The Malcontent

When W. talks, I get nervous. Can the President get a do-over?

He meant to say we can win the war on terror. Honest. It’s all part of our “catastrophic victory” campaign.

So, here’s what was scaring me this morning after watching Shrub blather to Matt Lauer. Iraq is getting pitched like this by the GOP talking heads for the R.N.C. this week:

“So what if there was no WMDs? The world is a better place with Saddam in jail. “

And if that was the total context, I’d have to agree. In jail, or out? Better he be in.

However, if the question was asked in context, like so:

Are we in a better place with Saddam in jail, even though

1) we had to declare war on a nation that was not a threat to us at the time, was not engaged in aggression towards us, and was not at war with our allies?

2) we moved to a policy of pre-emptive attack against those we unilaterally designate as enemies?

and 3) we have waged unprovoked war upon a sovereign nation (admittedly, one led by a bad guy), creating an impression that no one in the muslim world will soon forget about the lengths to which we will go to “ensure our safety”?

Well, then, maybe not, if we had to go get him like that.

And after I voiced this opinion (having not had an unexpressed opinion since I was about 4 years old), Spouse of Malcontent said this:

“I think the scary part is that much of the world is probably looking to see if we will kick out this guy in November. Because that is what American democracy means to much of the world: that we can remove an aggressive, militaristic, power-hungry ruler without riots and civil war.

If he goes, the world can see that we don’t support his actions and that our democracy is working. If he wins the election–what does that say about our support for his policies? And if he ‘wins’ like last time…what does that say about our democracy?”

Yep, good call by SoM. That’s much more scary.

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

“It’s democracy, and we’re coming in.“

Those not raising your hands, please put your names on the list entitled “I hate the President’s new Civil Liberties Board. ”

We will be collecting your names for future surveillance re-education future benign uses. Trust us.

So, as the R.N.C. gets under way in N.Y.C., they are already starting to pump the message that Bush stood firm, with resolve, and didn’t shrink from his post-9/11 duties.

No offense, but, big whoop.

As any middle-class suburban kid can tell you, when it comes to the big challenges, even dysfunctional families respond. Your parents may be downright worthless most days, but if you need a kidney? They’ll step up. When there is a major threat, you have to respond–you have no other option.

It is the day-to-day stuff that really tells you what people are made of. Not the overwhelming catastrophic challenges, but the regular, everyday, grind-it-out work. The day-to-day stuff: the economy, health care, child care–well, that’s where it takes true leadership and resolve to make a difference.

So, let’s hear the R.N.C. folks talk about that: How’s W. been doing on the day-to-day?

OK, my distant relative is the drummer for the rock and roll superstars Jimmy and the Teasers. She is awesome. So, go to the website, check out the delicious MP3s they are serving up, then become fans for life.

A great story in the Washington Post this weekend about Winter, the guy who is trying to have a cup of coffee at every Starbucks in the world.

Can you say dedicated? Determined? A little obsessive-compulsive?

Seriously, this fellow carries it to great extremes–he even centers his work around his coffee quest.

The Malcontent is glad to add to his blogroll the freshly-minted eponymous blog by frequent commentor AnonymousCoworker.

Welcome to the circus, ACW. Be mindful of the elephant poop.

The smell…you know, all of Manhattan…it smells like freedom.

The Republican National Convention may have met their match. Meet Natalie Jeremijenko and the Bureau of Inverse Technology. Oh yeah, and these guys.

On Sunday, the circus begins. The Malcontent will be remote viewing via Indymedia.

John O’Ferrell’s biting comments on Sir Mark Thatcher’s little problem in The Guardian.

I mean, what’s a parent to do?

We here at The Malcontent School of Discipline and Home Schooling School already know what the sadistic parents might suggest. (Thanks, we got that one.)

(And remember, home schooling: it’s not just for religous fanatics anymore…but it helps. Just ask these guys.)

Tired of having to do all the leg work to respond to your dimwitted friends who are still parroting the vicious slanders of The Lying Right-Wing Nutjobs Against Truth the pro-Bush Swift Boat Veterans political attack dogs?

Fortunately, now you don’t have to.

Thanks to Jerry for alerting The Malcontent to this useful site. The detailed information supporting Kerry is very helpful in combatting the overwrought campaign of ignorance (as are the concomitant links to the sources).