...is NOT always patriotism. Coming up close behind the time-tested facade of patriotism is RELIGION. More correctly, though, this variety of scoundrel relies more on religiosity, marked by the sudden outward proclamation of religious faith, sometimes accompanied by actions usually associated with religious faith. (It's also quite common to see a seamless merging of overt patriotism and religiosity, leading to a hybrid that's difficult to beat!)

There are multiple cases of this religiosity to which you could point, but perhaps the most prominent is Richard Scrushy of HealthSouth. It's awfully easy to proclaim deep faith after you get into legal trouble, especially when that often translates into automatic support by others who proclaim similar deep faith.

Chew on this from Rev. Dr. William Lawson, offered at Lay's memorial service in Houston: "(Like Jesus Christ) he was crucified by a government that mistreated him."

The Reuters story on his memorial had this as its second line: "Friends and family lauded as a devout Christian and family leader the man who built Enron into an international energy powerhouse before its collapse in the biggest corporate scandal of its time."

I don't pretend to be able to look into the soul of other people (unlike Pres. Bush, who has this rare ability, which enabled him to see the "goodness" in Vladimir Putin), but it's hard to believe that robber barons like Lay and Scrushy are truly aligned with real Christian principles.

And everyone should remember that Rep. King is also the charming gentleman who had this to say recently about an 85 year old woman (as reported in Editor & Publisher):

"...Rep. King, while discussing the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi at the state Republican convention, said, 'What occurred to me that morning is something that I imagine a lot of you have thought about and he's probably figured it out by now. There probably are not 72 virgins in the hell he's at and if there are, they probably all look like Helen Thomas.'"

Oh, yes, he DID apologize -- but only after great public scorn for his comments. I guess he didn't fire his gag writers after his earlier performance, based on today's reports.

Residents of Iowa's 5th District should be mighty proud of their local boy these days -- he's sure showin' them city slickers a thing or two about good old Midwest common sense, time and time again!

...came from the brain of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, not Rep. Steve King. If you missed this recent incident, just Google the words "alaska stevens internet" and you'll see what was so funny.

(Sorry to post twice -- the first time, my text disappeared for some unknown reason!)

"First the verdict, then the evidence."

Talk about nonsense!

As "orbitboy" pointed out, it's fascinating that Bush chose to phrase his comment this way:

"...what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop..."

Who IS this "they" that he mentions? And then add this Dubya comment:

"I feel like telling Kofi to get on the phone with Assad and make something happen."

TELLING? He thinks HE can TELL Kofi Annan to act, separate from the U.N. itself?

It makes one long for the scenario in the 1951 science fiction movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still" -- oh, if ONLY we had a disinterested third party who had the power and will to make the stupid humans stop our age-old butchery. If only Klaatu and Gort were real -- not pure sci-fi.

*sigh*

Of course, it's still up to US, as it always has been. Too bad we have a president without enough interest or savvy to step up and do what needs to be done...

Let's say any of the broadcast networks -- ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox -- happened to be airing a report with live audio when Bush uttered his charming comment.

Or, let's speculate that a microphone happened to be nearby when Cheney graciously told Sen. Leahy to (intercourse) himself on the Senate floor a couple of years ago, and it were broadcast live.

Would the networks be liable for massive FCC fines, especially if such events happened now under the current restrictive rules?

Inquiring minds want to know -- what would the FCC say about THIS? I'd love to have the question formally posed by reporters to the agency!

I've never been one to analyze song lyrics deeply, but sometimes the connection to real life makes it unavoidable. How about these lines excerpted from The Who's classic "Won't Get Fooled Again", when considering John Boehner, and current events in general? Sadly, I live in his House district, and for sure, this new House boss IS the same as the old boss:

- - - - - - - - - -

We'll be fighting in the streets

With our children at our feet

And the morals that they worship will be gone

And the men who spurred us on

Sit in judgement of all wrong

They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

- - - - - - - - -

There's nothing in the streets

Looks any different to me

And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye

And the parting on the left

Are now parting on the right

And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

Don't get fooled again

No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss

Same as the old boss