2009-14 GEORGETOWN

As some had predicted, the Iranian-American journalist jailed in Tehran has been released and leftists the planet over are in thrall. “Shocking and wonderful” gushed PBS while several network talking heads speculated this might be sign of a “thaw” in U.S.-Iranian relations. Good golly Ms. Molly, I too am happy for the young woman, but to ascribe this as a “humanitarian gesture” is ludicrous. A bit like robbing a bank then giving half back and expecting to be nominated for Citizen of the Year.

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I have suggested that we monitor closely the promises made by our new President for an indication of progress on his pledge to bring honesty, transparency, and integrity to Washington. Broken political promises are as common as skeeters on a stagnant summer pond, but liberals (who harbor metaphysical convictions of moral superiority) typically sashay into office with promises to vanquish past malevolence.

Recall Pilosi’s “culture of Republican corruption” (witness LA congressman Jefferson; cabinet nominees Richardson, Daschle, et al; tax cheats Geithner, Killefer, et al, former Democrat Governor Blagojevitch, etc). And I could bore you with similar assurances by Carter and Clinton. Suffice to say that despite liberal smirking arrogance, there is enough malfeasance on both sides of the aisle to thrill a cosmic Lucifer scrambling to fill his annual quota of lost souls.

There are already serious fissures in the litany of Obama promises, and a swarm of skepticism on his ability to deliver on others. If passed in its current form, Cap & Trade will (even Democrats agree) increase the taxes of all those who use gas, electricity, and other utilities. Well, Cap & Trade is not technically a tax, but I wonder how much comfort is derived by Americans having their pockets lightened through sleight of word that assigns the filch a more politically palatable (i.e. deceptive) moniker.

We now hear from a White House source that the Chrysler bankruptcy, which our President promised would take 30-60 days, may in fact stretch out for 2 years! But wait. The official noted that the promise related only to the “sale of Chrysler's best assets to a new entity.” Wow, was that fierce wind I just experienced a massive spin twirling across the land?

Add the closing of Guantanamo, reduction of the debt by 50%, health care for all paid for by none, et al. Yes, yes, yes, stipulated there is no monopoly on breaking promises, but the arrogance of one who in the most precise and concrete terms assures us that the villainy of the past will exist no more, and who in his first 100 days is already shattering pledges with the ferocity of plates crashing at a Greek wedding, suggests that the hope for a more honest future is no less illusive than peace on earth or a controversy-free Miss USA pageant.

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Note to Europe: The EU is flexing its regulatory muscle, with the latest smackdown a nearly $1.5 billion fine levied on Intel. Be prepared for pushback focused on European firms rushing to snap up American commercial assets at fire sale prices. Sometimes when you start a stone rolling downhill it crushes unintended targets.

Set a trap for Cheney; catch a Pilosi!

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Conservatives have long complained of a double standard in American politics. Liberals roll their eyes and sue for secession of the whining, as one would admonish a petulant child. But examples abound. When Abu Greib surfaced several years ago, liberal outrage generated a virtual firestorm of demand for full disclosure and worldwide circulation of grizzly and humiliating photos. Yet now when a new round of abuse is uncovered our President is hailed as patriotic for refusing to release images “that might endanger our troops.” If disclosure is wrong now it was wrong then.

Republican Senator Mark Hatfield was drummed out of Washington after being accused of a pattern of inappropriate behavior, but when a Democrat President was found to have had sex in the White House – The People’s House – with a young intern under his control, and then lied about it, somehow this became a “personal affair,” unworthy of public concern. Women’s groups that marshaled relentless salvos against Hatfield called the Clinton affair “unfortunate.” D’ya think?

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott lost his leadership position after making an offhand (and non-incendiary) comment at a birthday celebration for former segregationist Strom Thurmond. Now Leader Pelosi appears caught in a web of deceit about her knowledge of “enhanced” interrogation techniques and is transferring the accusation of deception to the CIA in an attempt to squirm out of the box. We’ll see how this transpires, but you will find none of my breath held in anticipation.

It raises the question of whether public indifference, conservative ineptitude, or liberal connivance is responsible for this phenomenon. All three, perhaps, but exist it does.

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This post is heavily larded with political commentary (actually, an assault on hypocrisy, a favorite theme), but the tracks are nearly repaired, the ticketing machine is oiled and clacking away, and the engineer has donned his blue and white striped uniform and red kerchief, so soon there may be observations more serene if less compelling. All aboard…
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