Looks like Rummy and Rice have a problem. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard Condoleeza Rice say that "I know we've made tactical errors, thousands of them I'm sure, but when you look back in history, what will be judged is, did you make the right strategic decisions." I disagree with her view on the strategic decisions but to have her actually make this comment should make it obvious that the kids are fighting in Bush's 'family'. Donald Rumsfeld's tactic is to make her look dumb: "I don't know what she was talking about, to be perfectly honest." Does his being 'perfectly honest' give his statements more credence than hers? He goes on, explaining why she doesn't know what she's talking about: "If someone says, well, that's a tactical mistake, then I guess it's a lack of understanding, at least my understanding, of what warfare is about." Rumsfeld continues, "Why? Because the enemy's got a brain; the enemy watches what you do and then adjusts to that, so you have to constantly adjust and change your tactics, your techniques and your procedures." Well Donny boy, you've finally said something I agree with. When someone [you] jumps into a situation which you, in your arrogance know nothing about [Iraq] even though you think you do, and not only lack insight into the possibilities surrounding the situation but refuse to accept that there even are possibilities beyond the scenario you have painted, you are at the mercy of the reactionaries. All they have to do is sit back and see what you are doing and then pop in a surprise. Of course the enemy will adjust! You, however, have simply perpetuated the concreteness of your original war plan, too few troops, too little security, lack of control, poor management, and the Iraqis, who were at the mercy of both sides, are now just trying to stay alive (see Drudge Retort). Don't worry though, I'm sure you were right in April of 2003 when you said, "It's untidy, and freedom's untidy. Free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things. They're also free to live their lives and do wonderful things." For those who need a reminder of how things were going at that time see The Guardian.

The good news. I guess we'll have to see how far the rest of the dominoes fall.

The bad news: Because the GOP was going to spend MILLIONS and MILLIONS of dollars getting Delay reelected now that he's going to resign frees up that money to go to other tight races.

Mayor Ken Livingstone (London) said "It would actually be quite nice if the American ambassador in Britain could pay the charge that everybody else is paying and not actually try and skive out of it like some chiselling little crook." Livingstone was referring to the London Congestion Charge on all vehicles entering the city. Perhaps it was a tactless way to put it but can someone tell me why diplomats are allowed immunity from such things as this? I'm not referring only to this specific London charge but to almost anything and anywhere-- London, New York, anywhere? Just because you are a diplomat you don't have to abide by the laws and regulations that keep the rest of us under control and avoid total societal meltdown? If the laws allow this, the laws need to be changed! I wish we had chaps like Livingstone in the U.S. who could say what they really think without having to run it by a political advisor to see how it will play in next week's polls.

Utah Congressmen Cannon and Bishop, both Republicans, voted against increasing aid to the African Union's peacekeeping force. To see the House roll call vote (in case you are not from Utah) click here. The purpose of the peacekeeping force is to protect and assist those who have been the victims of more horrendous atrocities than we here in our little self-righteous bubble can imagine. The vote by our representatives is something all Utahns should be ashamed of, yes, including those who profess a belief in The Book of Mormon (see Jacob 2:19). American Progress Action Fund has more.

Could it be true? Can you really be a good Mormon and be a registered Democrat? It appears that the leaders of the LDS Church think so. In a statement to be read over the pulpit to all U.S. LDS congregations the policy of the Church regarding political party affiliation is more clearly stated than before. Utah Republican reaction is as expected but hopefully people will actually listen to the statement and realize that they are NOT saying what has, in the past, been the understanding, that yes, that's what they must say but we all know what they really mean....

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities
– Voltaire