As Glenn points out, Bush is not going to appoint a moderate. Anyone he appoints will be a right winger. Mukasey may be the best of the worst, given the fact that he has proven himself to be slightly less than slavishly subservient to the Master.

for another informative column.

Please excuse my lack of gratitude for the few trifles that GWB offers us, but it's hard to work up much enthusiasm for someone who, while he might offer some slight resistance to serving on Addison and Yoo's Volksgericht, still prefers Ordnung to libertas.

I'm really, really tired of these folks who've spent their entire lives trying to resurrect the privileges of class for themselves and their buddies, and to justify doing so by whatever means are available to them, including endless war. While admitting that legitimate distinctions can always be made between the bad and less bad, I still find myself wishing a plague on all their houses.

Glenn has more tolerance for reality than I do this morning, or most mornings, for that matter -- which is why I read him. Still, dyspepsia in the face these fine torturers of the law isn't as much of a crime as some make out.

The Bee Says:

"In the 4½ years since the United States started dropping bombs in Iraq, The Bee consistently has said our country must see this war through. We've also consistently opposed setting a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Until now.

Our view has changed. The time has come for the United States, gradually and responsibly, to reduce its military commitment in Iraq.

Why now?

Because the cost of this war -- 60 to 90 dead U.S. troops and $9 billion each month -- is simply not worth the marginal accomplishments and the prospect that more than 100,000 troops could spend three to five more years in Iraq.

Because our military leaders say our armed forces are so depleted that we are at risk of not being able to respond effectively to problems elsewhere -- including, heaven forbid, here at home.

Because despite the best efforts of our military, Iraqi leaders have made only small steps in assuming responsibility for the security of their country and virtually no progress toward national reconciliation.

And because victory in a land long plagued by sectarian violence is, in our opinion, highly improbable if not impossible. We've won some battles and might win some more, but the war itself is a costly lost cause."

And the Bee goes on to say in the same editorial published in its Sunday edition this morning that Bush's "Return on Success" speech Thursday, in which he asked for another open-ended commitment "to defeat the enemy," was "not acceptable."

-- Garry Owen

Mukasey sounds as about as good as it will get.

Politically, it would seem more prudent to confirm him while using the confirmation proceedings to highlight the abuses of the Bush regime

But confirm him and get the story done with and continue on with more important matters.

I think Bush would love nothing more than to have no one confirmed and have a stalemate at the DOJ with nothing being accomplished.

I didn't know there were any right wingers still around that really followed the rule of law (as opposed to just claiming to "believe" in the rule of law).

Anyway, I think the best thing to be said about this candidate is that he is not part of the "inner circle" that are pre-trained to be loyal to Bush/Cheney and nothing else. In the past any appointee in that category has not lasted, such as O'Neil or DiIlio. Or, for that matter, Ashcroft.

This many be the only non-loyalist appointment to see Bush out of office.

I stopped off of 104 East on my way to Amherst Nova Scotia on my way to the border where tractor trailors of old cows may be holding me up on my way back to the states? I hope not. Moo.move.on ya' Moo-Cows. Run ! The Americans Savage GOP's will kill and eat you alive! They devour whole bones, hoofs, and hide...I hear some will suck out the red-marrow and throw the bones away. Cows, stamped! Go back to Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, right away, hurry, QUICK.

I also bought some gifts. A wood box of Tea Bags. Good Premium Blueberry Tea. The Erable Bleuet. Tea Anyone? Hope I'm not being irritatable.

This is off topic too...How about some Wild Blueberry Vinegar?

Vinaigre aux bluets sauvage. Salad? Sativa for a calm ride home.

I miss the Library.

To say GoodBye is sad.

A moment of private hurt.

I say, 'a leaf returns again to say hello to the beautiful green leaf Tree, in season.'

_

I just thank Oxford Nova Scotia's computer lender. There is beauty and wonder everywhere. I feel like saying, 'Love ya a million' but that's real weird and off-topic. I'll now leave Oxford.

Mukasey is very smart and independent

Man-- do you think the Administration realizes this? It certainly would be a breath of fresh air. He is kind of old, though-- how's his memory?

It will be interesting to see how many (if any) of the questions you think he should be asked by the Democrats actually are asked.

...is a Chinese aphorism that captures Mukasey's courage to defy...

...the closer Mukasey gets to the Forbidden City, his willingness to rock the boat will diminish in direct proportion...

But as said in other threads--he's probably the best of the worst...

And isn't it funny how the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is cited by Glenn as a source of wisdom criticizing Judge Mukasey? But the Mukasey-supporting Fourth Circuit is "far right"?

I'm a little concerned by the nice things that Schumer and Glenn Greenwald say about Mukasey, but if Bill Kristol endorses Mukasey, then I'd support his nomination.

Thanks for the weekend illustration of how an authoritarian follower "thinks" -- "if Bill Kristol endorses Mukasey, then I'd support his nomination."

No need to think for yourself. If Bill Kristol says it, you follow.

And isn't it funny how the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is cited by Glenn as a source of wisdom criticizing Judge Mukasey? But the Mukasey-supporting Fourth Circuit is "far right"?

Court of appeals decisions are determined by three-judge panels. It is just fact that the three-judge panel chosen for that Fourth Circuit case was comprised of some of the further right judicial ideologues. Even right-wing legal advocates would say so.

Having said that, the notion that a U.S. President can't incarcerate U.S. citizens seized on U.S. soil without a trial isn't really a matter of whether someone believes in liberal or conservative ideology. It is a matter of whether someone believes in the basic American constitutional framework. That's why the administration made sure the Supreme Court wouldn't rule on that question.