Political Punch

To paraphrase a Shakespearean quote, "'Tis much sound and fury, signifying yet another example of the ultra-cozy relationship between lobbyists and government officials of this admininstration." If the Founding Fathers were resurrected to see what was happening today in the government they created, they wouldn't stop throwing up.

Another security threat? Just what republicans needed! Distraction from Foley scandal and (BONUS!) an excuse to invoke the politics of fear.

They're already striking a familiar refrain. Quoth Rick Santorum: "North Korea's actions cause great concern. This is no time for inexperienced, weak leaders." Because military aggression in Iraq has been SO effective in enforcing nonproliferation in North Korea. Santorum must really think his constituents are dumb. And maybe they are!

North Korea's the story no one ever covers. True, it's hard to get in there, hard to tell the story there with visuals. Seems to me that whenever Kim Jong-il feels the world's not paying enough to attention to him (it's not about his country), he does something outrageous like this. The fact that this man is in power -- and willing to cause the starvation of countless of his own countrymen/women is an outrage. It's been three years -- right? -- since North Korea's allowed inspections of their nuclear facilities. What has the Bush administration been doing for the last three years? Just outrages me. But Kim Jong-il's been taught well by the Bush administration -- heck, past administrations as well. You get nuclear weapons, we'll negotiate with you. Until then, we won't even sit at the table with you. Just an outrage. I am looking forward to the world's response to this one -- and the change in balance of power in Asia. China can't be too pleased. (....gently stepping down off pedestal...)

I encourage all to watch--if it is rebroadcast--Bill Moyers' "Capitol Crimes," which documents the very close relationship among Abramoff, Grover Norquist, Ralph Reed, and Tom Delay. Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, both, or neither, it will make your skin crawl. Shocking stuff from start to finish.