Unquote” George H.W. Bush

Bush on his decision to not pursue the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in his 1992 memoir “A World Transformed:”

“We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq. The coalition would instantly have collapsed, the Arabs deserting it in anger and other allies pulling out as well. Under the circumstances, there was no viable “exit strategy” we could see. …”

Now that is foresight.

Dear Bush Jr.,

How painful is it to have that pointed out by your daddy?

G

Noxious numbers: Sixes against sovereignty

60,000

The number of U.S. Special Operation forces by the end of the decade, according to the think tank Washington Institute of Near East Policy. The forces — Army Rangers, Navy Seals, etc. — are often thought of as the best solution for terrorism.

60

The number of countries where the special forces are currently conducting missions. Those nations include Syria and Pakistan, where the U.S. is currently violating their sovereignty, too.

The Nation magazine questioned it as, “The End of International Law?”

Appears so, but not exactly news? The U.S. went into Iraq without consent and are currently trying to get around Iraqi jurisdiction over U.S. soldiers.

Proud to be an American? Afraid not. I bet there are some noecons out there that would consider my views on this as treason — all in the name of the “War on Terror!”

G

Swine of the Week: Michele Bachmann

Let’s face it: Michele Bachmann, the blowhard U.S. Rep from Minn., could be “Swine of the Week” every week.

This week — like always — her “patriotism” led her to directly insert her American flag in her big mouth.

Bachmann suggested an expose on which congressional members were “pro-American or anti-American.”

She previously said the shift to more energy-efficient florescent light bulbs from incandescent ones was an assault on American freedoms.

These so-called divisions are the nonsense from the right that results in 9 percent approval ratings for Congress. It also falls in line with Sarah Palin, who said small towns in the U.S. are “real” because their residents are the ones who work in our factories, serve in our wars.

So, if a solider from Brooklyn, N.Y., dies in Iraq, is he a fake American, Jon Stewart questions.

Welcome to the “Swine of the Week” distinction, Bachmann. Get comfortable. I have a feeling you will be a routine honoree.

Updated 5 p.m.: Our least-favorite Minnesota Congress member is now blaming the “anti-American” comments on interviewer Chris Matthews. Further proof she is a swine.

G

Unquote” Hannah Arendt

“Violence represents not the fruition of power but its defeat.”

Box your things; you’re done

You’d expect the Barack Obama and John McCain to make the debate inconsequential drivel and quibbling, but Bob Schieffer! Of all people, BOB SCHIEFFER! 

The CBS newsman thought it would be more relevant to talk about the negative campaigning, instead of the issues.

From the debate transcript:

“SCHIEFFER: All right. We’re going to move to another question and the topic is leadership in this campaign. Both of you pledged to take the high road in this campaign yet it has turned very nasty.

SCHIEFFER: Senator Obama, your campaign has used words like “erratic,” “out of touch,” “lie,” “angry,” “losing his bearings” to describe Senator McCain.

Senator McCain, your commercials have included words like “disrespectful,” “dangerous,” “dishonorable,” “he lied.” Your running mate said he “palled around with terrorists.”

Are each of you tonight willing to sit at this table and say to each other’s face what your campaigns and the people in your campaigns have said about each other?

And, Senator McCain, you’re first.”

No, Schieffer, you’re first.

Grab your CBS coffee mug and your framed photo with Yasser Arafat; you’re done as a credible newsman. You successfully turned the last presidential debate into a whose-feelings-are-hurt-more contest.

G

(Note: The contest had no winners.)