some red meat to chew on over the weekend

I am trying to develop a unified theory on “portgate,” but every time I read more, I have to go back and expand the theory. It may seem like an overly wonky scandal, but it is deep, real, and rife with examples of the way the Bush has abused his office (even if he “didn’t know” he was abusing it in this case).

Until I can put it all into a nice narrative, take a look at this piece by Anacher Forester over at Daily Kos—it goes into amazing detail about the financial serpent with the head of one James A. Baker.

Also note that Karl Rove’s new strategy of giving lawmakers “time to get used to” the DP World deal is nothing more than lip service. The deal still stands, this just gives Republicans time to get back in line. . . which, I predict, they will.

Alas, agreeing to any delay means that Rove and Bush are aiding the terrorists. Really. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said so.

Of course, a 45-day wait is actually what is mandated by law—so is briefing Congress on the deal—but why should that stop them? (Sound familiar?)

Then again, laws only matter if it’s a government of the people—but it’s not. As George explains:

The more people learn about the transaction that has been scrutinized and approved by my government the more they will be comforted that our ports will be secure.

Also, lost in this debate about foreign versus domestic is the question I keep asking, “Why is this port administration privatized at all?” The only person to approach this, as best I can tell, is California Senator Diane Feinstein (and even she doesn’t quite get it spot on).

There is so much more, really, but I gotta get me some sleep—I have a lunchtime appointment with a very special burger.