Akkam’s Razor

Bush said the following on 60 Minutes tonight (Sunday):

Q: If you have the authority to put the troops in there no matter what the Congress wants to do.

BUSH: I think I’ve got, in this situation I do, yeah. I fully understand they could try to stop me from doing it. But I’ve made my decision. And we’re going forward. 

At this point, it doesn't matter - Iraq is being escalated just like Vietnam.  Iran and Syria are next.  The New York Times will report that the plans have been in the works for three weeks tomorrow.  Why else do you move an aircraft carrier battle group and Patriot ground-to-air missles to a country (Iraq) that has neither a navy nor an air force?   Only ~12-18% (to as many as 36%) of Americans support the escalation of the war; only 26% of Americans support the way Bush has executed the war; only 30% of Americans approve of Bush's performance as President. 

You would think that the November 2006 elections might have sent him a message, you may think that he would behave like most second term Presidents entering the lameduck period - populist, generous, and seeking to soften their images and build their legacies.  Instead, Bush acts like the dried up drunk that he is, looking for a fight.John McCain said that the war wouldn't be up for discussion by 2008.  You might be tempted to think that means the war will be over - it may also mean that that they plan on escalating the war (regionally or bigger?) to a point where we cannot walk away.  This is what the country voted for. 

Once Bush vetoes the minimum wage increase bill, the stem cell research bill, the prescription drug reform bill, and all the other popular things that make him suddenly start vetoing bills (strange, now that his party is no longer in the majority).  We'll see how enthusiastic the American people are, especially the Republicans.  The only way to stop him is his removal from office - as soon as the Washington elite establishment, the pundits, the wealthy, and corporate America decide it's necessary, he's out. 

And it shouldn't be much longer. 

But Iraq, Iran, and Syria are all but a done deal.