Reverend Ref +

DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO

I was watching CNN this morning getting my Ivan update. From what I saw it looks like the Gulf Coast dodged a biggie. New Orleans was spared when Ivan made a right turn. Mobile was spared when Ivan continued right. I know hurricanes are brutal, but all things considered, everyone seems to have been relatively lucky. Hopefully David and his clan and parish are all okay.

So I'm watching the news, and happened to glance down at the ticker on the bottom of the screen. An item runs across that says, "George Bush criticizes Russian President Putin for giving the Kremlin sweeping new powers in an effort to combat terrorism." I'm not sure if I've quoted that verbatim, but the main premise is there.

My question: Why is it okay for President Bush and his cronies to instigate sweeping changes that give the government more power than they've ever had, or need, to combat terrorism against the U.S., but it's not okay (in Bush's mind) for the Russian government to do the same thing to combat Chechyn (sp) rebels/terrorists? What's different? Other than the massive ego of this administration that believes only they can do this type of thing.

I would rant some more, but I'm afraid I'll say something that would require more than one confession session. I saw a bumper sticker the other day that pretty much sums up where we are at: My dictator can whip your dictator.

Okay, I'm stopping. God help the universe if "W" is awarded the presidency again.