...I'm okay with being REALITY-based.




Monday, December 20, 2004
      ( 1:03 PM )
 
Cue the Violins

I'm not sure what you were expecting, but I sure wasn't expecting the latest revelations of incompetence at the top of the Defense Department to result in any harm to Rumsfeld's career. His boss buddy reiterated Rummy's vast personal assets today:

Bush answered indirectly when asked at a news conference about his view of Rumsfeld's use of a mechanical device to sign letters of condolence to military families. That practice drew criticism from lawmakers of both parties, and Rumsfeld has since dropped it.

The president did not directly offer his opinion of Rumsfeld's practice, but said, "I have heard the anguish in his voice and seen his eyes when we talk about the danger in Iraq and the fact that youngsters are over there in harm's way. And he's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow."

Thank goodness we have such a tenderhearted Secretary of Defense. I was beginning to wonder why it was we just LOVED everyone in the world so much all the time. Now I know - we're just a bunch of cuddly, caring, decent fellows and all we want is for everyone just to get along!

If you're wondering what legacy Rumsfeld is building as head of the Defense Department, here's a little recap:

- Presiding over the establishment of a policy that condones the torturing of prisoners

- Covering up the torturing of prisoners

- Not planning a war, but conducting one anyway

- Pretending that everything is dandy while young people die horrible deaths or are injured and maimed for life

- "Signing" condolence letters to KIA soldiers' families by NOT signing them - instead letting a mechanical pen do the job

- Going to visit the troops and then telling them that it's a matter of PHYSICS that they are getting killed because the Pentagon isn't requisitioning enough armor for their vehicles

- Advising that veterans simply don't NEED the benefits that they've had in the past - oh, and really, that "combat pay" thing was just a temporary perk anyhow.

Just a few off the top of my head. It's not like there is a 20-year history of this guy making really bad choices. Really, we should stop harping on him like this... after all, what are a few thousand dead soldiers and only about 10,000 maimed, and oh, 100,000 civilians dead...compared to his caring heart. You can just feel the love, can't you?

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