Stephanie Herseth has won the open House of Representatives seat in South Dakota. This is remarkable for two reasons. First, we are now two for two in special House elections since 2002, and both in districts where the GOP had the incumbent. Second, ALL THREE OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S representatives in Washington are Democrats. Tip was right, all politics are local. It shows that we need to be on the ground everywhere, fighting the good fight. If you are inclined, over at the DailyKos (www.dailykos.com) he is supporting a group of dKos 8 candidates from around the country and suggesting ways to support them. Please take a look, and tell them The Goatherder sent you.

The Draft
About a year ago I took part in an anti-Iraq war march, starting on the Boston Common. As we were walking down Newbury Street, some 20+ male leaned out a third floor window and started taunting the marchers. He was hollering that was more pro-killing than anything else, so it was that he was just trying to be a jerk.

With all the talk about the W. administration having to bring back the draft (or else we do not have enough soldiers for all of his wars) and with the bills pending in Congress (e.g S 89) requiring that there be no student or other deferrals, I WONDER HOW THAT A**HOLE IS FEELING NOW?

An effective Secretary of Defense
In his recent Congressional testimony Donald Rumsfeld stated that if he believed he could not be "effective" as Secretary of Defense, he would resign in a minute. Someone should ask him to define what he means by "effective." I think he means, "as long as I can peddle my perverse world view to the President, I will try to hang on to power." But if you look at it, what should an effective Secretary of Defense do?

1) He or she should be part of the group that collects intelligence regarding the world situation, so that we can deploy and employ our forces when, and only when, necessary. Considering the pre-war intelligence regarding Iraq and considering that even Shrub is wondering where the weapons went, Rumsfeld has clearly failed on this count. Strike one.

2) As the chief military officer in the President's cabinet, he should design strategy, when we do deploy our forces, so that we successfully complete the engagement, with as little cost as possible. You can argue whether Rummy's strategy was or was not effective up until the nominal fall of Bagdad, but only a Kool-Aid drinking true believer could argue that we have had an effective strategy since then. Strike Two

3) He should make certain that our troops are well equipped, with the appropriate weapons and supplies, to conduct their duties when deployed. How many times have we heard that soldiers are being blown up because of a lack of armored Humvees, or that people are holding bake-sales to buy body Armour for soldiers? Strike Three

4) He should make certain that our troops are appropriately trained to carry out the missions assigned to them. Again, how many times have we heard that the called-up Reservists at Abu Ghraib had absolutely no training with regard to interrogation? Strike Four Donald. I even gave you an extra one for free.

But at the end of the day, let me say this -- I have absolutely no desire to see Donald Rumsfeld quit or be fired. It would deflect criticism from the true culprit here, the one who has to be fired in November. As long as Shrub is in power, Rumsfeld's replacement would simply be a new face on the same policy.

Biblical Excuses?
George W. Bush claims to be a born-again Christian. But what would it have been like if Biblical characters tried some of the excuses and justifications that the Bush administration uses?

Read the new entry in the Satire section "Opponents Politicizing Apple Eating Incident, Adam Administration Spokesman Says."

Despicable
There is no other word for it. Rumsfeld says "Obviously, if I didn't think I could be effective [as Secretary of Defense] I would resign in a minute." Effective! Is that really the standard? What about the fact that Rumsfeld and his purported boss the Shrub have brought world-wide condemnation and shame upon America, squandered ALL of our world-wide goodwill and inspired thousands of new terrorists, who will attempt to strike all of US Americans (While Rummy is safe behind his Secret Service protection.)

Mr Secretary, have you no sense of responsibility? HAVE YOU NO SHAME?

Responsibility
I heard Donald Rumsfield's testimony before the Senate Arms Services Committee. He just doesn't get it (or doesn't want to get it.) He said, "This happened on my watch, and I accept full responsibility" Well, that is pure nonsense unless there are some repercussions that flow from taking responsibility. Without that, you really haven't taken responsibility. You have just filled the world with more hot air.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether the Bush administration was partially responsible for the terrorist attack on 9/11. Given the intensity of feelings that our violations of human decency have caused among both Muslim moderates and radicals, Bush, Rumsfield, Meyers & Co. certainly have to take responsibility for the next terrorist attack.

Colin Powell
Welcome to the Goatherder blog! In addition to my articles (and reader's contributions) on my main website, this blog is intended to be a place for more informal discussion. Please read and join in!

I heard a great description of Colin Powell the other day. "He may have risen to General, but he has the soul of a Buck Private." Think about it. He carries out orders, he dodges blame and he does absolutely no thinking for himself. And he is the best the administration has to offer.