The Bush strategy of spreading consensual government in the Middle East has the potential to cut off from the jihadis their chief sources of recruits and funding. Depriving the enemy of his sources of supply is a good strategy, and that is what Bush is trying to do.

The administration’s strategy, including the Iraq Campaign, is farsighted and sophisticated. It’s too bad so many of Bush’s critics are unable to comprehend such a sophisticated strategy. But then, their failings of imagination and knowledge are hardly Bush’s fault, now are they?

Falwell and Robertson and their ilk get mocked whenever they say sonething stupid, including by bloggers such as Meryl, and by Republicans for that matter. As for those terrible religious right types, the ordinary people, the widespread derision of such people is primarily based on snobbery and ignorance. I know, because I used to share it. I learned better. No, I am not a Christian.

On the other hand the even more rabid stupidities of the leftists such as Moulitsas, the Daily Kossacks, Michael Moore, Jimmy Carter, and many others get respectful hearings among the Democrats, not least because of their role as money pots for the Dems. Robertson and Falwell get marginalized when they say stupid things. The hysterical airheads on the left get lionized.

I have not at any point said that we shouldn’t be fighting the war on terrorism [which is not exactly the same thing as the war on Iraq, a different discussion entirely]. I refer to using 9/11 as a conversation stopper whenever criticism is leveled at the Administration [labeled as "against the troops" or "pre-9/11 thinking"]. And I will insist the Democratic Party push back against Michael Moore when Bush and his administration stop kissing the tushies of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Focus on the Family, and the other extreme relgious conservatives who have captured the Republican Party [or has everyone forgotten the infamous "God does not hear the prayers of Jews" speech during the Reagan campaign of 1980?]

9/11 doesn’t justify “everything”. But it certainly justifies not voting Democratic, at least until they forcefully reject the Michael Moore wing of the party which to all appearances is now running the show.

It took me until 2004 to start voting Republican. But now I don’t foresee going back to the Democrats at least until they get some sanity on foreign policy. I’m not holding my breath.

Medical decisions about Sharon are in the hands of his family. No matter how well-intended you or I may be, his family should have that decision.

Chag sameach on this TuBishvat.

chsw

And I do not mean “darn” and “sheesh”.

P.S. Surely you know that 7 is considered a lucky number? See the case of Abu Hamza for one…