How High?

NEWS AND VIEWS

The Armchair Curmudgeon

February 17, 2007





How High?





For the last few weeks, we have been treated to a lot of talk but not much in the way of tangible actions. It seems that all of the Dems “Whirling Dervish” activity has not yielded much.

And while they postulate and prevaricate like a lot of toothless chickens yapping and yawing the fact remains that what we are hoping to produce is a non-binding resolution.

A non-binding resolution, mind you. The only problem is that a non-binding resolution does not demand anything from Executive and so the build up goes on…whether we like it or lump it…



It seems a case of the president snubbing his nose at his Congress including those who had supported him in the past. Now, there is rumor that perhaps sixty Republicans may cast their vote against the president in future elections…



But the loyal minions still respond as concerned toadies: Bush says jump. And the Loyalists ask, “ How high, Mr. President?”



And while many decent ideas have been advanced from withholding funding for the new troops to a Federalization of the Country, an idea bandied about by Joe Biden, the president is under no obligation to do anything.



And while additional lives may be tossed into the maelstrom there is serious reservations about whether this action will result in any positive gains since the numbers are too small to bring about significant change in this upside down city of some six million that has known no peace made up of mostly Sunnis and Shia’ who can’t seem to tolerate each other long enough to sit down and bring about peace.



On the other hand, we are witnessing moves being made by the Executive Branch to hype the rumors that Iran is moving closer to war and is responsible for stepping up its involvement in Iraq with technologically advanced weaponry.



One cannot help but see the parallel with what Americans faced in the build-up to the Iraq War….and it is cause for grave concern. Currently, there are two carrier combat groups in the Persian Gulf and, shortly, we expect the third with the arrival of the Vincent.



And while we preach for diplomacy, we have a president who doesn’t seem to respond to either the media or Congress and the danger is that we will shortly find ourselves in another War with Iran while Congress continues to strut around the barnyard moaning and groaning. The danger is that Bush thinks this is the way to build up his stock with red-blooded Americans and there is no way to dissuade him from this point of view; except, as I read it, most Americans have had it. And one suspects that if anything brings him down, it will be his amazing disconnect from the people who voted him in. But the question remains at what expense?



In the meantime, should you feel insecure because of the ratcheting up of the war machine you are not alone!



Les Aaron

The Armchair Curmudgeon