Required Reading, Part I

There has been great progress in Iraq, but the situation remains fluid. One of the most dispiriting things over the past 16 months has been the Democratic party’s utter inability to process changes on the Iraqi ground. Politically and intellectually wed to a “quagmire” scenario, the Democrats have been unable to move on (to coin a phrase). Barack Obama hasn’t been the biggest offender in this regard, but merely one of many Democrats who has seemed perversely determined to become living proof of Emerson’s maxim regarding the hobgoblin of little minds. One could say “Know Hope!” and cling to the prayer that the troika of Obama, Reid and Pelosi will govern more responsibly and intelligently than they’ve indicated would be the case. Or one could recognize the reality that taking such a chance would be reckless. One other note about the O’Hanlon/Pollack/Biddle column – normally, whenever these guys surface on a well read op-ed page, the left reflectively pitches a hissy fit. Today, so far anyway, there’s been silence. Their piece hasn’t even earned a mention on the Daily Kos front page. Has the left lost all interest in Iraq? I spent the weekend on holiday in Kennebunkport. As fate would have it, the president was also in town for a family wedding. (Oddly, there were several “Welcome Mr. President!” signs and not a single “Welcome Mr. Barnett!” sign.) As is the ritual when the president visits Kennebunkport, protestors chanted their way to the massive estate at Walker’s Point to colorfully express their displeasure with all things Bush. When Bush last visited Kennebunkport roughly a year ago, over 2500 loons assembled in front of the Bush compound to chant “Jail to the Chief!” This past weekend, fewer than 50 protestors showed up to demand we get out of Iraq and “keep our hands off Iran.” If even the lunatic fringe has moved on, perhaps Barack Obama can do the same. Know hope indeed.