torure bill--the new litmus test of whether you are loyal to America.

[rodeodance]

http://www.pekingduck.org/

September 22, 2006
America is free to torture

The very worst -case scenario has come true, and one blogger had it all figured out in advance. Digby has the best post out there on how Bush and the "Gang of Four" Republicans who opposed his amendments to the war crimes act actually worked in concert, making Bush look good beyond words. Not only is he "tough" on terrorists, but he has the patience and diplomatic skills to work with "the opposition" to craft a wise and reasonable "compromise." Except, as Diby shows, there is no compromise, there was no real opposition and Bush gets absolutely everything he wanted and more.

And by forcing the Congress to vote on it shortly before the elections, it becomes a litmus test of whether you are loyal to America. This is political cynicism at its very best, and it is a brilliant example of how Bush-Rove stage-manage elaborate stunts to create a powerful image, whether it's on an aircraft carrier or the Senate floor. Republicans - strong, virile and reasonable. Democrats - cowardly, disorganized, weak. Sure, we all know it's a trick, an illusion. But it makes me increasingly terrified that the GOP is about to make a sensational comeback and hold onto the House. In fact, until I'm convinced otherwise, until I see the Dems take back the microphone and start getting their own messages out, I am officially predicting a Republican upset. They will win in November. Not across the board, but they'll do far better than any of us expected. Go read the Digby post to see just how beautifully they played the media on this. Appearances. They're all that matter. Republicans have raised "positioning" to a high art form, while the Dems still don't get it. ....