September 17, 2007 News Update

President Bush surges 30,000 more troops to Iraq, announces withdrawal of 5,000 by December, another 25,000 next summer, leaving original number there. Exit strategy as shell game.

Commander-in-Chief makes speech to nation after outsourcing policy to Gen. Petraeus, who testified before Congress. General recommends keeping pre-surge level of American troops until next summer. Wow, what a surprise!

Most telling exchange during testimony:

Sen. Warner asks if Iraq policy is making America safer. General responds: "I don't know." Then what the hell are we doing there?

Microphone fails at beginning of testimony. Metaphor for Iraq policy in general?

Move.On.org takes out ad referring to Gen. Petraeus as Gen. Betray Us. Move off, Move.on. Clever play on words, but terrible PR, as in PetRaeus. Better to have portrayed Petraeus as Puppet.

Rudy Giuliani blasts Hillary Clinton for "suspension of disbelief" reaction to Petraeus testimony. Yo, Rudy, you're not running against Hillary, at least not yet.

US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker also testifies before Congress, says Iran would benefit by American pullout. Bush Administration has been wrong in everything it's said about Iraq, why take seriously what it says about pullout aftermath?

Fox News does not broadcast Democratic reply to Bush speech. New Fox slogan: We decide not to report.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice co-authors new book entitled, "Strategy of Campaigning: Lessons from Ronald Reagan and Boris Yeltsin." Ah, so That's what she's been doing.

US dollar hits 15-year low versus Euro. Parallels Bush approval ratings.

Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan writes memoir, bashes Bush for running up Federal deficits, says he swapped principles for power and ended up with neither, adds that Republicans deserved to lose 2006 congressional elections. Guess he won't be getting invited to any more White House dinners.

NASA rents space to Google for its private jets at NASA-run airport for #1.3 million a year. Finally, NASA doing something useful.

New England Patriots Coach Bill Belicek fined half a million dollars for illegal spying on opponents. Patriots' Act? Maybe he's angling for a job with the Bush Administration.

Oakland Raiders' #1 draft pick signs record $61 million, six-year contract for a rookie. And you thought CEO's were overpaid.

New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury admits having sex with drunken intern in his van after asking her, "Are you going to get in the truck?" Helluva pick-up line, Mr. Smooth.

O.J. Simpson arrested on charges of armed robbery of sports memorabilia collector in Las Vegas hotel. A football hero engaged in criminal activity? Hard to believe. Sports fans all over America hoping he won't get away with murder this time, so to speak. Except for those saps who still buy him drinks and dinner.

Britney Spears bombs at Video MTV Awards show. Where's Simon Cowell when we need him? Now needs comeback from comeback.