Randon reflections on today's events

I'm still trying to fully digest the Rumsfeld firing resignation, the Gates appointment, and the Bush press conference.

Obviously Rumsfeld's departure is good news. We've all been calling for it, and now we've got it. Gates will probably make some difference at least in so far as the dynamics inside the Pentagon work. I'm guessing that the generals will get a better hearing and will be willing to be more honest with Gates than with Rumsfeld, who ridiculed publicly anyone who questioned his views.

However, I don't see it having much impact on the Iraq war -- at least not in the short run. After all, there are very limited options, and Bush has already ruled out many of them. Of course, he also ruled out dumping Rumsfeld, so who knows?

The presser was not as strident as Bush usually is. He did say, if I heard him correctly, that he could sign a minimum wage bill and might be able to work with the Dems on immigration. But, the devil may be in the details. Once again, we'll see. I just don't think he is capable of changing his style and substance that much. And, I wouldn't trust him any further than I could see him. I hope the Dems don't either, or they'll be out-maneuvered once again.

I also heard Bush say that he wanted this Congress to strengthen the capability of the President to wage the global war on terror. I took that to mean more powers for the prez, not less. A stronger "Patriot" act, more lattitude to torture prisoners, fewer prisoner rights, etc., etc. God help us if the Dems cave on that. I don't think they will, but who knows?

Meanwhile, I'm very fearful of all the stuff the lame ducks are going to try to stuff down our throats in the next month.

For all that, it seems our democracy has started to work again. I just pray we stay on the right track long enough to restore the balance to the system.