newsy newsy newsy newsy newsy

Being away from my beloved news sources for a few days has left me a little overwhelmed. What's interesting is that no one really made news--events happened and were reported. Paulson being named treasury secretary is only news because he was reluctant to take the job in the first place. Though he has supported Bush's tax cuts, Paulson is also an environmentalist and a big fan of balanced budgets. One of my favorite quotes from the Post's piece:

"Paulson's nomination comes as the economy is exhibiting robust growth and strength, but also some troubling signs. While the economy grew at its fastest rate in 2 1/2 years during the first quarter of 2006 and unemployment remains low, public opinion polls show that a majority of Americans think the economy is in fair or poor shape. Rising gasoline prices and a median household income that, adjusted for inflation, has fallen during the Bush years have fanned public anxiety."

Economic policy is definitely not my forte, but what robust growth and strength are they talking about? Wall Street feels shaky, we have a ballooning deficit, and where exactly is unemployment remaining low? Obviously my perception of the economy is completely colored by my geographical location. Western Michigan is troubled. My town just lost yet another 300 jobs. I know at least 6 people who are unemployed or underemployed. I need Fatty to explain this all to me over some beers because I don't get it.

I hesitate to delve too far into Haditha. The investigation is still ongoing and it looks like no one's going to get away with whatever happened. Thus far it looks like the Marines were retaliating for the death of a lance corporal that was killed in a roadside bomb attack. You know what's really hard? Of course it wrong. Of course they should be charged. Of course I'm angry and upset that according to my Commander in Chief they are they to spread democracy and instead they murder innocent civilians. But this is what happens in a war. This is the reality. And it's even more likely to happen in a war with no clear-cut objectives and no real end in sight. "Spreading democracy" is a great soundbite. It's not a good war plan.

In case anyone forgot, we're still stationed in Afghanistan. No one seems to really know what happened in the truck accident. "Ruffians blamed in Afghan riots" is one of my favorite headlines. Though "U.S. pleads self-defense in Afghan riots" is a good one too. USA Today comes out with "Brakes blamed for crash..." though last I heard that was still uncertain. Regardless, it doesn't look good. Anti-American sentiment is running high. Brakes or reckless driving--either one leaves the U.S. in a public relations nightmare. Plus, you know, there's that whole 12 people dead and over 100 injured thing.

I'm done for the time being. If I'm feeling especially moved or bored I may post again especially given that this is it for a week. I'm not sure if anyone can truly appreciate just how desperately needed this little work-respite is for me. Not only will I not be at work, I'll be out of Holland for a few days at a delightful cottage right on the Lake. The BIG Lake. Without cellphone service...and no internet...and no news...

Oh my God.
What have I done?