First, I personally doubt Richard Clarke-the only Bush administration official brave and morally strong enough to publicly APOLOGIZE for his part in the failures during 9/11 during Congressional hearings-will ever need the protection from or Supreme Court acknowledgment of the publicly reported response his psuedo-female boss Condolezza Rice wreaked.

Richard Clarke's congressional testimony included an apology for his own failure-as a 'primary' member in the Bush II administration's (not to mention the Regan/BushI and Clinton administrations) national security department-to ensure that national security meetings between he, Rice and other primarys HAPPEN in order to discuss and take any needed acton toward the more frequent and ominus 'chatter' being picked up from Al-Queda before September of '01. Clarke's effort began in March and finally happened in September of 2001. After Clarke's testimony, Rice stripped him of his access to all future 'primary' national security meetings within the department making his presence all but ineffectual. Rather soon after, Mr. Clarke left government wrote a book of his expriences and took a well-deserved and well-paying position in the private sector where he's-no doubt-better revered and appreciated.

No, perhaps Richard Clarke doesn't need sympathy from the citizenry or even a look backward at this related juncture at one of the most juvenile, petty and back biting supervisory backlashes from one of the highest administration officials ever toward one of the most fearless attempts at personal redemption in memorable history.

But I have to look back. On this occasion and others. Every time I see another Numbnutzzz suggest Condi Rice for Prezidunce. Jesus, indeed.

Thanks to Walter Shapiro for confirming the true issue at hand which I distinctly heard a female Florida Democratic offical complain of on an NPR spot just a month or more ago... Republicans have a majority in the Florida legislature and apparently, a Republican Govenor, too. This Shapiro related story blurb-which our current author has failed to mention-proves, to me at least there are conspiracies afoot! Read both stories and I'll bet a line can be drawn...

"July 2, 2007 | WASHINGTON -- The biggest political event over the past three months in the Democratic presidential race had nothing to do with the candidates, their fundraising prowess, their debates or their TV spots. In fact, it originated with the Republicans, though it had no direct connection to the Bush White House.

This epic moment in Democratic politics came May 21 when Florida Republican Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation moving the Sunshine State's presidential primary to next Jan. 29. .....So it is hard to imagine how the DNC will prevail in enforcing its rules, which, incidentally, Florida originally supported. Asked in an interview for a scenario under which Florida would relent, Jim Roosevelt, the co-chairman of the DNC's Rules Committee, said bravely, "Maybe I'm an inveterate optimist, but I don't give up hope on that. Especially since the Democrats in Florida have played by the rules and the REPUBLICANS IN FLORIDA HAVE PUT THEM IN A DIFFICULT SPOT."

Hmmmm Thought I smelled that familiar Repugnican aroma in the air. It is easy to assume media persons have supplied us all the facts and details necessary for a sound judgement, but as in this case, some simply can't/won't/don't.

Thanks for pointing out this putz' poignant and profound prose to us again, Glenn.

That name will forever be tied in my mind to the flippant cover story he wrote on meditation in the US for TIME a year or two ago. Anyone-sorry. Any journalist would perceive meditation's serious nature and-I think-be naturally drawn to the job of researching its background and you know... conduct some information gathering and reporting?? (he-LLO?)

Not our anti-hero. Instead, for no provocation I ever found, Klein turned in-and his pinheaded EDITOR printed-the most contemptous writing on any subject I've ever read.

Suffice to say I enjoy Newsweek-each week-immensely.

It was just 2000. We the people were openly swooning to learn we'd see a total of 2 debates between the Party Nominees. Each VPs name and background info seemed to arrive much too late, not to mention the truth! "And who are you, anyway?" Who needs cabinet member choices before the election?? In 2000, our current arrogant didn't know any world leader's names, but then he was ok with it. No one seemed to mind he never did reveal his platform before the election. It was in 2000 that Gore seemed so disorganised-he changed his campaign center location mid race-and then failed to even carry that state. Some champ. 11 million voters were disgusted enough to simply stay home that election day while Democratic Party heads spewed their GUTZ out because some guy who'd been keeping consumers safe for the past 30 years dared enter the race.

After being treated like a drone my entire adult life, I happen to be enjoying the level of the current performance bar right where it is, thank you. But then, I don't. have. to. fill. those. minutes. in. each. 24. hours. either.