermann were wed in a small private ceremony in Momma's back yard. Max (Steph's 120 pound puppy) was the Best Man, Jim Ward and Chris Lavoie were loverly as Bride's Maids and Stephie's favorite WeHo Gay Stalker served as the Flower Girl - it was a beautiful and memorable wedding. The squirrels pelted the wedding-goers with avocados as was expected, the groom fell into the pool, no doubt trying to douse the heat after his oh-so-hot kiss with his new bride, and the raccoons decorated the new couple's get-away car with newly-laid sod from Mrs. Olbermann's yard and discarded boxes of wine - the new couple will maintain their bi-coastal lifestyle, until Mrs. Olbermann can line up another doomed late night talk show in NYC. Congrats to the loverly newlyweds!