Month: January 2003

Okay, the jig is up: the New York Daily News has got my number, and I might as well confess. According to the News: "Iraq sent spies from Canada to New York and Washington this month to snoop and stir up anti-war demonstrations, according to a government report obtained by the Daily News." Omigod! We’re … Continue reading “Our Reds and Theirs”

It is now clear – if it wasn’t during the Cold War – that the only way to keep your country free from invaders and despoilers is to maintain a nuclear arsenal and a large army. Missiles and cruisers are important as well, to kill the enemy from afar and threaten his cities. North Korea … Continue reading “Smiles and Nods and Handouts”

The national smallpox vaccination plan rolled out with a whimper last week. Part of the Bush administration’s effort to stave off a bioterrorism attack, the vaccination plan was to begin with a strong start in the state of Connecticut by vaccinating 20 or more first-line medical responders who would then fan out and vaccinate thousands … Continue reading “Bush’s Smallpox Boondoggle”

If there were any hopes in the past few weeks, what with the rising tide of antiwar sentiment, that the Empire might turn back from the brink of invading Iraq, the Emperor’s annual speech should have dispelled them. Within a few short weeks, before the weather window closes, there will be war. Baghdad via Belgrade … Continue reading “Balkanizing the World”

If you think I’m going to miss EastEnders in order to hear the "State of the Union" address you are wrong, wrong, wrong. Why bother, when I know the state of the union sucks? No sooner did Hans Blix open his mouth then the Dow started tanking; our war birds had hardly begun their latest … Continue reading “Beware the Ides of March”

Hans Blix, head of the UN inspection team, has delivered a somewhat ambivalent report on Iraqi compliance with the UN inspection regime. There is undoubtedly enough there to satisfy many elements within the Bush administration, and perhaps the president himself, that Saddam Hussein has once again shown himself nasty enough to deserve a military attack … Continue reading “Criteria for War”

One of the legacies of the Vietnam War is the now infamous quote from an American military press officer, "we had to destroy the village in order to save it." Rings some bells these days. In the name of "fighting terror," countries with secret weapons programs are poised to pulverize Iraq because of its secret … Continue reading “Destroying the Village to Save Weapons Manufacturers”

One of the legacies of the Vietnam War is the now infamous quote from an American military press officer, "we had to destroy the village in order to save it." Rings some bells these days. In the name of "fighting terror," countries with secret weapons programs are poised to pulverize Iraq because of its secret … Continue reading “Destroying the Village to Save Weapons Manufacturers”

This Tuesday, all will be revealed and all our lingering doubts stilled. We shall stand in wonder at whatever New Doctrines the Great Man, who holds the Great Office, has for us. It is very likely that the new doctrines will grow out of, and represent bolder statements of existing doctrines. I can hardly wait. … Continue reading “On Some Rhetorical Devices of the War Party”

While the War Party brays about all the glorious sacrifices we’ll have to make to win the War on Everyone, and opines that privation on the home front builds character as well as empire, it looks like there’s some wavering in the ranks. Writing in "The Corner," National Review‘s group-blog and mutual admiration society, investment … Continue reading “Growing Up”