Whenever people refer to an "illegal" war -- even one that was authorized by both Congress and the President -- I try to understand whether they mean that there is some universal, never-to-be-changed law that exists independent of anything the U.S. Congress and President can do. Is there some "law" that U.S. citizens are bound by even though their representative institutions can't change?

-- GlennGreenwald

Perhaps the word these folks should be using is "immoral"? Our government refuses to submit to the jurisdiction of the ICC so, in the above case at least, international law would not seem to apply. If both Congress and the President have authorized war then it would, at least technically according to US laws, be considered "legal". The rest of the world, or at least those portions who recognize the authority of the International Courts, would still be justified in labelling it "illegal".

Are there ways for the ICC to prosecute cases against violators who are not signatories?

Taking the corrupt political tactics wielded by the war-hungry Right and applying those same tactics to them (rather than ineffectively protesting the unfairness of the tactics) is the only way to ensure they cease.

-- Glenn Greenwald

Years ago, when I was involved in competitive sports, a wise coach taught me that the best strategy was to take an opponent's favorite tactics, master them and then use them against him/her. It always worked because your opponent is not expecting it and rarely trains to defend against their own "strengths".

Now, as then, it's a real pleasure to see a master at work. Your essay on this has been forwarded to every winger I know who whinged to me about the MoveOn ad.

The GOP's new mascot:

http://despicable.org

-- sysprog

Thanks Sysprog, it's been years since I've had a dose of Saturday morning cartoons!

Have you ever grown Mong tomatos? I get my seeds from Underwood gardens,

http://underwoodgardens.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/452

Certified OG 90 days Indeterminate Sturdy plants full of 2 - 3 lb. tomatoes are an amazing sight. Very meaty, true-red fruits have small seed cavities and a mellow, sweet, fruity flavor. Mong could be short for Humongous as this is the largest tomato we have ever seen that hasn’t been specially treated to achieve its size.

Mong is my maiden name. Mayo Underwood is a lovely lady who was quite generous in sharing the story of this tomato with me. We were able to establish that the plant, as part of its journey to them, had passed through Pennsylvania, which is where my family is from. So I like to think that this is a tomato that my great-great-grandfather may have grown years ago in his greenhouse and fields.

Less warmongering, more tomatoMongering!

Now I'm hungry too. Time to slice some 'maters with sweet onion, garlic, basil, some balsamic vinegar and olive oil!

I will save Mong 'mater seeds for you Bebop-o. I will bring them to the DC stink-hill meeting place to share. Or mail them if you wish.

Samish sounds wonderful. I have not yet found a spinach favorite - maybe samish will solve my green-leaf dilemma?

I will send you potted geranium babies with phone ring #s hidden in the pots.

General Petraeus is a military man constantly at war with the facts. In 2004, just before the election, he said there was “tangible progress“ in Iraq and that “Iraqi leaders are stepping forward.”

And last week Petraeus, the architect of the escalation of troops in Iraq , said ”We say we have achieved progress, and we are obviously going to do everything we can to build on that progress.”

Every independent report on the ground situation in Iraq shows that the surge strategy has failed.

Yet the General claims a reduction in violence...

When Col. Hunt went on the attack at Fox, he was attacking the fact that there are Generals out there who still have enough honor and courage to prosecute military personnel who violate the UCMJ and the laws of engagement. He wants no limits on the means used to "defeat the enemy". Civilians? What civilians?

The MoveOn ad, as you can see above, in no way, shape or form descnds to this level, nor to any other level common among the bottom-feeding pundits and radio bomb-b(l)ast(er)s. MoveOn states the truth and then backs it up with citations.

Their outrage over the Petraeus/Betrayus header is a ridiculous attempt to distract from the content. They fear attacks on their veracity and that shows in their level of vehemence.

MoveOn hit a nerve and that's telling. I say do it more, but stay true to the tenor of exposing the lies and stay away from the more vile methods that distinguish their use of these tactics from ours. Was "Betrayus" too close to that line? Maybe, but I think there was enough truth in it to justify it.

There's an old saying that I think applies here well:

"Tough titty" said the kitty, "but the milk's still good."

A desert vet responds to Rush Limbaugh.

From: http://tinyurl.com/26pbmv

That's some powerful stuff. I wish it had broader readership and, of course, every one of the Limbaughs and Hunts out there should have to read this before putting pen to page or opening their foul mouths ever again.