20, June 2007 The Pentagon’s new playing cards
The Pentagon’s penchant for playing cards has not abated. Four years ago, it issued card decks showing pictures of the close associates of our former ally, Saddam Hussein. In the ensuing years, the Pentagon has found new ways to squander our tax dollars. After destroying much of Iraq’s cherished historical monuments and heritage, the Pentagon now plans to send out 40,000 new card decks alerting troops of the need to preserve Iraqi historic monuments. Perhaps the Pentagon is unaware of its own dark deeds in the wanton destruction of Iraq’s historical sites? In the early days of the war, most historical sites were left unguarded giving rise to widespread looting of Iraq’s most precious, historical, treasures.
In the searing heat of battle, it would seem unlikely that US troops will pay much attention to the color coded deck of playing cards; diamond for artifacts, spades for digs, hearts for “winning hearts and minds”, and clubs for preserving heritage monuments. One Pentagon gem: “The five of clubs” which urges troops "Drive around - not over - archaeological sites!"
Perhaps these cards might offer a few moments of levity to the troops, but will certainly be grist for late night comedians.
11, June 2007 Alberto Gonzales
According to James Comey’s (the former deputy head of the Justice Department), sworn testimony, Gonzales and his White House aids swooped down like mafia goons and tried to bully John Ashcroft, who was lying deathly sick in hospital, in signing off on a massive, illegal wiretapping scheme to snoop on millions of Americans. In doing so, Gonzales not only exhibited complete contempt of the law but also callous indifference to the welfare of John Ashcroft ignoring the plea of his wife that he not be disturbed. Contrary, to Gonzales’s testimony under oath, there was considerable opposition in the Justice Department over the White House spying program.
It is sad that Gonzales has willing perjured himself in an effort to be an obedient servant to his White House boss. His egregious conduct prompted 56 members of his Harvard Law school class to take out an advertisement in the Washington Post excoriating his gross abuse of power. The Harvard Crimson reported that there was complete unanimity from his graduating class members in their collective censure. However, the real anger should be directed towards his White House boss who willingly allowed Gonzales to perjure himself in the pursuit of an imperial presidency.
