The 11th Hour is a type of follow-up to Al Gore's documentary, adding more talking heads and a celebrity narrator. It is a warning that the ecological threats to our planet is approaching a tipping point, focusing on the solutions must be done now and the solutions are there ... if we have the will (my comment). This can be applied, as suggested there, to many situations. It also underlines the breadth of the problem, even if some tend to focus too much on the worse offenders:
Prime Minister Maliki said today: "There are American officials who consider Iraq as if it were one of their villages, for example Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin. They should come to their senses."
Glenn Greenwald speaks of "Beltway operatives" in this who will deal with this turbulent Prime Minister (with apologies to Henry II) situation. The fact that, oy vey, a match-up would surely include a worse option does not make people of this ilk credible presidential candidates. HC is part of the problem. She should not be the candidate. Other likely replacements might not be fully ideal, we do live in the real world, but have saner takes on the matter. And, overall, appear to me to be possible parts of the solution, not tweaks that just supply a somewhat smaller problem.
I want more. We have the chance to grab a possibility to take advantage of a crystal clear need for change, a constant reminder of the problems with the alternative of doing more of the same. It is not just Bush, but opening up the possibility of Bush ... Bush as a symbol is so bad that even a bit of Bush, like a bit of cream cheese on a bagel, is too much. This can be brought out if the right people and means are provided. The announcement of the upcoming resignation of Gonzo underlines the point. And, the dangers of not taking the opportunity. Again, GG hits it:
This is a real moment of truth for the Democratic Congress. Democrats, who have offered up little other than one failure after the next since taking power in January, can take a big step toward redeeming themselves here. No matter what, they must ensure that Gonzales' replacement is a genuinely trustworthy and independent figure.
Besides underlining the pathetic repeated whining from Dems that they were "betrayed," "disappointed" or so forth by Bush's actions, like there was a reason (or right) to trust him so deeply, GG notes:
The standard excuse invoked by Democrats to justify their capitulations -- namely, that they cannot attract a filibuster-proof or veto-proof majority to defy the President -- will be unavailing here. They themselves can filibuster the confirmation of any proposed nominee to replace Gonzales. They do not need Blue Dogs or Bush Dogs or any of the other hideous cowards in their caucus who remain loyal to the most unpopular President in modern American history. The allegedly "Good Democrats" can accomplish this vital step all on their own. They only need 40 Senate votes to achieve it.
Taunting the Democrats, Bush is blaming them for the resignation. If the Senate allows some insider to come in, annoucing a "win" since Gonzo is gone without any real admittance of wrongdoing or real change of policy, it will be pathetic. It is akin to the victory claimed by the Union general after the enemy's plans was found beforehand, after what amounted to a draw. One really expected and expects more. But, given the incompetence and low expectations, do not be so sure.
Bet on it though that if the Dems choke, they will try to weasel out of actually admitting to it. They will claim victory and/or that there was no other possible option. I cry b.s. preemptively.