Fantasy will set you free

Today's NY Times includes a report from Ohio of a speech by John McCain in which McCain describes his vision of success in Iraq:

“By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom,’’ Mr. McCain said at the Columbus Convention Center. “The Iraq War has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension. Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced.’’

The United States, Mr. McCain added, “maintains a military presence there, but a much smaller one, and it does not play a direct combat role.’’

Missing from the speech was an explanation of how this notion of "four more years" in Iraq is any different than what George W. Bush would promise if he could run for a third term.

Also missed out in this speech was any recognition of the cost of continuing this war until January 2013: the thousands of lives to be lost, the hundreds of millions of dollars to be borrowed from China - perhaps a trillion dollars over four years, the need for a draft to fill the recruitment gaps, the need to forgo major social spending programs - such as universal health care - in order to replace the munitions and equipment consumed by the war, and the tax increases needed in case China refuses to lend us another trillion dollars.

Oh yeah - he forgot to mention his little war with Iran. Misremembered, I suppose.

A reporter asked the Maverick if his fantastic vision did not amount to a "Magic Carpet Ride" - how rude! The man has a dream, that's all. He dreams of flying a Navy jet onto an aircraft carrier, and unfurling a big "Mission Accomplished" banner.

Four more years?

Let the sound take you away!