Winning

"However they put it, the Democrat approach in Iraq comes down to this: The terrorists win and America loses" President Bush declared Monday in Statesboro, GA.

The Republican strategy this week has been to repeatedly pose a question of Democrats: "Answer yes or no: Do you have a plan for victory in Iraq?". The question appears innocent, but is a game, just like the age-old, "Answer yes or no: Have you stopped beating your wife?"

The difficulty the answerer experiences in answering the wife-beating question is that the entire question is based on an incorrect assumption. The Iraqi war question is also based on assumptions inquirers will not admit exist.

The first assumption is the definition of victory. We may very well find that the President's definition of the word "victory" as it pertains to Iraq is different than our own. When you keep the details of your victory plan a secret, if something doesn't quite work out, it's easy to go back and rationalize it as part of your plan. A presidential, "I meant to do that", as it were.

The second assumption is that victory is possible. Given the reports of record numbers of civilian deaths as well as the fourth highest month of military casualties in Iraq, the escalating violence does not appear to indicate that progress is being made. Retired generals are, more and more, speaking out against the current Administration's conduct of the war. Under the current circumstances, and given that the US has stretched its resources to the breaking point already, the biggest victory might be to quit providing more weapons for insurgents to steal.

What truly matters is not whether or not the Democrats can answer a trick question. What matters is the fact that none of Bush's secret plans have worked. His plans have created more terrorists when he began the war. The fact remains that Al Qaida was not in Iraq in substantial numbers before we invaded. In terms of terror, they have only had successes in Iraq.

And, speaking of successes, where is Osama Bin Laden? Why has his terrorist network only grown in strength while the Administration pats itself on the back for foiling an internet terrorist plot to blow up a nonexistent football stadium?

You tell us that if we elect the Democrats, America loses and the terrorists win. We ask you now, Mr. Bush: When have the terrorists actually lost under your regime?

Grist for the Foley Mill

If you've ever made large amounts of jam, you know what a Foley Mill™ is. It's saucepan with a crank inside with a paddle and a sieve for a bottom. Put your fruit mash in it and crank it through to make smooth apple butter or pear butter.

See where we're heading? The whole Mark Foley mess is in the mill, and we are seeing what drips out. It hasn't jelled yet.

We wonder at Mr Hastert's claims that ABC had some political motivation in releasing the Foley emails when it did. Mere weeks ago, ABC was the conservative darling when they stood up to Bill Clinton himself and showed a blatantly slanted version of the Path to 9/11. They were the tool of Michael Eisner, now they are the tool of George Soros? You can't have it both ways, Dennis!

What about the claim that the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington was irresponsible in their handling of the emails. Hang on! They turned them over to the FBI upon receiving them. One would think turning them over to the press at a time when one expects an FBI investigation would hamper that investigation. From here, it looks like they did the responsible thing. The fact that the FBI is only now starting an investigation seems strange. What did the FBI do with the emails last July when CREW turned them over?

The only thing that is clear is that it the mill is still cranking. And the Republican Party is in a real jam.

The Swift Boat Sails Again

Watching TV tonight there was an ad against Congressman Darlene Hooley in her race against Mike Erickson. This race has grown close lately and grown ugly as well, generating attack ads on both sides. This ad was slick. It exaggerated her record to hold her personally responsible for raiding Social Security, building a "Bridge to Nowhere" and helping illegal aliens.

The ad didn't come from her opponent's camp. It came from an organization called the Economic Freedom Fund. This organization is the new baby of none other than Bob Perry, the guy behind Swift Boat Veterans for Freedom.

EFF is already in trouble for illegal calling activities in campaigns in several states. This is really disgusting.

Watch for the EFF. Coming to a TV near you!!