as this situation isn't normal, no matter what the acronym spells out, or how much we feel that the definition of "normal" equates to "fucked up".

SUSFU is also a recognized, though less familiar, acronym for a totally screwed environment.

The very fact that all remains virtually unchanged, after all this time; no plan, no new process, just maintaining a deadly status quo - I can't believe that the Congress or any of us for that matter, are still tolerating the complete inadequacy and incompetency of this administration. American forces are now caught in a kind of force protection where on many bases, FOB or otherwise, their main purpose is defense of self - not advanced mobilization against "insurgency".  They are treading water and attempting to avoid casualties.

I've read on www.sftt.org where even the Medevacs won't fly to where casualties occur when troops or Marines are on patrol, if the area is considered in any way unsafe. The Medevacs wait on base for injured troops to be transfered by foot or on-ground vehicle back to base. This is a regulation placed on the medics from the top down. They can't risk the birds or the pilots, and so the troops have to hump the injured back in themselves.  Force protection?

I can't believe it. I can't believe it. I'm part of it, too, and I think that very fact - that we are all incompetently inefficient at energizing change - is the reason Bush is still president. His incompetency, stupidity, and inability to change has us all in a weird kind of shocked thrall.  How else to explain?