It just isn't Viet Nam

The Iraq war is similar to our conflict in Viet Nam.

Unpopular? Yes.

Losing because of arrogant leaders charging into a battle they didn't understand? Yes.

A pretty clear picture that we're going to have to leave with our tail between our legs? Yes.

But Iraq isn't our new Viet Nam.

Viet Nam started as a French problem that we were asked to come help out with. It was thought to be strategic for us to do so (Red Menace), but it was something the French started and could not get on top of. So we moved in, unprepared, and we never really figured it out.

The Iraq war, however, was started by us. The US went in unprovoked and started bombing the living hell out of everything. All of it was based on at very best half-truths. Though most of what was stated by the Bush administration has been proved to be out and out lies.

We drew our sword first.

The shame of the Iraq war will taint us for generations. W. has destroyed our credibility world wide. This is a unique credential he will carry. He wanted to be a "historical president" and he's gotten his wish.

'Too young' is a relative term. So is 'brother'.

I love the emerging back story (if you'll pardon the pun) of the 69 year old priest, now living on a small island off Italy surfacing to say:

Yes. He and (future congressman Mark Foley) did a lot of things together. Um, naked. Skinny dipped. Gave each other back massages. Other things. Naked. As the priest took young Mark on his travels with him.

Yes, he says he thought it was all innocent.
Even though he was a priest in his late 20s giving a 13 year-old boy naked back massages.


It only 'went too far once I think' but nothing 'dirty' he says. Just fondling. And that only because he was on painkillers and he drank too much. (Sound familiar? It's precisely what Foley said.)

He stands by the story that it was 'all innocent' and he loved Foley like a brother.
Like a very, very young brother who didn't mind being fondled.

There are just some seriously broken people out there.

Three blocks from home

click it


Seattle Sunset. It rains for almost two days, and at the 46th hour, this happens.
It's like make-up-sex.

click pic