So what's next for Bush & Co.?

I started writing this as a response to a post about going into Iran:

Go into Iran?

I have no doubt that they want to do that. But they have nothing to go into Iran WITH! We're already overextended in Iraq and Afghanistan. They would have to increase the size of our military when we already can't fill the positions that are authorized.

This started a lengthy discourse that caused me to look up and say, "Whoa--first diary!"

So here's the question. Given that they have not made the country safer since 9/11, what is the provocation they are waiting for to justify the draft? Many believe the military and/or the administration were complicit in ignoring the warning signs before Pearl Harbor. But what are the Bushies waiting for? How complicit are they? And are they actually planning it? I have not seen any evidence that they actively set up 9/11--the farthest I would go is "malicious neglect." But given the stakes they are playing for now, just how far would they go. They have too much riding on this now to turn back. Theres more...

Here's what I fear in the next two years:

1. I'm afraid that if Bush were assasinated, it would make Cheney president and give cover to all manner of measures to up the ante and expand the patriot act exponentially. (Remember, W was elected in a year ending in 0. Every pres. elected in a zero year for almost 200 years has died in office, except for Reagan who came within a hair's breadth were it not for fast-thinking Secret Service)

2. Another terrorist attack on the scale of a WMD that would be nearly as large as 9/11 or greater.

3. Economic downturn and more cuts in social programs that exacerbate the growing gulf between the haves and have nots that cause domestic upheaval and give an excuse for some euphemistic form of marshal law.

4. Escalating the culture wars like 1930s Germany. We're well on the way. If this happens, beware--they're coming for you sooner than later.

5. Even more brazen voter fraud. I have not been convinced of many of the charges of election-stealing. But after 2000 and 2004, this will be a significant indicator. Beware of repug charges of massive fraud, especially if they have their backs to the wall.

They owe a lot of people. If you think they are giving handouts to the corps. and big energy--look out. They're just getting started. Look for more anti-consumer, anti-union, anti-family, anti-working class legislation. And it will be gradual, but inexorable and constantly increasing.

The 2006 elections will be a major indicator. But beware. If they lose either house of congress, that could be a triggering event.

Now, what are the contraindicators?

1. If they allow ethics probes on Delay et al.

2. If they actually prosecute someone for the Plame leak.

3. If they don't try to radically expand the Patriot Act.

4. If they actually start acting like they believe in democracy.

5. If they stop attacking working people and their families.

6. If the 2006 elections are fair and accurate.

7. If they stop trying to run the entire government in lockstep to one playbook.

8. If they stop calling anyone who disagrees with them a traitor.

9. If they actually implement some policies that have a ghost of a prayer of preventing terrorism (and depriving themselves of the excuse to completely abolish our freedoms).

10. If they don't burn down the Reichstag.

So there it is. Am I being an alarmist? (That was rhetorical, possums. I read a lot of what is posted here and I know damn well I'm far from pushing the envelope in Kossiania.) I have been growing increasingly alarmed by the Bushies activities. What do I think we ought to do? Well...

1. Don't underestimate them.

2. Don't underestimate them.

3. Don't give an inch. Coupled with...

4. Grow some balls...fast!!! (Take lessons from the women, guys. Some of them have been carrying the heavy loads.)

5. Learn from them. We don't have to lose our souls to copy from their playbook. We can beat them at their own game without becoming them.

6. Remember that they are on record as being uninterested in playing by any "civilized" rules. They have only one rule: "play to win at all costs."

7. To paraphrase the so-called Great Communicator, "Thou shalt not speak ill of another Democrat"! Did you hear that Mayor Daley?

8. Don't underestimate them.

I just think it's time to wake up. I have heard this a lot lately from a lot of good folks. OK, I got it.

               WAKE UP!  WAKE UP!  WAKE UP!  WAKE UP!  WAKE UP!

So what do you think? Do you detect the scent of fascism wafting through the rhetoric? Would you buy a used car from any of these guys? Would you trust them with the well-being of anyone you love? Would you turn your back on them for an instant? Or should I have limited myself to posting snarky comments?

Step right up, folks. There's no waiting. Let 'er rip. (Just please be gentle--it's my first time. No, really!)