Very interesting insights, especially on the linguistic misuse of the “conspiracy theory” label. Such misuse is appallingly consistent with the administration’s takeover of the word “terrorism” for its own purposes. Offering alternatives to current policy creates the burden of overcoming these disingenuous labels. New ideas get lost in the noise of name-calling, regardless of merit.

It appears the timing and consequences of the inevitable Iraqi pullout are ultimately going to make Bush look good. If we withdraw on a timetable mandated by Congress and the American people, Bush’s camp will blame the ensuing mess on those who suported the timetable. If the Dems win the White House and pull out (almost a certainty), the new President will take most of the heat for the ensuing mess. If we leave Vietnam-style, with rescue helicoptors taking ground fire will retrieving the last Americans from the Green Zone, the blame will fall on the war’s opponents.

So how can Bush really lose? That a mess will follow any pull-out is a given. That a pull-out will be Democrat driven is a given. Using today’s logic, it follows that the ensuing mess is Democrat created.

When I say it, I’m a Crazy Conspiracy Theorist. When the administration’s marketing people say it, it’s a Game Plan.
For the administration