Thursday Roundup: Partisan Hackery

You can't just drown out the July 4 spirit with a little rain here in Texas. Statewide celebrations went on despite the continuing rain throughout the state. About the only thing that could dampen the spirit of Independence Day? A president with a below-30% approval rating trying to milk the celebration of the nation's independence for political benefit. When even Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney could put aside their differences to celebrate Independence Day, President Bush was taking another opportunity to divide the country on partisan lines. I'm not sure I even have words for that — other than, how could you do that? Why would you ruin Independence Day by talking about how you want to encourage our resolve in Iraq?

To add insult to injury, yet more news that our "resolve" in Iraq doesn't extend beyond mere talk propping up a bad idea: the State Department has received a tersely worded letter from the embassy in Iraq pointing out numerous structural and safety concerns in the shiny new building. Apparently, the new security guard base quickly went from inhabited to uninhabitable after various electrical problems and "poor quality construction" which led to shutting the camp down. I suppose this is just a continuation of the ongoing tale of the administration asking for support and backing from America, and then refusing to assure support and backing for those actually risking their lives in Iraq.

Fortunately for us, it looks like the administration will indeed be brought to task on at least some of its transgressions. In response to President Bush's citing executive privilege to justify refusing to turn over information under subpoena to Congress, the judiciary committee chairmen have said that they would bring charges of criminal contempt against the president. The Hill further contends that it does not look like congressional Republicans are too keen on bailing the president out of this one. Considering the nature of the court system lately, there is some trepidation there as to whether sending the problem to the courts for resolution would actually be any good, but then again, I don't see how else you would resolve the problem of refusing to turn over subpoenaed documents other than in the courts.

The New York Times has an interesting piece on the unlikely alliances Senator Ted Kennedy has found himself in with the President over such issues as immigration, education, and prescription drug benefits. Kennedy is not exactly what one would call a centrist, but he is pragmatic about not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. Seeing how he works together with Bush on some issues while vocally denouncing him in others makes for a surprisingly good study in how to work with people you disagree with.

Another interesting piece in the Times is about the Clintons campaigning in Iowa. It draws Bill Clinton, understandably, as the unparalleled expert at campaigning that is focusing on keeping himself in the background, while refining Hillary's presentation behind the scenes. If you don't read it for the look at a talented campaign team and what they do to make their candidate look good, read it for the nugget where Bill Clinton is mistaken for Bob Barker.

In an interesting segue to our veterans' issues series, here is a piece on the problem of combat-related stress experienced by private contractors in Iraq. The Bush administration has paid out billions of dollars to companies providing contract services in Iraq, but those contractors do not get the support that is at least ostensibly available to returning veterans. Contractors are, of course, "not eligible for care in the military or V.A. system. And unlike troops, they are not routinely evaluated for mental or stress disorders after their tours."

Finally today, need assurance that Al Gore isn't running for president? Meet his son, Albert Gore III. Albert Junior Junior was arrested yesterday for driving "about 100" on California's I-5. He had in his possession marijuana, Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, and Adderall. But at least he was being ecologically conscious about the whole thing. How exactly do you hit 100 in a hybrid vehicle, anyway? Interestingly, this parallels the previous election cycle, in 2003, where he was also picked up for possession of marijuana. What father would want to drag their family into the maw of an United States presidential election and make them such easy targets? No, I think the man is too smart to run. Well, that and he's mentioned he's not running a good dozen times.