my own drum

I've read last weeks National Intelligence Estimate, the one where all 16 intelligence agencies unanimously agree that the situation in Iraq was dismal and that our foreign policy there is doomed to failure without specific and clear action, and even then it could fail.

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The report outlines how the inter-ethnic and religious divisions are fueling a civil war, and the tipping point has been passed to stop the fighting. The report outlines how several American mis-steps have contributed greatly to the current situation. The report outlines a course of action to help the situation, but little hope seems to be forthcoming about any real solution. In short, our President has managed to dig a hole that he can't get back out of - unless you want to consider the next national election as his way out. I've little doubt that's what he is waiting for - an exit by election. What a shrub.

And then I think about some previous Administration efforts. Of note, the recently completed Iraq study. And what did our President do with that report? Presumably it is sitting on his chair so he can boost himself up at the dinner table. No more phone books for George. It's clear that he failed to perceive the importance of either of these two reports, and he has failed to implement many of the best suggestions from many of the best thinkers of our nation. And yet, the President and Congress continue to hold court and seek answers from almost anyone who will give them the time of day. Congress has recently held hearings with former Secretaries of State in order to assess their views of the performance of our current Secretary of State. Overall, she received a less than competent rating from her peers. In short, she's not doing the job she should be doing. Yes sir, that sounds like an administration official to me.

I know you folks over in the White House won't read this, and if you do you won't respond. I wouldn't expect any more from you. But for the sake of our nation, will you listen to the very people that you have commissioned to give you the facts? Personally I resent getting dragged down into your mire simply because I was born an American.