All Hail The Conquering Heroes and other news in review...

Dear Freak Politics,

Where the hell are you?

Sincerely,
A Reader

Many have observed that I have not posted to this blog since the 2006 midterm elections. For this, I apologize. The stinging rebuke dealt to the Bush administration took a bit of the bite out of my usual vitriol. I have a feeling that the piss and vinegar displayed in the past in this blog will be lacking. For readers looking for that, I apologize.

For those living on the moon, with their heads in the sand or just not paying attention, lets review what has happened in the time since I last posted. In the 2006 midterm elections the Republican Party, suffering a serious case of voter Bush fatigue were handed a solid thwacking. Two days later Rummy was ceremonially shown the door. And no, the door did not smack him on the ass on the way out.

Out with Good Golly Don and in with the un-confirmable Robert Gates. Last time he was up for confirmation (as CIA Director under Papa Bush) he met the ire of the Democratic Intelligence Committee members who deemed that he was simply unsatisfactory, based on his connection to Iran-Contra. Though he was eventually confirmed, he was forced to endure many difficult questions. This time, all he had to do was say one word (in response to being asked if we were winning in Iraq): No! That coupled with the fact that he is, never was and never will be Don Rumsfeld make him a perfectly acceptable candidate.

The Democratic majority in Congress selected its leadership. Aww Shucks McGee (Harry Reid) and Nancy “If you think I’m ugly now, you should see before my make-up” Pelosi. They have made many promises, and we will see if they can deliver. I am not confident in the Democratic leadership, but everyone deserves their fair shake.

The day after the election all the Midterm 2006 news banners were replaced with “all Obama all the time.” The 2008 election season is upon us. Hillzilla Clinton successfully scared all the other serious moderates out of the race (former Virginia Governor Mark Warner and Senator Evan Bayh) and Barack Obama has energized the Democratic Party in a manner not seen since 1992. He did this while drawing a measured amount of praise from Republicans. His voice is promising but your trusty rusty blogger will take a wait and see approach.

The Iraq Study Group released its report to President Bush. The report included 73 recommendations. You have to ask yourself, did this merry band of old timers forget who our President is? Dubya probably got through the first 25 before going to play fetch with Barney. I’m not saying he’s dumb, but he is a walking learning disorder case study.

The President is reported to be considering a “troop surge” as we move into the new year. Apparently the President wasn’t lying when he said that he never reads the news. I am no military expert, but I don’t see a “surge” in anyone’s future. Where are we going to get the troops from? Are Chelsea Clinton, and the Bush twins going to enlist? That would bring the fear of good into any Al Qaeda heart, no doubt about it.

Finally, as the year comes to a close, the world is down one evil-doer. Saddam Hussein was apparently executed; hung high like in some Western movie (Middle East style). Now we will just have to wait and see if Iraq explodes in increased sectarian violence. But honestly, you have to ask yourself; could it get any worse?

Here is to wishing you a Happy New Year and hoping for a 2007 that sees Americans dropping the partisan hate and increasing the peace. In the immortal words of Rodney King and Reginald Denny: “Can’t we all get along?

I'm not holding my breath!