Specter of brilliance

By Michael J.W. Stickings

President Bush, as you may know, has referred to himself as "the decider" with respect to Iraq. He will decide what to do, no one else. (He has more recently referred to himself as "the decision maker" -- see here.)

There is ample room for criticism (and humour) here, but let's give the floor to Republican Senator Arlen Specter, one of the few remaining moderates in the Republican camp: "I would suggest respectfully to the president that he is not the sole decider. The decider is a shared and joint responsibility."

Well put -- you know, checks and balances and what not.

Although I would suggest disrespectfully, because no respect is deserved, that Bush is not only not "the sole decider" but that he's had his chance to decide and that his decisions, one after another after another, have led to failure.

The proof is Iraq.