Benchmarks, Milestones, and a pissed off Faculty

So, the faculty of SMU is angry about the proposed Bush presidential library at Southern Methodist University. “There’s been a lack of transparency from the beginning,” said Tony Pederson of the journalism faculty, urging the university’s administration “to be more forthcoming with detailed information.”

Mr. Pederson could well be talking about the way Mr. Bush has conducted his presidency: lying to the American people in order to invade Iraq, Bush now plans to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq. In his address to the Nation tonight, Bush plans to admit Iraq mistakes, and his solution is to send more US troops. The Democrats, led by Senator Edward Kennedy, plan a largely symbolic vote that would require Mr. Bush to gain Congressional approval before sending more troops. I read this and vacilate between thinking it's too little, too late OR it's about time the Democrats demand accountability. Or both.

And in his general disdain for the environment, his refusal to find alternative energy sources, Bush has lifted a ban on offshore oil and gas leasing in Bristol Bay. U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and other state politicians praised Bush's action, but said care must be taken not to damage the bay's extraordinary sea life.

The common thread in these three items is disdain and arrogance, woven together with lies and secrecy. We've lain waste to Iraq, once home to incredible riches of history and art. Some mother's child will be the last US soldier to die in Iraq in pursuit of Bush's folly. We will destroy the environment in pursuit of Bush's folly. But not to worry: Halliburton will be there, building condos on the Moon for the Bush family and the Cheney family, once our Earth becomes uninhabitable.

And to remind us of how beautiful our planet is, Laura of Somewhere in New Jersey is hosting the Good Planets gallery for January. Send your photos to her at lc-hardy AT comcast DOT net for this Saturday's offering.

Tahiti trip report will follow.