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Just Another Leisurely Day at Crawford

The ordinarily Bushlicking New York Post wasn't too impressed with Preznit Brush Clearance's Wednesday night excuse session. Says the loyal leader of the 101st Fighting Keyboardists:

Still, the conflicting messages about what is supposed to be the overriding policy issue of this administration were disappointing. In a two-week period in which nearly 50 American servicemembers died in combat in Iraq, this was no time to be mealy-mouthed.

As opposed to the other 50 weeks of the year, when it's perfectly fine. But they go on to make just the teensiest, eensiest suggestion:

What else should he do?

Show some leadership — starting with a visit to Brook Park, Ohio.

That's the hometown of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, which lost 20 Marines this week in separate incidents near the Syrian border.

The town needs to see and hear the president there. As does the nation.

You mean, like, attend a funeral? For someone who died in HIS war? But wait a minute! The Preznit is probably ass-deep in dry brush right now. What about the box canyon?

Meanwhile, Bush officially has begun his "vacation" in Texas. Of course, a president is never truly on vacation, even when Congress is out of session, as it is now.

But Bush's official off-duty status carries symbolism. And, thus, it shouldn't start until after an Ohio trip.

Such a visit will allow the president to acknowledge publicly the sacrifices being made in this war.

I doubt if it's an outbreak of conscience on the part of the chickenhawk brigade. More like an acknowledgment of the change in direction of the prevailing wind.

Meanwhile, back in Ohio, Mary and Robert Williams will never see their son, Cpl. Andrew Williams, a member of Lima company 3rd Battalion, again.

posted by Jane Hamsher @ 8/06/2005 01:37:00 PM